Okay, fellow tapeheads, let’s rewind to the mid-90s. Picture this: Friday night, pizza on the way, and you’ve just snagged a promising new release from the 'Comedy' aisle at Blockbuster. The cover art promises romance, laughs, and maybe a little bit of that European flair. That tape, nestled snugly in its clamshell case, might very well have been 1995’s French Kiss, a film that captured a certain breezy charm that feels both distinctly of its time and surprisingly enduring. It wasn't trying to reinvent the wheel, but sometimes, a well-executed spin on a classic formula is exactly what you needed after a long week.
### Lost in Translation (and Luggage)
The setup is pure 90s rom-com gold: Kate (Meg Ryan, firmly in her reign as America's sweetheart following hits like Sleepless in Seattle) is a slightly uptight, meticulously planned history teacher whose fiancé, Charlie (Timothy Hutton), flies to Paris for a conference. When he calls to confess he’s fallen for a French goddess (and is never coming back), Kate, despite her crippling fear of flying, immediately books a flight to win him back. On the plane, she unwittingly becomes entangled with Luc Teyssier (Kevin Kline), a charmingly roguish French jewel thief smuggling a stolen necklace and a grapevine cutting into the country. What follows is a delightful comedy of errors, forced proximity, and burgeoning attraction across the picturesque landscapes of France.
It’s the kind of premise that requires a healthy suspension of disbelief, sure, but wasn't that part of the fun of popping in a VHS? You were there for the escape, the chemistry, the journey. And French Kiss delivers that journey beautifully, serving as much as a travelogue as a romance. From the bustling streets of Paris to the sun-drenched vineyards of Provence and the glitzy backdrop of Cannes, the film looks gorgeous, even through the charming fuzz of a well-loved tape on a CRT screen. Director Lawrence Kasdan, known more for character studies like The Big Chill (1983) and even co-writing The Empire Strikes Back (1980), brings a steady hand and a focus on character interaction that elevates the material. It’s a lighter touch than much of his other work, but his knack for dialogue and pacing shines through.
### That Old Black Magic: Kline & Ryan
Let’s be honest, the engine driving this whole scenic tour is the electric chemistry between Meg Ryan and Kevin Kline. Ryan does what she did best in the 90s – playing the slightly neurotic, relatable American woman thrown into chaos, her expressive face registering every flicker of panic, confusion, and eventual affection. She makes Kate’s anxieties funny without making her a caricature. It's a performance style that feels very specific to that era of romantic comedy leads.
Then there’s Kevin Kline. Oh, Luc! Cynical, witty, effortlessly cool even when being a low-level criminal, Kline imbues Luc with an irresistible charm. His faux-French accent might raise an eyebrow or two today (Kline is American, after all), but he sells it with such commitment and playful energy that you just go with it. It’s fascinating to learn that Kline initially turned down the role; legendary French actor Gérard Depardieu was apparently considered before Kline reconsidered. It’s hard to imagine anyone else capturing Luc’s blend of world-weariness and hidden romanticism quite so perfectly. He won an Oscar for A Fish Called Wanda (1988), and you can see echoes of that comedic timing here, albeit wrapped in a more romantic package. Their banter crackles, their gradual softening towards each other feels earned, and their scenes together are the heart and soul of the film.
### More Than Just a Pretty Postcard
While the romance and comedy are front and center, writer Adam Brooks (who reportedly based the initial idea on a personal story) weaves in some nice thematic threads about letting go of rigid plans and embracing life's unexpected detours. Kate’s journey isn’t just about winning back her fiancé (who, let's face it, is kind of a drip thanks to Timothy Hutton playing the thankless role effectively); it's about discovering a different version of herself, someone less afraid and more open to experience. Luc, too, has his own mini-arc about confronting his past and desires beyond quick scores.
The supporting cast adds flavor, particularly Jean Reno (fresh off Léon: The Professional the previous year) as the perpetually exasperated police inspector Jean-Paul Cardon, trailing Luc with a sigh and a shrug. His interactions with Kline provide some great dry comedy moments. And let's not forget the score by James Newton Howard, which hits all the right swooning, whimsical notes you expect from a mid-90s romance. It helps sell the fantasy, that feeling of being swept away.
The film wasn't a critical darling across the board upon release – some found it predictable – but audiences responded to its charm. It pulled in just over $100 million worldwide against a budget reportedly around $35-40 million, making it a comfortable success and cementing its place as a go-to rental for date nights or just a cozy evening in. It perfectly captured that specific blend of American pluck meeting European sophistication that felt quite alluring at the time.
### The Verdict
French Kiss is like that favorite comfy sweater you pull out on a chilly evening. It’s familiar, warm, and makes you feel good. Does it break new ground? Not really. Are some elements undeniably "90s"? Absolutely. But the central performances are magnetic, the scenery is breathtaking, and the overall feeling is one of pure, unadulterated romantic escapism. It possesses a sweetness and sincerity that many modern rom-coms seem to shy away from. Watching it again now feels like revisiting an old friend – the kind who always knew how to make you smile.
Rating: 8/10 - A thoroughly charming and well-crafted 90s rom-com powered by knockout chemistry between Ryan and Kline, gorgeous locations, and a feel-good vibe that overcomes its predictability. It earns its score through sheer star power and escapist delight.
Final Thought: Forget high-definition sharpness; the slightly fuzzy, warm glow of a VHS viewing might just be the perfect way to experience this Gallic charmer, reminding us of a time when rom-coms could be this effortlessly enchanting. A delightful trip back worth taking.