21 reviews
I'm a French Canadian from Quebec City and I enjoyed this movie even if it was full of cliches from my own City. It's obviously full of stereotypes but still enjoyable. Sometimes you just have to sit back, relax and enjoy without judgment! If you are ready to do that, just go and watch it. I'm pretty sure you'll have a good time. And, if it makes you want to come to our beautiful Quebec City, please do. It's beautiful and indeed, Le Château Frontenac is a sight to behold 😀! And apparently, it's haunted! You can get two ghosts for the price of one! And if it's true, " Who you going to call?" 😜 Ghostbusters! 👻!
'' French Girl '' is a romantic comedy about a man who follows his French Canadian girlfriend back to Canada, where he meets her parents and her ex who tries to get between them.
Surprisingly, the movie is not that bad. It has some funny moments, it is romantic enough to be believable, and it has an interesting concept. Yes, it is not original, as plenty rom coms were founded on the basis of meeting the parents or even having a cultural shock when they do due to their cultural differences. And yet, this one manages to be subbtle and funny.
On the other hand, there were some rushed moments and the ending was just okay.
Surprisingly, the movie is not that bad. It has some funny moments, it is romantic enough to be believable, and it has an interesting concept. Yes, it is not original, as plenty rom coms were founded on the basis of meeting the parents or even having a cultural shock when they do due to their cultural differences. And yet, this one manages to be subbtle and funny.
On the other hand, there were some rushed moments and the ending was just okay.
- PennyReviews
- Mar 24, 2024
- Permalink
- manonglassford
- Sep 4, 2024
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For the English original version, Canadian French characters keep their own voices and speak Québécois - the dialect of French speaking people in Québec and a large part of French Canadian outside Québec. Nice.
Ridiculously, for the French version, there are no Canadian translation, only a translation from France. Then Québécois characters are dubbed in Paris French - which they proudly named True French - instead of keeping the Canadian French voices. So if you are a Québécois and you don't want to feel that the New York guy is visiting Paris, listen to the original soundtrack and put French subtitles to understand the English characters.
Ridiculously, for the French version, there are no Canadian translation, only a translation from France. Then Québécois characters are dubbed in Paris French - which they proudly named True French - instead of keeping the Canadian French voices. So if you are a Québécois and you don't want to feel that the New York guy is visiting Paris, listen to the original soundtrack and put French subtitles to understand the English characters.
- belanger-9
- Apr 4, 2024
- Permalink
I was looking forward to this film as I love Quebed City and Quebec in general. I have ancestors from Beauport. But I wanted to stop watching 10 minutes into it. Why would a beautiful, talented, accomplished young woman be at all interested in a neurotic, weak, candyass loser like Gordon? It's just too preposterous to suspend one's disbelief in order to enjoy at least the scenery in the film. The storyline displalys one cliche after another. I don't understand how scripts like this get made. No, wait, I do: because Hollywood producers are all neurotic, weak candyasses who were able to move on from their careers in car sales or the clothing business or corporate law through nepotism or fraternity connections.
- mattof7-680-553445
- Mar 18, 2024
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- cturner789
- Mar 16, 2024
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Let's be honest, I did not care for French Girl. Why? It was too long. In fact over two hours which is why I had to fast forward through it. What else? It really would have helped if they would give translations to the French used throughout the film. Finally the lead actor Zach Braff ( Gordon) is basically a man-child and not the least bit funny. What did I like? The ladies: Both are hot. Evelyne Brochu ( who reminds me of Julie Delpy an actress I always loved), and Vanessa Hudgens. Plus the shots of Quebec City a beautiful City to say the least. The craziest thing are the opinion of the reviewers here. 10/10 by a couple of them. That should be reserved for classic comedies like Liabled Lady, Animal House, Trading Places and The Whole Nine Yards ( a great comedy filmed in Canada). The only funny scene is when Evenyle punches Vanessa in the nose. But guess what? The 3 Stooges did it better. 3/10 stars. 1 for each lady 1 for Quebec City.
- januszlvii
- Jul 15, 2024
- Permalink
Admittedly a bit niche if no subtitles are available, but for someone like me, a bilingual Québec native, this was pure candy. I enjoyed this thoroughly! It's a written, well executed, light hearted comedy. It also highlights the caliber of fantastic actors that are produced in Quebec. Everyone in this movie is extremely solid even in the context of what I assume is a "made for America" movie. Will this win and Oscar? No. Will you have a good time watching it? Yes. Is that the point of a comedy? Absolutely. I laughed out loud many times! It's cute and played with genuine sincerity. If you come in rooting for yourself to like it, you will. Zach Braff is so much fun to watch and so is the québécois cast. Luc Picard (the dad) is a master. I say, give it a chance and you might be very pleasantly surprised.
- joelle-jeremie
- Mar 26, 2024
- Permalink
The term French girl describes a woman originating from France. This story is of a French-Canadian girl, not a French girl. French is also a language, naturally evolved as a dialect does, from the original language from France.
QUOTE from CBC entertainment review:
The premise is simple: Gordon wants to propose to Sophie, but she gets a job offer from her ex-girlfriend Ruby (played by the stunning Vanessa Hudgens) back in Quebec City before he can seal the deal.
That means meeting Sophie's very Québécois family on their farm, while an increasingly unhinged Ruby tries to sabotage their relationship and win Sophie back.
This is the first feature for director pair James A. Woods and Nicolas Wright, who also wrote the script.
It's a personal project: Both their fathers fell in love with their French Canadian mothers and moved to Quebec to start families.
Despite being first-time feature directors, the film is incredibly sharp, both in its comedy and its editing.
It hits its beats hard, and there are plenty of very funny moments.
The movie is part culture clash, part ensemble comedy, and owes a lot to Braff's experienced hand in rom-coms. As Gordon, he conjures an early Billy Crystal in his comedic timing and a bit of the bashfulness of a mid-career Grant - high praise in the rom-com world.
QUOTE from CBC entertainment review:
The premise is simple: Gordon wants to propose to Sophie, but she gets a job offer from her ex-girlfriend Ruby (played by the stunning Vanessa Hudgens) back in Quebec City before he can seal the deal.
That means meeting Sophie's very Québécois family on their farm, while an increasingly unhinged Ruby tries to sabotage their relationship and win Sophie back.
This is the first feature for director pair James A. Woods and Nicolas Wright, who also wrote the script.
It's a personal project: Both their fathers fell in love with their French Canadian mothers and moved to Quebec to start families.
Despite being first-time feature directors, the film is incredibly sharp, both in its comedy and its editing.
It hits its beats hard, and there are plenty of very funny moments.
The movie is part culture clash, part ensemble comedy, and owes a lot to Braff's experienced hand in rom-coms. As Gordon, he conjures an early Billy Crystal in his comedic timing and a bit of the bashfulness of a mid-career Grant - high praise in the rom-com world.
- lineart-12973
- Mar 20, 2024
- Permalink
Unfortunately for a romantic comedy flick... this one really misses the mark. It is not funny and definitely not romantic. I'm a fan of "fun" and enjoyable films, or even lighthearted fluffy movies with some sort of watchable story. Ugh... this movie missed in every category I could hope to put it into to. They lost me when the lamb came into the story... that is about all I will share otherwise it is a spoiler.
Listen... do yourself a favor and do NOT watch this movie. I'm not sure what the filmmakers were trying to achieve. But unfortunately for them, they did not succeed. Even the beautiful french countryside scenes did little to help save this film.
Listen... do yourself a favor and do NOT watch this movie. I'm not sure what the filmmakers were trying to achieve. But unfortunately for them, they did not succeed. Even the beautiful french countryside scenes did little to help save this film.
- techcriticconner
- Aug 10, 2024
- Permalink
If you enjoyed Shotgun Wedding with Jaylo and Josh Duhamel, you will enjoy this exactly as much. Of the two, French Girl is the worst movie I have ever watched in it's entirety. The premise is preposterous. This movie does nothing to tamp down the rumors that Zach Braff is gay. It is difficult not to root for the Vanessa Hudgens character in this romnotverycom. Cringe subsituted for comedy throughout. It is unclear from start to finish why French Girl sees anything in Zach Braff, and I enjoyed him enormously in Psych. None of the supporting cast adds anything to the film except perhaps French Girl's mother, who at least was interesting and charming, but her role was entirely too small. I'm not sure who the target audience was intended to be, but it did not include me.
- theotherjohnscott
- Aug 11, 2024
- Permalink
Definitely not worth the time.
This was not the typical cute Rom-Com that Vanessa is known for. It is boring, drawn out, and does not get remotely interesting until the last ten minutes. The acting is sub par at best.
The amount of French speaking may deter some, it definitely added nothing to the movie. They literally could have set this show in Texas with a BBQ stand and it been the exact same.
If you are struggling to fall asleep, I definitely recommend this movie. It even comes with it's owns lambs to count.
When it comes down to it, the movie wasn't worth the six hundred characters required for this review.
This was not the typical cute Rom-Com that Vanessa is known for. It is boring, drawn out, and does not get remotely interesting until the last ten minutes. The acting is sub par at best.
The amount of French speaking may deter some, it definitely added nothing to the movie. They literally could have set this show in Texas with a BBQ stand and it been the exact same.
If you are struggling to fall asleep, I definitely recommend this movie. It even comes with it's owns lambs to count.
When it comes down to it, the movie wasn't worth the six hundred characters required for this review.
- mrsm-06157
- Aug 12, 2024
- Permalink
This is a very unfair rating for this film.
Do we not enjoy a cheesy rom com anymore? This movie was par for the course and a prototypical Zack Braff role where he plays the protagonist who you root for, and laugh at, as he continues to get in his own way. Think his character throughout nine seasons of scrubs. This movie had a similar plot line to a movie that he did with Jason Bateman, the ex, add a more attractive, villain, Vanessa, Hudgens, and a lot more spoken French requiring reading subtitles. But if you like that movie, or the Last Kiss, or Garden State, then this movie is also for you.
Do we not enjoy a cheesy rom com anymore? This movie was par for the course and a prototypical Zack Braff role where he plays the protagonist who you root for, and laugh at, as he continues to get in his own way. Think his character throughout nine seasons of scrubs. This movie had a similar plot line to a movie that he did with Jason Bateman, the ex, add a more attractive, villain, Vanessa, Hudgens, and a lot more spoken French requiring reading subtitles. But if you like that movie, or the Last Kiss, or Garden State, then this movie is also for you.
- kwakukankam
- Aug 13, 2024
- Permalink
What a nice surprise. The entire theater was laughing for the duration of the film. Good jokes, great story, the actors are pleasant, really a great experience and a comedy to watch again.
What a great way to show the beautiful Québec city. The chemistry between the actors is also amazing. Don't trust the haters, it's a great comedy and the whole room enjoyed it. Abimé
The cast is brilliant, each having their moment to shine. The jokes are well structured and delivered, the sense of comedy is on point.
The film offers a beautiful representation and beautiful images of Quebec City without missing its chance to present certain assumed clichés. It's a true love letter to the city and you can feel it from start to finish.
What a great way to show the beautiful Québec city. The chemistry between the actors is also amazing. Don't trust the haters, it's a great comedy and the whole room enjoyed it. Abimé
The cast is brilliant, each having their moment to shine. The jokes are well structured and delivered, the sense of comedy is on point.
The film offers a beautiful representation and beautiful images of Quebec City without missing its chance to present certain assumed clichés. It's a true love letter to the city and you can feel it from start to finish.
- troopers_rico
- Mar 26, 2024
- Permalink
I was not expecting a lot and didn't even know this was released in theatres but it seems marketing budget was non existent. Anyhow rented on Cineplex, and I was politely surprised. Great acting, funny scenes, Quebec City, some Canadian quirks funny to Canadians but a happy and funny love story.
Definitely doesn't deserve the rating it got. As a Torontonian, bravo to Quebec tax credits and telefilm for its creation and everything was well done from editing, the some culinary delights. Outside of the American actors I do know, the Canadian actors did really well.
Scenes of Quebec City make me want to go back so thanks.
Bravo famille.
Definitely doesn't deserve the rating it got. As a Torontonian, bravo to Quebec tax credits and telefilm for its creation and everything was well done from editing, the some culinary delights. Outside of the American actors I do know, the Canadian actors did really well.
Scenes of Quebec City make me want to go back so thanks.
Bravo famille.
- roninconsulting
- May 15, 2024
- Permalink
We felt lucky to find this move after searching around for something worthwhile to watch! The story line, writing and acting is really good. This movie deserves top stars! It's so very witty. My family laughed the entire movie. The scenes with the animals was hysterical. It's original and the scenery of the movie was so beautiful. I would also point out that most people can relate to trying to win over someone's family! The characters reminded us of some of our friends. It isn't always easy to portray this in movies! The actors did a great job! I highly recommend to watch with some good popcorn!
- stephenlisa-231-534380
- May 12, 2024
- Permalink
- salasmileny
- Aug 14, 2024
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What's with the negative reviews? I really liked this movie. Mine was streaming on Prime and had subtitles for the French parts, so no issues there. The acting is superb (the slow build of Zach Braff's character's resentment throughout the film makes me laugh out loud just thinking about it), I really liked Evelyne Brochu; would be great to see her in more roles. Same with the French Canadian family, all were so, so good! The look into French-Canadian culture is something we haven't seen before, there was nary a dull moment, and I laughed regularly throughout! I didn't want it to end, and I thought it was the perfect length. Sure, there was dark edgy humor (lamb butchering, shooting ducks, Mamie's ring, most of which are in the trailer) that have a morbid theme, and I am a super empathic person who avoids all violence in movies, and I was still laughing out loud at those scenes, as they were perfectly edited (no gore was shown) and hilarious! Sure, the storyline is similar to Meet the Parents, but I found this movie better. MTP was so unrelentingly negative (Ben Stiller's character had so many bad things happen to him that I found it uncomfortable); while in this movie, Zach Braff's character has some kind/lighthearted interactions with family members to balance out the bad things that happen to him, and maybe his character is a bit lighter and smiles more, as well. Just my opinion. I recommend seeing this movie! I would rate it at least a 9, but I gave it 10 to make up for the surprisingly negative reviews. I disagree that the ending was 'just ok' and think it was well-done. I will definitely watch this movie again. If there's a sequel, sign me up.
- bh-242-641133
- Aug 20, 2024
- Permalink
I found the first 20 or so minutes difficult to get through. First there is the drug that Gordon's dad gave him to calm him down for the flight and it made him act like a total jackass on the plane and in the airport terminal. Then there was the gathering of French Canadian family, all talking too loud and over each other at the table during a meal. All more annoying than entertaining. I thought to myself, "If this is how the whole movie is then I am going to abandon it."
Thankfully it eventually redeemed itself, things settled down and a pretty interesting story developed for the rest of the way.
Zach Braff is New York school teacher, Gordon Kinski. He is pretty much a dull, ordinary guy. His girlfriend is French Canadian actress Evelyne Brochu as Sophie-Jeanne Tremblay. She is a successful chef that soon gets extra notice. A person from her past contacts her, they are holding a contest of sorts and want her to compete for the job of Executive Chef at a new high-end restaurant in Quebec. That is the spark for the trip back home where her family runs a farm that produces superior lambs.
The person from the past is Vanessa Hudgens as Ruby Collins, a somewhat famous chef with a TV show and she is holding the competition for the new chef. Greatly complicating matters is she and Evelyne had more than just a professional relationship back in the day and Gordon does not know about it, as he is preparing to ask her to marry him.
My wife and I watched it at home, streaming on Amazon Prime. The streaming version includes English subtitles when French is spoken. In spite of its very rough beginning it turned out to be a better movie than my wife and I expected it to be. Its IMDb rating seems just a bit low.
Thankfully it eventually redeemed itself, things settled down and a pretty interesting story developed for the rest of the way.
Zach Braff is New York school teacher, Gordon Kinski. He is pretty much a dull, ordinary guy. His girlfriend is French Canadian actress Evelyne Brochu as Sophie-Jeanne Tremblay. She is a successful chef that soon gets extra notice. A person from her past contacts her, they are holding a contest of sorts and want her to compete for the job of Executive Chef at a new high-end restaurant in Quebec. That is the spark for the trip back home where her family runs a farm that produces superior lambs.
The person from the past is Vanessa Hudgens as Ruby Collins, a somewhat famous chef with a TV show and she is holding the competition for the new chef. Greatly complicating matters is she and Evelyne had more than just a professional relationship back in the day and Gordon does not know about it, as he is preparing to ask her to marry him.
My wife and I watched it at home, streaming on Amazon Prime. The streaming version includes English subtitles when French is spoken. In spite of its very rough beginning it turned out to be a better movie than my wife and I expected it to be. Its IMDb rating seems just a bit low.