An American optimist in Paris

Rating: 7/10 (26 June 2017)

On a vacation in Paris with his fiancée a dissatisfied writer finds the ability to step back in time to the 1920s literary heyday of that city and explores his passions ...
Amusing fantasy that relies on the good natured sweetness of its lead actor. The conceit is nice, although the set pieces with the famous figures of the past didn't make me laugh out loud. The main themes are wrapped up well - nostalgia inducing a sense of grass-is-always-greener and the responsibility of art to overcome despair - while the pacing helps achieve a lightness of touch.
The lead actor does channel the Woody Allen persona, but there's nothing whiny in his performance and he delivers a very likable romantic hero. Other performances are good, Kathy Bates being the standout, but nothing remarkable. The streets and architecture of the city add great charm, and the director obviously has a tourist's love of the sheen of the cobblestones in the rain.
Music is mostly Cole Porter.
Overall: Upbeat and airy, a gentle comedy.