FORGET PARIS
A film review by Chad Polenz
Copyright 1997 Chad Polenz
*** (out of 4 = good) 1995, PG-13, 101 minutes [1 hour, 41 minutes] [romantic comedy] starring: Billy Crystal (Mickey), Debra Winger (Ellen), Joe Mantegna (Andy), Cythia Stevenson (Liz), written by Billy Crystal, Lowell Ganz, Babaloo Mandel, produced and directed by Billy Crystal.
What is it about Europe that makes people fall in love with each other? Not too long ago a wonderful film called "Before Sunrise" depicted a young couple meeting in Europe and falling in love. By the end they had to go their separate ways but no one wanted them to. "Forget Paris" wonders what would happen if they had stayed together... and were older... and if it were a comedy.
Billy Crystal stars in this film he also wrote, produced, and directed about an NBA referee named Mickey who finds himself stuck in Paris, looking for his father's coffin after the airline that shipped it there lost it.
Mickey meets the airline's customer service manager, Ellen (Winger), a beautiful brunette who happens to be an American living and working in Paris. They are immediately attracted to each other, but neither can come right out and say it. This typical plot device works well here because of Crystal and Winger's great chemistry. There is a scene that perfectly defines the "don't let her get away!" element. It's difficult to make an audience think this, and when Mickey and Ellen do get together it is quite satisfying. These two people seem made for each other, and it appears as if everyone will live happily ever after...
The two fall in love, move to L.A. and get married, but they have some problems. Mickey travels constantly because of his job, and this affects their relationship. There are some hysterical scenes in which Mickey takes out his angst on the giant NBA players. It's very funny to watch this small man get into a shouting contest with David Robinson and Charles Barkley, and the fact the players can act doesn't hurt a bit. I only wish more there had been more scenes like these.
Mickey and Ellen's marriage seems to be crumbling before their eyes and they can't figure out what to do. They know they love each other and they don't want anyone else, but because they are separated so much it takes its toll. Crystal is able to keep a good balance between the comedic aspects and the lighthearted, but realistic drama. No one over acts here, and the script doesn't allow for any quick fixes.
Eventually Mickey takes time off from work, but Ellen's cranky, senile father (William Hickey) moves in and hilarity ensues. The in-law friction could be seen as a typical comedy device but it is believable here. But things never seem to be as good as the should be, which makes us sad because we actually care about these characters. They seem like real people who are meant for each other, not just two characters in a movie.
When Mickey and Ellen try to have a baby it doesn't work because of fertility problems. There is a hysterical scene in which he must give a sperm sample, and all I can say is, it takes a squad of police cars to safely deliver his sample - a funny exploitation of the male code.
Describing and critiquing the ending (and entire last act) would be rather pointless. It's predictable, but it's sweet.
"Forget Paris" doesn't have the charm of "Before Sunrise" but it is still funny. We laugh, we cry, we get a fairytale ending, but the process involving in telling this story is entertaining and that's what counts.
(7/18/96) (1/29/97) (6/13/97) [see also: "Before Sunrise"]
please visit Chad'z Movie Page @ http://members.aol.com/ChadPolenz/index.html
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