With a groovy '60s vibe, this UK-produced American film is a breezy rom-com road movie. George (Adebimpe), a Nigerian-American, is only three days from getting married to a friend he hasn't seen since childhood when he befriends the Frenchman Gerard (Hippolyte), whose girlfriend just spurned his marriage proposal. They decide to drive to George's wedding in Niagara Falls, but along the way their paths keep crossing with a Spanish woman (Verbeke) who has caught George's eye. Problem is, she's taking her arty British boyfriend (Wilby) home to meet Mama (Mauceri).

The ethnic mix works cleverly as writer-director Hopkins keeps things zany and cute, using a vintage Citroen and a Euro-soundtrack like a 1965 Claudia Cardinale comedy. It's more than a little silly, drawing much of the humour from placing the square George in a series of wacky situations. It's hard to get too involved when it's clear from the start who will end up with whom (mostly because their other relationships aren't secure to begin with). And it does seem to drag on a bit, as the increasingly long journey gets less and less logical. But it's very endearing, the cast members are quite likeable, and there are nice touches throughout, especially in the use of multiple languages and cultural backgrounds.

adult themes

6.Nov.01