I enjoyed this movie. I liked the Paris scenes and also the unique story line around a wine competition. I didn't pick up on the mis-pronunciations since I don't know the correct pronunciation of Willamette to begin with. But, I do believe Hallmark should definitely have been aware of it and made sure the actors pronounced things correctly. As far as the supposed "bump," I wasn't aware of it until reading reviews. I noticed a woman whose body looked realistic and wasn't in too tight or too short of clothing. I could relate to her. Stop expecting women to have tiny waists and flat stomachs! I appreciated her being an independent, strong woman who didn't change her life for a man. The ending was a big leap of faith for him and I struggled with that the most. Overall, though, I enjoyed this movie on a relaxing evening with my glass of wine.
56 Reviews
Liked it!
barlowralph7 May 2019
Dear Other Reviewers, I don't care if the baby bump was visible, or if they mispronounced a few words, or if some of the geographical references were skewed ... it was a very cute story, well acted (mostly) and believable. I thought the chemistry between the two leads was very good. You need to remember that the actors are playing roles-in this case, a pregnant woman was playing a NON pregnant woman. Big deal. I liked it. 8 stars.
A bit surprising
Jackbv12327 July 2019
Sure, you always have a pretty good idea in general how a Hallmark movie is going to end and some of the tropes you will see along the way, but this movie threw in a few little twists, especially toward the end. I liked that.
Also, I think this kind of movie is always better if the romantic leads spend a lot of time together. The movies that get too caught up in other aspects of the story are not what I enjoy about this genre. This movie kept the two together even though I wouldn't say their chemistry was the greatest, but it was workable. Jen Lilly is just a little too reserved for great.
I watched the whole movie and didn't notice the baby bump, until I read reviews about it and went back. So what? Are we going to body shame her for that? I sure hope not.
Any time you have characters that are French, unless all those actors are truly French, accents will be an issue. For the most part, it didn't bother me. I did think that a lot of the characters said what sounded more like Jack than Jacques. Also, most times Paris was mentioned it sounded American rather than French. Again, so what?
One other plus for me is remembering scenes from Paris. I was thrilled to be able to visit there once and I love to pick out places I saw even beyond the obvious. There was also a gorgeous shot of what was supposed to be Burgundy. (I have know idea if it really was.)
For me, it has a decent story with some not so obvious developments and a decent romance.
Also, I think this kind of movie is always better if the romantic leads spend a lot of time together. The movies that get too caught up in other aspects of the story are not what I enjoy about this genre. This movie kept the two together even though I wouldn't say their chemistry was the greatest, but it was workable. Jen Lilly is just a little too reserved for great.
I watched the whole movie and didn't notice the baby bump, until I read reviews about it and went back. So what? Are we going to body shame her for that? I sure hope not.
Any time you have characters that are French, unless all those actors are truly French, accents will be an issue. For the most part, it didn't bother me. I did think that a lot of the characters said what sounded more like Jack than Jacques. Also, most times Paris was mentioned it sounded American rather than French. Again, so what?
One other plus for me is remembering scenes from Paris. I was thrilled to be able to visit there once and I love to pick out places I saw even beyond the obvious. There was also a gorgeous shot of what was supposed to be Burgundy. (I have know idea if it really was.)
For me, it has a decent story with some not so obvious developments and a decent romance.
A solid Hallmark Romance
canaryguy7312 May 2019
Not sure why there were so many poor reviews. I did not notice any negative points as some reviewers had pointed out, ie Jen Lilley's pregnancy and mispronunciations of words! Though I understand the outrage from people who live in Oregon! However I still simply enjoy the two leads developing their chemistry throughout the movie and the beautiful scenery of Paris. Not the best one I see from Hallmark, but it's a solid showing!
get lost in this movie
justhonestme12 May 2019
I actually had to get an IMDB account just to review this movie, because of the rather rough reviews. Rather than recognize that this movie is just a fun, loose yourself, get comfy, laugh and feel good movie, many reviewers have chosen to pick apart things like, is an actress pregnant, is the accent right or the pronunciation of a city correct. I say, COME ON GUYS...it is a Hallmark movie!
This is a great movie to enjoy when you are relaxing with your feet up and having your own glass of wine. Best part is you will smile, laugh and most likely give that familiar Awe sound at a great ending. This is just one of the many films that has Hallmark Channels enjoying viewers and ratings that rival even the major networks.
bad accents and inaccuracies, but I enjoyed it
novagirl119 May 2019
The accents were pretty obviously forced, but I liked watching Jen Lilley (as always) and Dan Jeannotte for the first time in a Hallmark movie, I hope he gets more roles! Also, I enjoyed the winery plot, despite some inaccuracies.
On location filming and slightly different story
phd_travel22 September 2019
This movie is better than the average Hallmark movie for several reasons. Great on location filming in Paris helps elevate the standard above The average small town. The wine competition is fairly interesting. Not about saving a small business again. Jen Lilley is sweet without being annoying or too perky. Dan Jeanotte of the Good Witch plays her French love interest. His accent slips now and then but he is French Canadian so it isn't that far off. Hallmark has had far worse princes with fake accents. Any they look cute together with doe eyes looking lovingly at one another. Look out for Lolita Davidovich. The requisite little misunderstanding before the end isn't that far contrived as usual.
One of the better ones.
One of the better ones.
nice
Kirpianuscus19 February 2022
Wine , Paris, romance. A good combination, nice used , unrealistic in many moments and served by a very easy story. Decent acting, good contribution to film from Lolita Davidovitch , a fist of cliches and the very forced end. But the cultural references are just interesting, the tour of Paris remains seductive . So, nice Hallmark romance.
A Paris Romance
studioAT8 April 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Wine! Hallmark seem convinced that everyone is fascinated with the stuff, and that's why it seems to form the basis of a fair few of their films.
However, this was enjoyable enough, with some nice moments. The other brother got off a bit lightly at the end though.
I can't say I noticed that Jen Lilley was pregnant while filming this, I think I was more concerned with the fact that here characters confidence verged into being obnoxious at times.
Overall this is a fun film, I enjoyed it. People need to stop nit-picking.
However, this was enjoyable enough, with some nice moments. The other brother got off a bit lightly at the end though.
I can't say I noticed that Jen Lilley was pregnant while filming this, I think I was more concerned with the fact that here characters confidence verged into being obnoxious at times.
Overall this is a fun film, I enjoyed it. People need to stop nit-picking.
I love Hallmark movies!
cathyblankman5 May 2019
But this one disappoints on all of the points made above. Willamette, dammit!
And the obvious baby bump.
But most glaring of all were the multiple incorrect wine references! For a wine enthusiast, it took away all credibility of this script. And for a very minimal effort, you could have had a wine consultant, such as myself, read over it first and save some embarrassment. "The grapes are Chianti from somewhere in Italy." What???? Chianti IS somewhere in Italy. It is a region, not a grape. The grape was likely Sangiovese. And no self respecting winemaker would walk into a lounge in Paris and order a Merlot. European wines are not named by their grape, but their region. I could go on, I will not. I need to finish watching this fortunately endearing movie.
And the obvious baby bump.
But most glaring of all were the multiple incorrect wine references! For a wine enthusiast, it took away all credibility of this script. And for a very minimal effort, you could have had a wine consultant, such as myself, read over it first and save some embarrassment. "The grapes are Chianti from somewhere in Italy." What???? Chianti IS somewhere in Italy. It is a region, not a grape. The grape was likely Sangiovese. And no self respecting winemaker would walk into a lounge in Paris and order a Merlot. European wines are not named by their grape, but their region. I could go on, I will not. I need to finish watching this fortunately endearing movie.
Favorite so far in 2019
madsamjo21 May 2019
This is my favorite Hallmark movie so far this year. I liked that it did not follow the typical formula of conflict in the middle. The misunderstanding was short lived at the end. I did not notice a baby bump. I am sure I will now that it has been pointed out but didn't see it during first watch.
Romance in Paris
TheLittleSongbird12 May 2022
There were two big reasons to see 'A Paris Romance'. One is that it was part of my Hallmark film completest quest started with their Christmas output in 2019, which expanded with their other seasonal films just recently. Two is the city of Paris, which is absolutely beautiful as a place and a popular location in film and television for very good reason. Will admit to not being a fan of Jen Lilley, she can be engaging but she does tend to try too hard.
'A Paris Romance', or 'Paris, Wine and Romance', turned out to be good charming fun and worth watching, as long as not too much is expected. It is not my definition of great, but it is better than most Hallmark films set abroad (a type of story that has varied with them) and is one of the better 2019 Countdown to Summer films by quite some way. Lilley also fares well here in one of her better 2019 Hallmark appearances.
Starting with what doesn't fare so good, will agree that the accents are distractingly bad and would best not have even been attempted if it was going to sound stereotyped or affect some of the diction. The story has familiar Hallmark tropes which makes it lacking in freshness in the final third, so to me momentum was lost towards the end and some of the conflict is forced.
Did think that it was on the silly side too, especially in the at times overblown early portions where some of the laughs seemed unintentional.
However, a lot is good. Lilley is a mostly likeable and engaging leading lady and she doesn't try too hard or overdo any negative character traits, though she did seem on the too reserved side in the early portions. She has a sweet and genuine chemistry with the even better and subtly charismatic Jean Jeanotte, their romance obvious and real. Of the strong supporting cast, Lolita Davidovich's classy. Paris is absolutely stunning and appropriately like a character of its own, it is filmed in a picturesque way too.
Furthermore, a nice, affectionate job is done with the cultural element without stereotyping it and the film was made with a clear love for Paris and almost like a love letter to it. Indulging in the locations was easy, some of what is said and shown is educational and it didn't feel too much of a travelogue like some of the abroad set Hallmark films can be. The script flows quite well and is light-hearted and smile-worthy, its sweetness too not being too saccharine. The story has a very warm heart and the romantic element when it grows is charming. Did like what it does with the long distance problem, which is done with heart, honesty with a resolution that was more realistic than most films with the long distance relationship issues. The ending isn't too pat or obvious and some of the developments were nice and different.
Overall, nice film. 7/10.
'A Paris Romance', or 'Paris, Wine and Romance', turned out to be good charming fun and worth watching, as long as not too much is expected. It is not my definition of great, but it is better than most Hallmark films set abroad (a type of story that has varied with them) and is one of the better 2019 Countdown to Summer films by quite some way. Lilley also fares well here in one of her better 2019 Hallmark appearances.
Starting with what doesn't fare so good, will agree that the accents are distractingly bad and would best not have even been attempted if it was going to sound stereotyped or affect some of the diction. The story has familiar Hallmark tropes which makes it lacking in freshness in the final third, so to me momentum was lost towards the end and some of the conflict is forced.
Did think that it was on the silly side too, especially in the at times overblown early portions where some of the laughs seemed unintentional.
However, a lot is good. Lilley is a mostly likeable and engaging leading lady and she doesn't try too hard or overdo any negative character traits, though she did seem on the too reserved side in the early portions. She has a sweet and genuine chemistry with the even better and subtly charismatic Jean Jeanotte, their romance obvious and real. Of the strong supporting cast, Lolita Davidovich's classy. Paris is absolutely stunning and appropriately like a character of its own, it is filmed in a picturesque way too.
Furthermore, a nice, affectionate job is done with the cultural element without stereotyping it and the film was made with a clear love for Paris and almost like a love letter to it. Indulging in the locations was easy, some of what is said and shown is educational and it didn't feel too much of a travelogue like some of the abroad set Hallmark films can be. The script flows quite well and is light-hearted and smile-worthy, its sweetness too not being too saccharine. The story has a very warm heart and the romantic element when it grows is charming. Did like what it does with the long distance problem, which is done with heart, honesty with a resolution that was more realistic than most films with the long distance relationship issues. The ending isn't too pat or obvious and some of the developments were nice and different.
Overall, nice film. 7/10.
Disappointed
greenbayrios5 May 2019
Was ok
foreveramom5 May 2019
Yes...I agree with others. It's hard not to notice her pregnancy.
My husband is from Oregon and when the main character said she is from the Willamette Valley, she pronounced Willamette all wrong. She pronounced it the way you think it sounds.
My husband is from Oregon and when the main character said she is from the Willamette Valley, she pronounced Willamette all wrong. She pronounced it the way you think it sounds.
Great but pronunciation!!!
sugarlander5 May 2019
Poor casting becoming a trend with Hallmark
Jeanniesawyer27 March 2021
I typically always enjoy Hallmark movies, because they are positive. This one was ok. It just seems like Hallmark needs to work on their casting. Jen Lilly was not the right actress for this role. She appears to be about 10 years older than the male lead, Dan.
As an aside, it's not possible to cover for a woman that far a long in her pregnancy. Call me old fashioned, but it's weird seeing a pregnant woman with a new love interest. Can't you just wait, or get a different actress?
As an aside, it's not possible to cover for a woman that far a long in her pregnancy. Call me old fashioned, but it's weird seeing a pregnant woman with a new love interest. Can't you just wait, or get a different actress?
This was so delightful and I don't even like wine.
cgvsluis7 March 2022
This was a wonderful romance that involved Oregon, Paris, Wine, and perfume. I loved the two leads and it was nice to see good familial relationships. I particularly like the two brother's relationship, they could compete with each other as adults and still have a loving relationship.
I love Jacques' love for France and I loved his passion and delight in sharing Paris.
I think this was a very romantic film about a driven, talented and passionate woman...of course the romance is provided by Jacques!
This is the story of Isabella who was taught the wine business by her deceased father and has a new Pinot that she is very proud of her uncle enters it in a famous wine competition in Paris after Bella has difficulty finding a distributor. There she meets Jacques...who has a famous wine pedigree himself.
I love Jacques' love for France and I loved his passion and delight in sharing Paris.
I think this was a very romantic film about a driven, talented and passionate woman...of course the romance is provided by Jacques!
This is the story of Isabella who was taught the wine business by her deceased father and has a new Pinot that she is very proud of her uncle enters it in a famous wine competition in Paris after Bella has difficulty finding a distributor. There she meets Jacques...who has a famous wine pedigree himself.
Lost a star or two with murdering my valley's name
Sir-Fred8 May 2019
All was going ok with a typical completion script story until Hallmark MURDERED the pronunciation of the wonderful valley where I live.
It's wi-LAM'-et
NOT WILL'-a-MET'
Hallmark please do your due diligence on place names you use. Or if you had filmed in Oregon someone would have corrected you.
And while we're at it, thank you Hallmark for at least saying Oregon correctly.
It's OR'-eh-gun
NOT OR-eh-GONE
It's wi-LAM'-et
NOT WILL'-a-MET'
Hallmark please do your due diligence on place names you use. Or if you had filmed in Oregon someone would have corrected you.
And while we're at it, thank you Hallmark for at least saying Oregon correctly.
It's OR'-eh-gun
NOT OR-eh-GONE
Richie Rich wine?
rebekahrox12 May 2019
This was a very well put together romance. I liked the story of a prestigious wine competition and the underdog Oregonian company taking the snooty French wine culture by storm. The whole set up seemed pretty authentic. And I do love wine, so I appreciated the little tidbits of info. I liked the tour around Paris. I'm not a big Jen Lilley fan, but her acting is OK. I loved the male lead. He was very handsome with a lot of Charisma. I just didn't think he "went with" Jen Lilley. Oh. I see she was pregnant when she filmed this. Nevermind. Lolita Davidovitch was very well cast as the glamorous but gracious loving mother, as was the brother. The resolution to the long distance romance problem was well set up and believable.
I just wish they had chosen another name for Jen's wine. "Ricci Ridge" sounded like "Richie Rich." It was distracting, though it did provide a few giggles.
I just wish they had chosen another name for Jen's wine. "Ricci Ridge" sounded like "Richie Rich." It was distracting, though it did provide a few giggles.
Beautiful scenery
bameiboo13 October 2020
I don't think some people understand how casting works. The movie and casting happens awhile before they film. Your actress ends up pregnant so you hide it as best you can. They ,generally are not replacing her just because she's pregnant. It happens on TV shows all the time! And she was not hugely pregnant at all. It just dawned on me part way through that maybe she had given birth recently or was newly pregnant. She isn't my favorite hallmark actress though. I find her voice a little off-putting, so sometimes I watch her movies and sometimes I don't. I really enjoyed the Paris scenery. It was a difference from the usual snowy town, cupcake shop or winery. Thank goodness it didn't take place at the winery the whole show! They need to come up with a different idea than winery movies.
Say what?
toncincin6 May 2019
Oregon is NOT pronounced OR-E-GONE. Willamette is not pronounced WIL-UM-MET. People from there would NEVER pronounce these words as they were in the movie. I am not even from there ... and I know better. BTW-when an actress is pregnant in a romance movie...clue-find another actress for the movie.
Loved it!!!!
maricarmenvaldez15 June 2019
Warning: Spoilers
Im not the type of person that criticizes the pronunciation or a baby bump. I loved the story line and loved the ending. I enjoyed watching the spark between the two main characters. I enjoyed the movie if you like romance you will love it
It wasn't the pregnancy, it was the designs!
Elara897 July 2019
I would have given this another star or two if it hadn't been for the outfits they put on Jen Lilley. As has been noted, yes, heavier women, pregnant women, all women are beautiful, so they should have let her be beautiful, but no. They put some outfit on her with huge shoulder pads and everyone called that an amazing outfit. That look was not amazing in the 80's. She looked like a tiny child in an oversized coat.
Cute story but....
kymberlya5 May 2019
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