The beautiful Karen Allen, always such an ingratiating presence in everything that she does, does a lovely job in this rather predictable, and forgettable, but engaging romantic drama. She plays "Mo" Alexander, a horticulturist from Missouri on a European vacation. She gets stranded in Paris, and is soon spending most of her time with Xavier de la Perouse (Thierry Lhermitte), a dashing French banker. Although it's initially against her better judgment (she learns fairly early on that he already has a wife and kids), she and Xavier have an affair, and come to fall in love with each other.
Directed by Richard Marquand ("Eye of the Needle", "Return of the Jedi", "Jagged Edge"), this film is no great shakes in terms of its genre, but it's still quite easy to take. Marquand and company do shoot this on some pleasing French locations, turning it into something of a travelogue. The music by John Barry is not exactly subtle, but it is undeniably effective in its manipulation of the viewer. Janice Lee Grahams' script makes sure to put some roadblocks on the path to true love, and gives us some amiable supporting characters such as Philip (Christopher Cazenove), Xaviers' co-worker, Nitza Shaul as Philips' wife Sylvia, and Hutton Cobb as American musician Andrew.
But make no mistake, this film depends very much on the talents of its two attractive leads. The romance is not a desired end, at least for a while, when one realizes that Xavier is kind of a slimy guy, but you still have little doubt as to how this experience will likely change him. Both Allen and Lhermitte are a delight, and prospective viewers may also be intrigued by the fact that they get naked a fair bit (but stop just shy of going full frontal).
"Until September" is pleasant to watch, and thankfully doesn't spend too much time getting to its conclusion.
Seven out of 10.
Directed by Richard Marquand ("Eye of the Needle", "Return of the Jedi", "Jagged Edge"), this film is no great shakes in terms of its genre, but it's still quite easy to take. Marquand and company do shoot this on some pleasing French locations, turning it into something of a travelogue. The music by John Barry is not exactly subtle, but it is undeniably effective in its manipulation of the viewer. Janice Lee Grahams' script makes sure to put some roadblocks on the path to true love, and gives us some amiable supporting characters such as Philip (Christopher Cazenove), Xaviers' co-worker, Nitza Shaul as Philips' wife Sylvia, and Hutton Cobb as American musician Andrew.
But make no mistake, this film depends very much on the talents of its two attractive leads. The romance is not a desired end, at least for a while, when one realizes that Xavier is kind of a slimy guy, but you still have little doubt as to how this experience will likely change him. Both Allen and Lhermitte are a delight, and prospective viewers may also be intrigued by the fact that they get naked a fair bit (but stop just shy of going full frontal).
"Until September" is pleasant to watch, and thankfully doesn't spend too much time getting to its conclusion.
Seven out of 10.