‘2 Days in New York’ is perhaps two days too long

Julie Delpy is impossible not to enjoy on the big screen. As an actress, she’s a wonderful melange of independence and self-doubt, a combination of seriousness and good-hearted fun. Her characters, especially in the Before Sunset films, pop off the screen, and they feel so fresh because they always pulse with verve. When the actress splintered off with her own project, 2007’s 2 Days in Paris, the results were middling. Although the quirkiness was still there, and the film had much humor, everything felt like Before Sunset-lite.

Now we have a rather redundant sequel called 2 Days in New York. Written, directed and starring Delpy, the film follows Marion (Delpy) as she tries to put out fires around the apartment she shares with her boyfriend, Mingus (Chris Rock). The cause for the many fires is that Marion’s family from France has arrived for an extended stay. Rather quickly, 2 Days in New York becomes a comedy of cultural clashes. Watch how Marion’s aging father (Albert Delpy) attempts to communicate in his broken English as Mingus rolls his eyes. Watch as Marion’s sister (Alexia Landeau) brings along her own boyfriend (Alex Nahon), a man who has difficulty not offending others. Watch as Marion’s sister exposes her body during yoga because that’s what she’s used to.

There are several humorous moments in the film, and Delpy has a way of writing bilingual dialogue with a sharp wit. However, many of the details in the film can be grating. Marion, for example, is a struggling photographer. Mingus is a radio talk show host. These are two professions that are not exactly relatable. Yes, this couple has challenges of raising a child in New York City, but beyond that very real predicament, everything is fantasy. The final scenes involve a cliche photography exhibition with the big-time critic who stops by, and then Vincent Gallo turns up for no comprehensible reason.

I’m taking the fun out of a film that obviously is focused on fun. Watching 2 Days in New York is never difficult or grating. There are well-deserved laughs, and the acting, especially from Albert Delpy, is effective enough. The problem is our own memories of what Delpy can do when grouped with Ethan Hawke and Richard Linklater. Before Sunrise and Before Sunset are examples of powerful filmmaking where the conversations lead somewhere poignant and the characters are worth the effort from the audience. In the 2 Days series, Marion is too faraway from the realities of the dating world. She’s quirky and fun to be around, but I’m not sure I recognize her in society. Who is this woman? Why is she like this? I like her and want to know her, but why won’t the script sit still and find out what makes her tick? The movie never looks at what’s underneath Marion’s triumphs and setbacks.

By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com

• 2 Days in New York

• 2012

• Written and directed by Julie Delpy

• Starring Delpy, Chris Rock, Albert Delpy, Alexia Landeau and Alex Nahon

• Running time: 91 minutes

• Rated R for language, sexual content, some drug use and brief nudity

• Rating: