“2 DAYS IN PARIS” with Julie Delpy, Adam Goldberg, Albert Delpy and Marie Pillet. Rated R (for language, some sexual content and nudity). Running time: 1 hour, 36 minutes.

3 Stars

Thoroughly amusing, at times annoying and often hilarious are three ways to describe the French actress Julie Delpy’s film “2 Days in Paris.”

One thing it definitely does is accurately capture that point when a couple really start getting on each other’s nerves.

The entrancing star of Richard Linklater’s City of Lights art-house fave “Before Sunset” wrote, directed, stars in, edited, co-produced, wrote the score for and even sings a song for her movie, which also stars her real-life parents, both professional actors.

It’s a D.I.Y. project for sure, something the multitalented Delpy proves she can handle.

Its closeness to her actual life is a strength.

In terms of its basic premise, it’s not unlike other comedies centered around relationships. Delpy’s Marion and her boyfriend Jack (former real-life boyfriend Adam Goldberg) are on vacation and decide to spend some time in her hometown in Paris.

Will meeting the parents and others make or break the relationship?

Because he can’t speak French, Jack is convinced that everyone else is laughing at him. They should. He’s a serious tool, but in a funny way. (Wait till you see what he does to some American tourists.)

Marion is big-time flirt, he’s worried that she’s slept with half of her hometown, and he has some reason to be concerned.

Marion also has other issues, including troubles with anger management. She doesn’t do much to help Jack feel welcome, and does little to shield him from her wild, but lovable father, who quizzes Jack on French culture.

Did I mention he skins and serves up a rabbit, head-to-hind-paw for his American guest?

Ben Stiller goofing this film is not. It contains pointed humor — aimed at idiotic American “Da Vinci Code” devotees or at French culture’s obsession with sex. It’s also not a Woody Allen imitation either, it’s a bit darker and uglier.

“2 Days in Paris” isn’t a polished film, but that’s kind of the point.

It’s voyeuristic and raw, a chaotic exercise that amounts to a high-brow equivalent of a goofy good time at the movies.

In other words, it’s for those who want something light, but fail to crack a smile when Will Ferrell runs around in his tighty whities.

Because this film is playing at the Midtown, it’ll most likely work.

Source: pennlive.com