'Countdown to Summer' movie review: 'Paris, Wine and Romance'
Buoyant, charming and beguiling, "Paris, Wine & Romance" (airing May 4 as part of the Hallmark Channel's Countdown to Summer) is a pure escapist, French delight.
In short: Shortly after taking over his family's vineyard, ambitious Isabella (Jen Lilley) wants to a make name for her winery -- by entering a major wine competition in Paris, where she meets her main competitor Jacque (Dan Jeannotte).
Even before the first commercial break, "Wine & Romance" throws plucky rookie winemaker Isabella into the deep end - and Lilley shines as the enthusiastic Oregon girl trying to impress the world. Lilley radiates confidence in her wine - even if she's a bit too eager to make a name for her vineyard.
Look, in any Hallmark movie it's a foregone conclusion that the protagonist will succeed in any competition she enters or win over the heart of the guy in her story. "Wine & Romance" knows that, and smartly centers the film on its gung ho winemaker. Isabella is utterly unflappable in the confidence in her wine - further driven by her dream of growing her small, local family winery into a label known outside of Oregon. She's out of her element among the elitist, snobby French wine community, yet, Isabella keeps pushing forward. She's a bold problem solver who overcomes every obstacle thrown in front of her.
"Wine & Romance" works because it presents Isabella first and foremost as a capable, shrewd and determined winery owner. And Lilley is effervescent as the owner of a small family winemaker taking on the world. For his part, Jeannotte charms as the reigning wine champion who is quickly smitten with his American competitor. There's no odd meet-cute or abrasiveness between Isabella and Jacque, allowing the laid-back Jacque to introduce Isabella to the wine community that reveres him - and to show her around his Paris.
While Isabella and Jacque slowly and charmingly fall for each other in the City of Light, this gem sparks instant wanderlust. Their lovely strolls through Paris' streets make Paris the uncredited third cast member - immersing the audience in the sights and sounds of Paris. It's hard to resist the urge to book a direct flight to Paris while taking in this light and lovely romance.
Final verdict: Jen Lilley and the city of Paris shine brilliantly in this lovely bit of French romance.
Score: 4-spring-blossoms-out-of-5
'Paris, Wine & Romance' is rated TV-G and has a running time of 90 minutes. The movie premieres on The Hallmark Channel on May 4.
