Great concept, but a failure.

Rating: 5/10 (27 August 2001)

I am sorry to be among the few not liking this film, as I think the concept is absolutely terrific; this is a type of movie I am very disposed to like, and there certainly was a great deal of fantastic images going on in this film, all of which have been duly commented upon elsewhere.
But the film has no soul, no heart, no authenticity. It's a whirlwind and a frenetic pastiche, and completely failed to grab me emotionally. The love story left me completely unmoved. Was there a single word of French spoken in this movie? Nothing about this film said "Paris" to me. I loved the idea of integrating modern songs into this setting, but with a few exceptions (most notably "Like a Virgin" and "Gaite Parisienne"), the results were contrived, gimmicky and awkward. This is a computer driven film, shallow and superficial, aimed at teenagers. Too bad, as there are some great moments, especcally the opening and closing credits!
Things could have been improved greatly by a much better leading lady. But Nicole Kidman is absolutely terrible in this film. She exhibited, in my opinion, absolutely no charisma or charm whatsoever, and can't sing. Her part was too important to ignore. Ewan McGregor, on the other hand, is outstanding. Few of the supporting cast were particularly appealing to me either.

Style over substance.