2 DAYS IN PARIS [2007]

Marketing ploys to the contrary, the Julie Delpy film by  2 Days In Paris is not a "romantic" comedy. Those expecting another Before Sunrise or Before Sunset are apt to be disappointed. However, those jaded few who would like some cynical laughs at love will find much to enjoy. Delpy and co-star Adam Goldberg play Jack and Marion, a fidgety couple on a European jaunt culminating in a visit to her family in the City Of Lights. What is supposed to be everyone's idea of a storybook recipe for passion turns into a nuerosis fueled sojourn that is more Annie Hall than Paris, Je T'aime. In fact 2 Days In Paris is the perfect film for those who miss the Woody Allen films of old, particularly with Goldberg channeling Woody's kvetching persona so effectively.

Though their relationship is only two years old, Jack and Marion's individual quirks are already exacting a toll on their possible future together. She's flighty,emotional and very French. He's a neurotic hypochondriac and very American. Marion wants him to experience the beauty of Paris as a series of bonding episodes while Jack experiences nothing but a series of migraines and nausea. Add an eccentric family and an escalating parade of ex-boyfriends to the mix and Jack's paranoia and neuroses deepen and darken.

Delpy directs 2 Days In Paris with a sure hand, making even the somewhat cliched storyline and fish out of water gags seem fresh again. She also wrote, produced, edited, and did the music. Her most original trick however, is in the casting. Again, like the Woody Allen classics she populates the film with friends and family that lends an easy familiarity to the proceedings. The ethereally beautiful Delphy paired with the dishevelled tattooed Goldberg provides a beauty and the beast chemistry that works amazingly well. The fact that they actually used to be a couple puts an extra sting to their banter, even though Delphy insists there is nothing auto-biographical about the film. She also casts her real parents (Marie Pillet and Albert Delpy), as Marion's folks, and they hilariously steal every scene they're in.

The most amusing aspect of the film, however, is Paris itself. After a spate of recent films celebrating it's virtues, Delpy posits the city as every Francophobe's nightmare. Disgusting food, snooty natives, and an endless parade of racist and or lascivious taxi drivers are ripe fodder for some of best comic moments. Though some of the jokes are delivered in broad strokes the overall mood is winning and more importantly laugh out loud funny. There's some dramatic insight to be had here, but the emphasis is on light, though decidely adult, comedy.

2 Days In Paris is a satisfying confection of l'amour that will have many of us chuckling knowingly. Here's hoping Delpy has more treats to come.

                                                     RATING: 3  BANANAS