This sweet romance film has the flavor and texture of several movies that have come out of Europe, and that’s a good thing. Nicely acted and directed, the movie spins a tale of lost and found love with a good measure of laughter and a bit of drama to boot. If you are looking for a good dinner and a movie date or just want to spike up your own love life, then head out to a theater near you for Under The Eiffel Tower.
Just fired from his sales job at a big firm that handles a Bourbon Whisky account and now down in the dumps, Stuart (Matt Walsh) gets a call from his best friend Frank (David Wain). He, his wife Tillie (Michaela Watkins) and 26 year old daughter Rosalind (Dylan Gelula) are taking a trip to Paris and he’s been invited along. It’s an opportunity to take his mind off of his job loss and he accepts.
After a day or so in Paris and very much out of whack from drinking, he takes Rosalind’s kindness and frivolity about ditching her parents, a notion that there may be something going on between them. So on a lark he proposes marriage to her. Totally offended she refuses him. Frank being embarrassed about the offer to his daughter, abruptly dissolves their friendship.
At the airport waiting for his airplane he meets Liam (Reid Scott) a Scotsman who offers to buy him a drink. Liam tells Stuart he’s staying in Paris with him and he’ll help him work his life out for the better. When they meet Louise (Judith Godreche) on a train however, the whole world stops for both of them and follow her home like two lost puppies.
Director Archie Borders plays out the script with a comical look at the two guys who have no idea on where their lives are leading them. Getting into a number of blunders, mistaking situations of kindness for romance, and even turning against each other, the film becomes a wonderful chance to laugh at others even if it’s just for an hour. I like the characters and the actors who guide them across the screen and for that it’s a very cool movie.
Performances by Walsh, Scott and Godreche are perfect for their roles. Their chemistry between them keeps the trio romantically young and real, interesting and then comical as they fight over each other. Especially when the playing field is a gorgeous villa in wine country France where everything is alive and the wine looks very tasty.
Under the Eiffel Tower has not been rated by the MPAA, but contains language, a lot of alcohol usage, and some sexuality. The film will be opening at local theaters so please check your local listings for theater. Not for anyone under 17.
FINAL ANALYSIS: A whimsical romance and a lot of fun. (3.5 out of 5 Stars)
Additional Film Information:
Cast: Matt Walsh, Judith Godreche, Reid Scott, Michaela Watkins, David Wain, Dylan Gelula, Tess Barthelemy, Gary Cole, Ary Abittan
Directed and co-written by: Archie Borders
Genre: Romance, Comedy
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Running Time: 1 hr. 27 min.
Opening Date: February 8, 2019
Distributed by: The Orchard
Released in: Standard
Writer, critic, film editor John Delia, Sr. has been on all sides of the movie business from publications to film making. He has worked as a film critic with ACED Magazine for more than 20 years and other publications for a total of 40 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Florida. John is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and Critics Association of Central Florida Send John a message at jdelia@acedmagazine.com
