Review

A Sparkling Disaster: Pop the Cork, Not the Expectations

Oh, “Champagne Problems” — or as I like to call it, Bubbly Business Meets Hallmark Holiday Mildness. This film is Netflix’s attempt to shake up the formula, but instead of a cork popping, it feels more like someone left the champagne out too long: warm, a little flat, and oddly familiar.

Minka Kelly plays Sydney, a driven American exec who jets off to Paris (of course) to acquire a charming, struggling champagne house just in time for Christmas. Cue the twinkling lights, the vineyard in the snow, and a meet‑cute with Henri (Tom Wozniczka), the very French heir who is… surprise, her rival and secret wine‑dynasty scion. It’s like a Hallmark movie got tangled in a spreadsheet — lots of bubbly romance, but with a forced boardroom twist.

On paper, it’s a dream: Paris, wine, corporate intrigue, and holiday magic. But in execution, it’s a little like sipping sparkling water labeled “champagne.” Critics argue the romance lacks real fizz — they don’t exactly light up the screen, and their chemistry feels serviceable, not scorching. (The Guardian) The side characters, meanwhile, are caricatures: the stern French grand dame, the blunt German bidder, and, for comic relief, a delightfully unhinged billionaire. (The Guardian)

That doesn’t mean the film is a total flop. It leans into its own ridiculousness, and at times the humor lands: there are genuinely funny lines, and a quirky ensemble that feels more like the warm you‑know‑you’ll-forget-it-by-next-week variety of fun. (Decider) And, yes, it’s kinda nice to watch something that feels like one of those Christmas rom‑coms you’d see on cable marathons — but you wish it had more sparkle.

Still, the movie isn’t entirely without heart. Beneath the business deal and the mistletoe, there’s a thread about loneliness and loss. Sydney and Henri both carry a little grief — and that gives their quirky, corporate love story a surprisingly soft center. (Decider)

If you’re a fan of Hallmark holiday movies, or you just want something light and fuzzy to stream while wrapping presents or nibbling cheese, “Champagne Problems” might be your cozy companion. But if you were hoping for a bold, effervescent twist on the genre… well, you might feel like you’ve been served a flute of Prosecco when you ordered Dom Pérignon.

In short: it’s cute, it’s warm, but it’s not exactly popping. And that, dear viewer, is the kind of first-world problem this movie is built for — a perfectly pleasant sip, but not one you’ll remember when the credits roll.