User Reviews

Heartbreaker, directed by Pascal Chaumeil, is by far one of the best french romantic comedies i've ever seen. The premise of this movie is that of a handsome con artist, with the help of his

Pascal Chaumeil's Heartbreaker is a french film that gives you the unexpected twist of a romantic comedy at its finest. It presents the typical man that every woman comes upon in her life, the man that takes women for granted and tries to "sweep her off her feet" by using his typical seductive lines. He comes upon Juliette who doesn't take his crap, and she sees the real Alex, and brings out the vulnerable Alex that never thought he saw himself being vulnerable to true love ever in his life. Juliette is about to marry in her eyes the "perfect wealthy man." but the movie presents the idea that the simple things in life, are the characteristics that make you the most happy, even when you think you have it all. "Having it all" just isn't enough and money cannot buy you happiness. This film isn't just any romantic comedy, it presents an interesting plot that pulls you in with an unexpected twist to keep watching the movie. Juliette's father is the typical intimidating French father who has money and will do anything he can to protect his daughter and make sure she is happy, which means keeping her from marrying her fiance. "Heartbreakers" is a movie that demonstrates the truth about relationships that every woman has been waiting for. For this, you can thank Director Pascal Chaumeil. Pascal Chaumeil started out as an assistant director in 1988, working several times with Luc Besson, in 1996, he is the director of the second team on "The Fifth Element." Chaumeil has directed for recent films, "Living Is Better Than Dying" and "A Perfect Plan" (2012). And is in the process of his upcoming film "A Long Way Down" (2013). He has also worked on many different series, "Lawyers and Associates", "Do Not They Do That" and others. "Heartbreaker" was Chaumeil's first feature film. The movie doesn't really present any french cliche's and that is why it is something new and fresh for movie watchers. Romantic movies typically make it seem so easy for a man and woman to fall in love, but this entertaining, sharp movie, keeps you at your feet watching Alex work to get his love, while he never thought he would need it.

Not all European cinema is worth a watch, especially the ones that copy the Hollywood box-office recipies. If it wasn't for a rather charming Romain Duris, this film would be a disaster.

[SPOILER ALERT: This review contains spoilers.]

Take away Monaco (where the film was largely set), constant sunshine, 5 start hotels, Vanessa Paradis strutting about in top to toe designer gear at all times and the pervading "money is no object" aspirational aspect of the film and what are you left with? Not a lot I'm afraid. The supporting cast does a good job but Romain Duris does not work for me as a leading man. Too short and too skinny maybe? I've loved him in other films but this one left me rather lukewarm.

I always forget how good the French are at physical comedy. This is an old story, but the lead actor brings great comedy and freshness to it. Vanessa Paradis didn't have to act much, but she plays the straight well and is certainly interesting to watch. The real finds in the movie are the supporting actors - her randy friend, and his sadistically creative sister and brother-in-law. You'll leave the theater smiling, but it's largely fluff. Keep your expectations low, and it'll work.