Bring together some of cinema's most eclectic, acclaimed directors (Alexander Payne, Alfonso Cuaron, the Coen brothers) and toss in some of the most intriguing actors working today (Steve Buscemi, Catalina Sandino Moreno, Maggie Gyllenhaal) for a series of shorts celebrating the spirit of Paris and you could either end up with an inspiring mix or a rambling mess. Thankfully, "Paris, Je T'aime" tends to lean more toward the former than the latter. As with any collection such as this, the results can be hit and miss; some shorts tell a complete story and leave you feeling wowed, charmed or moved, while others barely register.
With 18 pieces in all, there should be something here to tantalize everyone's tastes, or at least prompt you to contact your travel agent to book a vacation. Gurinder Chadha (``Bend It Like Beckham") presents a lovely slice of life with an early entry, "Quais de Seine." Teenage Francois (Cyril Descours) goofs off with his buddies, hassling women walking by, until he sees a beautiful Muslim girl (Leila Bekhti) take a tumble right in front of him.
He helps her up, gets to know her and is smitten. The story could have been preachy or politically correct, but Chadha, as writer and director, finds just the right touch.
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