Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris movie review

MOVIE TITLE: Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris

This sweet movie was released in theaters on July 15, 2022 and is now available to stream online.

RATING: PG

LENGTH: 1 hour 55 minutes

MOVIE REVIEW MOM GRADE: A

IN A NUTSHELL:

The lovely movie was directed by Anthony Fabian with screenplay help from Carroll Cartwright and Keith Thompson, based on the popular book by Paul Gallico. It’s such a breath of fresh air.

The story is about a widowed cleaning lady in 1950s London who falls madly in love with a couture Dior dress, and decides that she must have one of her own. It feels like a charming fairytale, giving audiences a fresh and lovely experience. “It’s your lucky day!” is something that Mrs. Harris always says in the movie. Today is YOUR lucky day to learn more about this delicious movie.

THINGS I LIKED:

Leslie Manville gives a truly stellar and even Oscar-worthy performance in this role. Her eyes literally sparkled when she held up the blue Dior dress to her delighted face. Her character comments that she loves Princess Margaret. She actually played Princess Margaret in the Emmy Award-winning TV show The Crown! She provides such depth to this character through the nuances of her facial expressions.
All of the cast members did a fantastic, perfect job.
Some of the filming was done in Budapest since many of the streets and architecture there look similar to those of Paris.
The beautiful fashion show was really fun, especially watching Mrs. Harris’ childlike wonder in contrast to the bored expressions on the faces of the wealthy women who are snobby and jaded. Great work from the costume designer, Jenny Beavan!
Magical soundtrack
So many of the British phrases made me laugh. Here’s an example: “All tickety-boo, Mrs. Harris.” – RAF Officer (Freddie Fox)
All of the characters have a backstory that adds layers that defeat stereotypes.

THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:

Nothing. I really enjoyed it. Sure, it was about female empowerment (like most movies today), but it wasn’t filled with a big political agenda or an angry rant about what Hollywood thinks we should believe. That’s, in part, because it’s a European movie, not one slapped out of Hollywood!
I readily admit that some men might not be interested in this, but if they give it a chance, they’ll be pleasantly surprised and enjoy it. Older gents will especially appreciate the old-fashioned values illustrated.