Champagne Problems review (2025)

Champagne Problems is a charmingly sweet romance drama with just the right pop of comedy to make for an easy Christmas movie recommendation.

Minka Kelly (Titans) stars as Sydney, an executive hoping to land a massive champagne brand for her firm.

Landing this account would be a huge accomplishment for Sydney who’s had to watch others run with her ideas and land all the accolades.

Before heading to Paris, Sydney gets a pep talk from her sister, Skyler (Maeve Courtier-Lilley, Gran Turismo), who makes her workaholic sister promise to at least enjoy one night in Paris.

Director/screenwriter Mark Steven Johnson (Love in the Villa) does an excellent job of selling the idea of Christmastime in France. Cinematographer Jose David Montero makes Champagne Problems dazzle with an abundance of colorful Christmas lighting. The set decoration is also well done with elaborate trimmed trees, festive arrangements and ornate backdrops bustling with Christmas cheer.

Taking the advice from the helpful concierge, Marcel (Thierry René), Sydney heads to a local bookstore and meets Henri (Tom Wozniczka). Henri is eager to show Sydney the non-tourist look at Paris through the holiday season. Their attraction is so sudden and intense it seems like Champagne Problems couldn’t have a long runtime. Kelly and Wozniczka‘s chemistry is believable and they play off each other naturally.

Sydney and Henri’s instant connection almost makes her forget about her presentation to land the champagne brand. It’s here that Johnson adds two fun elements that keep Champagne Problems entertaining through the end credits.

First, Sydney has to make her presentation with rival representatives in the room. Hugo (Thibault de Montalembert), wants to see the companies have a little friendly competition before selling his champagne brand. Brigitte (Astrid Whettnall) has the inside track since she’s been right with Hugo for decades. Otto (Flula Borg) is a likable enough guy, but probably not the best pitchman. Roberto (Sean Amsing) doesn’t know much about running a business, but he appreciates the champagne that he uses for his numerous parties.

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Some rom coms suffer by putting too much of the comedic aspects in annoying supporting characters. Champagne Problems doesn’t have those issues as this motley crew lifts the film up with energetic and spot-on timing and delivery. Amsing gets most of the best lines, but the ensemble as a whole over delivers with their performances.

The other obstacle Johnson throws in is Hugo’s son, who isn’t a fan of Sydney’s company. Naturally it’s Henri, which causes some tension for the young would-be lovers. Johnson confidently lays out Champagne Problems’ smaller subplots while giving adequate time to Sydney and Henri’s obstacle-laden path to true love.

Thankfully, the film doesn’t have any over the top attempts at humor. Johnson seemed to flirt with one when a character who is lactose intolerant has to eat a plate full of cheese to keep face.

Characters act in a realistic manner instead of drastically altering their viewpoints to keep the film’s momentum rolling. At 99 minutes, Champagne Problems flows smoothly without wearing out its welcome.

Kelly is an enjoyable lead who’s able to keep scenes where Sydney is interacting with other characters just as engaging. The film has the expected final act, which isn’t a criticism — rom coms don’t need a twist for the sake of throwing viewers off.

Champagne Problems goes down smooth thanks to its entertaining cast, strong script and its dazzling presentation.

Rating: 9 out of 10

Photo Credit: Netflix

After checking out Champagne Problems, for more romance Christmas films try The Holiday on Blu-Ray at Amazon.

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