A Perfect Plan

A Perfect Plan, a thrilling romantic comedy released in 2012, brings together an enticing cast of stars including Diane Kruger, Dany Boon, and Alice Pol. This delightful French movie, directed by Pascal Chaumeil, adds a unique twist to the wedding chaos genre, combining elements of romance, comedy, and adventure, all spiced up with a splash of French charm.

In A Perfect Plan, Diane Kruger (Isabelle) takes on the role of a beautiful and determined single woman, desperately manifesting her desire to settle down and get married. Isabelle has the perfect match in mind: her suave and irresistibly charming boyfriend, Pierre, portrayed by Robert Plagnol. Their idealistic relationship, however, unexpectedly encounters an obstacle in the form of a quirky ancestral family tradition, which would otherwise deem their hopeful union as ill-fated.

Each woman in Isabelle's family, for generations, has suffered the misfortune of their first marriage ending in divorce. This unusual family curse has perplexed her family’s lineage, leading Isabelle to resort to peculiar counteractive measures. As a modern and rational woman who still values tradition, she concocts the titular 'perfect plan'. She decides to first marry a stranger, and because this 'first marriage' is doomed anyway, she plans to divorce him swiftly and return unscathed to her beloved Pierre, ready for a successful second marriage, free from the persistent family curse.

Although it seems like a simple and foolproof plan on paper, she later discovers that reality couldn't be more different. Enter Jean-Yves (Dany Boon), an unknowing participant in Isabelle's scheme, who happens to be a bohemian travel writer capturing the splendors of the world, whose life is about to be turned upside down. Isabelle's plan goes awry when she inadvertently starts to develop feelings for Jean-Yves, her supposed temporary husband. The comedy unfolds as the characters navigate through a realm of impulsivity, deception, and unexpected emotions.

Alice Pol brilliantly portrays Isabelle's concerned sister, Corinne, who despite being unaware of Isabelle's covert plans, adds depth and humor to the storyline with her own relationship issues and familial bonds. Familiar faces from French cinema, such as Etienne Chicot and Jonathan Cohen, elegantly supplement the main cast in this captivating narrative of love, relationships, and the comical absurdity of life's unforeseen circumstances.

A Perfect Plan projects images of exotic scenes from around the world, bolstering the adventurous aspect of the plot. From the rustic charm of Kenya's wilderness to the arctic expanses of Russia, visually stunning locales set a picturesque backdrop that complements Jean-Yves' world-wandering lifestyle and adds a touch of globetrotter romance. The aesthetics, combined with an engaging storyline, strong performances, and a crisp narrative pace, facilitate a film experience that remains pleasant and enjoyable throughout.

Director Pascal Chaumeil, known for his work on Heartbreaker, successfully strikes a balance between romantic allure and comedic timing in this light-hearted comedy caper. The screenplay, co-written by Laurent Zeitoun, Yoann Gromb, and Philippe Mechelen, effortlessly opens a window into the French culture while universally appealing to the sentiment of love and the lengths we are willing to go for it. Adding an extra layer of charisma to the mix is Klaus Badelt's whimsical score which follows the characters' journeys, dynamically reflecting their emotions.

In essence, A Perfect Plan is an exciting synthesis of a romantic adventure, an hilarious comedy and a heartwarming tale of self-discovery. The film is engaging, with a charm that will pull you in from the first scene, and keep you invested in the characters' exploits and evolving relationships. The characters played by Diane Kruger, Dany Boon, and Alice Pol make the audience laugh, empathize, and root for them throughout the duration of the film. The movie serves as an entertaining reminder that even the best-laid plans often need a dash of spontaneity added to the mix.

For any lover of romantic comedies with a refreshing twist, A Perfect Plan is the perfect antidote to conventional storylines and predictable outcomes. Expect the unexpected as you dive into this captivating blend of romance, comedy, and adventure where the lines between love and logic elegantly blur.