Dawn signs up for a dating show expecting Paris, France. What she gets is Paris, Texas. The Wrong Paris has a funny starting point, and Miranda Cosgrove gives this ambitious young woman enough charm to make her disappointment enjoyable. Dawn wants to leave immediately, until Trey complicates that plan. The choice between the show and real feelings is not exactly difficult to predict.
Cosgrove and Pierson Fodé have warm, convincing chemistry. Fodé’s relaxed, grounded presence suits a straightforward romantic lead. Cosgrove is likeable, although the quieter emotional scenes do not always have the depth they need. Their scenes together are the main reason this does not become completely interchangeable romantic-comedy packaging.
Unfortunately, authenticity is often discussed rather than made dramatically interesting. The developments are familiar, and the late conflict and resolution feel particularly formulaic. Madison Pettis’s rival Lexi offers little surprise. Dawn’s sister remains thin, while the show’s producer feels closer to a sketch than a genuinely troublesome opponent. There is not enough friction to sharpen the premise.
The production is clean and competent: warm colours, agreeable scenery, unobtrusive music and tidy editing. None of it gets in the way. None of it takes much of a risk, either. The reality-TV satire is especially tame, and chances to explore real doubt or insecurity are repeatedly softened.
As undemanding rainy-weekend entertainment, the film does its job. It is pleasant, lightly amusing and easy company. But a clever premise deserves more than safe presentation and a few lines about being yourself. I give The Wrong Paris 2.5 out of 5 stars: charming on the surface, with very little left behind once it is over.