FRENCH KISS
A film review by Michael J. Legeros
Copyright 1995 Michael J. Legeros
(Fox) Directed by Lawrence Kasdan Written by Adam Brooks Cast Meg Ryan, Kevin Kline, Timothy Hutton MPAA Rating "PG-13" Running Time 108 minutes Reviewed at General Cinema at Pleasant Valley, Raleigh, NC (5MAY95)
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Lawrence Kasdan directing Meg Ryan and Kevin Kline in a romantic comedy? Huh? The director of WYATT EARP isn't exactly known for the breezy sort of WHILE YOU WERE SLEEPING fare. He does better with the bittersweet-- films like GRAND CANYON and THE ACCIDENTAL TOURIST. So, despite what the ads say, it's not much of a surprise to find that FRENCH KISS plays more serious than silly.
The setup is this: Meg Ryan is the French-hating, lactose-intolerant Kate, who's flying to Paris to "win back" her fiance (Timothy Hutton). Seated next to her is Luc (Kevin Kline), a swarthy, snide Frenchman who has her frothing within the first five minutes of conversation. They bicker and banter, and later reunite for a picture-postcard adventure that includes every cliche from a stolen necklace to an unctuous concierge.
The resulting humor is surprisingly strong, even if Kasdan's direction doesn't have enough comic rhythm. (Too many of the bits feel klunky and heavier than they should.) The character detail is impressive, which helps, but the plot disappoints. Ryan plays yet another neurotic woman, who spends most of her screen time looking cute and acting exasperated.
Kevin Kline has the stronger role. His character is explored at length, and undergoes a gradual transformation from obnoxious to sensitive. It's a great portrayal that carries the film. What *doesn't* work is his inevitable romance with Ryan. It feels forced.
BOTTOM LINE: Nothing about FRENCH KISS is as casual as it should be.
The film is overdone just enough to be bountiful, and a
little too much to be tasteful.
Grade: B-
-- Michael J. Legeros Raleigh, North Carolina
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