Romantics Anonymous (2010, NR)

I think the title of this film is either a translation that leaves something to be desired a joke reference to an element in the film.  This is a French film (subtitled in English for those of us with limited multi-linguistic ability) about two people who are involved in the chocolate industry and who each have a crippling shyness.  Angelique is a classically trained and exceptionally talented chocolatier who seeks employment at a chocolate factory.  She is a member of a support group for overly emotional/neurotic/shy people: Emotionals Anonymous (the title of the film is a twist on this).  Jean-Rene, the chocolate factory owner (more of a small shop really, as he has only 4 employees), is very much afraid of physical or emotional contact with other people and hires Angelique (first interviewee of the day) as a sales rep possibly so he doesn't have to interview another stranger.  She is too shy to correct him regarding her intended position and ends up suffering through a very human-contact oriented position.  This is an understated comedy, kind of like The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou or Wristcutters: A Love Story, and though much of the humor was due to awkwardness, I didn't find it unpleasant like I did with much of Sleeping Dogs Lie or Punch Drunk-Love.  I haven't seen more than a couple French films, but so I don't know if this is standard for the national origin, but I thought this movie had much the same charm and sweetness as Amelie (which was a fantastic film, and you should watch it if you have a soul and can handle subtitles).  Anyway, as you might imagine by the genre, Angelique and Jean-Rene miraculously become romantically involved and struggle to function around each other.  I must admit I really like when a movie sets up a romance between two average-looking people.  When Justin Timberlake and Mila Kunis hook up, that doesn't surprise anyone nor bring hope to the hopeless romantic... but in this film we feel uplifted that charming non-supermodels can find love too.

Congratu-freakin-lations.  No surprise here.

For me, this is easily 4 stars, maybe 4.5.  If you like charming romances and understated comedies, you'll like Romantics Anonymous.  If you have an affection for the French language or French cinema... well, then you've probably already seen this movie... but if you haven't yet, then do so.  If you don't speak/understand French and hate subtitles, then you won't have a very good time with this film.  If you prefer overtly slapstick comedies or action flicks, you'll find this film sorely lacking.