Since its release on Sept. 12, The Wrong Paris has proven to be more than just another romantic comedy. The movie has quickly resonated with its viewers, widely praised for its creative and lighthearted twist on modern dating shows. 

“When I first saw this movie pop up on my Netflix list, I was both excited and reluctant to watch it. There’ve just been so many disappointing romcoms, and I wasn’t sure if it would be any different,” stated freshman Shresta Andem. 

The plotline follows the journey of Dawn, a young and aspiring artist who dreams of going to school in Paris, France. However, in her desperation to fix her financial situation, she accidentally signs up for a reality dating show in Paris, Texas. Her initial plan to get eliminated and earn quick money soon turns into a whirlwind of drama with the rest of the contestants, as well as an unexpected romance with the bachelor, Trey.

The reception of this film greatly varies. It has been described as a typical example of regressive romantic ideals– emotionally flawed, forgettable, and not worth the time. People have also remarked that it was lame and clichè, as they were able to picture the ending before even starting to watch the movie.

“There wasn’t really anything new or surprising about it; I’ve seen the same story plenty of times before,” stated freshman Emily Lin. 

Others disagree, however, commending the chemistry between the actors and the nostalgic humor that brings back old-fashioned themes of the early 2000s romcoms. Though the events of the story may have been predictable, viewers have applauded the classic spin on the use of common romantic tropes. They have stated that The Wrong Paris effectively delivers warmth and comedic moments that easily draw the audience in. 

“Honestly, after taking a look at this movie, I’m surprised at how effortlessly the cast added their own spin on love and dating shows. It definitely stood out to me, and I found it to be quite enjoyable and fun,” said sophomore Cindy Moe. 

The movie was directed by Janeen Damian and starred Miranda Cosgrove and Pierson Fodè. Cosgrove, also acting as an executive producer, had been a prominent Nickelodeon child star in her early years, playing significant characters in shows like Drake & Josh and iCarly. Fans of her former works were thrilled to see the actress return to leading roles and are hopeful for the new chapter in her career. 

Most of the filming took place in Vancouver, Canada, and Agassiz, British Columbia, resulting in terrain and weather difficulties that only enhanced the comedic aspect of the movie. This included a mud-wrestling scene, in which the rain turned the intended chunky mud into a slippery environment, adding to the already chaotic and funny nature of the scene. 

“I really thought that the actors had great chemistry, which definitely enabled them to achieve such success in the movie, despite its cliché concept,” said freshman Ashley Ye.

In the end, The Wrong Paris proves that, even with a traditional storyline, audiences are still impressed by stories that emphasize finding meaning in places that may have seemed disappointing at first. The film’s blend of optimism and charm helps it stand out in such a familiar genre. It’s the kind of movie that people can relax with, and it is certainly entertaining enough for anyone looking to pass the time with a worthwhile experience.