Romantics Anonymous [Import]

I have somewhat conflicted feelings about the French trifle "Romantics Anonymous." As a quirky romantic comedy, the film plays out exactly as you might anticipate. From a plotting standpoint, it offers little new. And yet, the film and its stars are just so likable and, dare I say, charming. Despite my intellectual reservations and the feeling that I'd seen this narrative a hundred times, I still was completely won over by the movie's eccentric sweetness. Is it a great movie? Is it a classic I will reflect on in a dozen years? Perhaps not. But for now, I will put aside my cynicism and admit it. I loved "Romantics Anonymous!" There, I've said it and I won't be ashamed any longer. My brain tells me this is a four star movie, but my heart is going all out with the highest recommendation. It's sweet, funny, and just odd enough to seem refreshingly different. And did I mention how charming it was? Maybe I've grown soft in my old age.

Jean-Pierre Ameris' film introduces us to a pair of central characters with enough quirks and nervous tics to make one wonder how they've achieved any success in the modern world. When playing up movie eccentricity, many comedy films overburden their story lines with contrivance. "Romantics Anonymous" walks a fine line without disengaging the audience, and this dance of social ineptitude delivers genuine sweetness and amusement. Benoit Poelvoorde plays the head of a chocolate factory that has fallen on hard times. In addition to his business dilemma, he is battling an inability to really connect with others in a meaningful way. Isabelle Carre plays a talented candy maker riddled with shyness and an emotional sensitivity that causes her to "feel too much." When she gets a job at the factory, might she be its unwitting savior? Might the two be soul mates? Can love conquer all? I don't suppose any of the answers will come as a major surprise.

And yet, the movie is all but irresistible. Carre is an absolute delight as she tries to conquer her hesitancy with self affirmations and songs. It's an astute comedic performance. And Poelvoorde brings a necessary relatability to his role. As written, it is a role that could have been quite alienating, but I was always rooting for this troubled duo to push past the manufactured barriers of their relationship. Even though the film took me down a very familiar path, it was a journey that was well worth taking. If you like this type of film, "Romantics Anonymous" takes a tired premise and makes it seem new again. A smart script and winning performances distinguish this from the pack. KGHarris, 3/12.

Five minutes into this film and I just knew I was going to buy it.

The lead characters are very likable. As are the supporting characters. It is beautifully made and it keeps a very 'light and bright' atmosphere throughout. The storyline is entertaining and different. Not your average 'meet and fall in love' movie.

We found ourselves laughing several times throughout the movie.

Since it is rated NR for now, I will let you know there is no nudity. There is one semi-sex scene in the movie when the lead character walks into her apartment and two visitors are using her apartment. No nudity, but a few seconds of sexual noise and action. Not enough that I didn't let my teen watch it. I say all that just in case there are parents who are wondering about the NR rating and allowing their children to see it.

I was sad when the movie ended because it was such a happy carefree movie to watch. Very enjoyable!

ROMANTICS ANONYMOUS (Les émotifs anonymes) is a wonder bit of French fluff that may seem like a little love story on the surface, but has a lot to say about our current state of relationships. Written (with Philippe Blasband) and directed by Jean-Pierre Améris this little film takes advantage of the fine comedic talents of the two stars and brings a supporting cast of of actors to the table who demonstrate how fine cameo roles can be polished.

Angélique Delange (the perky, multitalented Isabelle Carré) cannot cope with relating to people: she is a shy young student in a chocolate class taught by M. Mercier (Claude Aufaure) who rises to the top of her class as a chocolatier winning employment in the finest chocolate business in France when suddenly M. Mercier dies. Angélique is without a job and is terrified of interviewing (she belongs to a group therapy session called Romantics Anonymous where the group shares their flaws in relating to people. She sees and interview slot for a candy business owned by Jean-René Van Den Hugde (Benoît Poelvoorde) - a man who is terrified of women as he works through sessions with his therapist (Stéphan Wojtowicz). Angélique's interview goes well and she is hired on the spot - as a sales rep!

Through a series of trial and error Angélique wins the friendship of the small staff (Lorella Cravotta, Lise Lamétrie, Swann Arlaud, and Pierre Niney) who understand the business is going bankrupt and together they stage a lessons on chocolate making that results is the staff learning all the secrets for the now defunct Mercier Chocolates. Angélique and Jean-René seem to find an attraction to each other but their emotional timidity prevents them from connecting until a big break comes: the business is chosen to attend the chocolate prize competition and in the midst of the trip the two seem to overcome their handicaps. But the future isn't assured until Jean-René attends Angélique's group therapy session, a place where they both must confront their feelings, and from there on the film dashes into a fun French farce.

The film is in French with English subtitles and comes off like an uncorked bottle of fine champagne. It is a fun, light, romantic little takeoff on how so many people must join group therapy just to relate to each other. It bubbles! Grady Harp, November 11