Review

"A Paris Proposal: Where Clichés Get Engaged to Predictability"

If you’ve ever wondered what would happen if Hallmark movies and Hallmark holiday movies had a baby, A Paris Proposal is here to answer that question with a resounding "Oui, oui!" This 2023 rom-com is a delightful (read: formulaic) journey through the City of Love, where the Eiffel Tower sparkles, the croissants are buttery, and the plot twists are about as surprising as a pigeon stealing your baguette.

The movie follows Anna, a workaholic New Yorker who accidentally gets engaged to her charming but clueless French colleague, Pierre, during a business trip to Paris. Why? Because of a hilarious mix-up involving a mistranslation, a ring, and a very enthusiastic French grandmother who just wants to see her grandson happy. Cue the montage of Anna and Pierre pretending to be in love while eating macarons, riding bicycles, and staring wistfully at sunsets. Spoiler alert: they fall in love for real. Shocking, I know.

The film is a masterclass in Hallmark movies tropes. There’s the obligatory meet-cute (in this case, Anna spills coffee on Pierre’s designer suit), the quirky best friend who exists solely to deliver exposition and one-liners, and the villainous ex-girlfriend who shows up to stir the pot. Oh, and let’s not forget the magical Parisian backdrop, which does most of the heavy lifting to make you forget you’ve seen this story 47 times before.

What sets A Paris Proposal apart from other Hallmark holiday movies is its commitment to leaning into the absurdity of its premise. At one point, Anna and Pierre have to pretend to be engaged at a cheese festival. Yes, a cheese festival. Because nothing says romance like a room full of brie and awkward small talk with strangers. The movie knows it’s ridiculous, and it leans into it with the confidence of a Frenchman wearing a beret and striped shirt.

The chemistry between the leads is charming, though you can’t help but wonder if they’re just really good actors or if they’re genuinely trying not to laugh at the script. The dialogue is a mix of heartfelt confessions and groan-worthy puns (“I guess you could say we’re… fromage-tically perfect for each other!”). But hey, if you’re watching this movie for groundbreaking dialogue, you’re in the wrong aisle of the streaming service.

In the end, A Paris Proposal is exactly what you’d expect: a fluffy, feel-good rom-com that’s as predictable as the sunrise over the Seine. It’s the cinematic equivalent of a warm croissant—comforting, indulgent, and maybe a little too buttery for your own good. If you’re a fan of Hallmark movies or Hallmark holiday movies, this one will feel like coming home. If not, well, at least you’ll get to see Paris without the jet lag.

Final rating: 3 out of 5 baguettes. Would watch again while folding laundry.