Romantic comedies often follow a predictable formula: boy meets girl, they fall in love, face obstacles, and ultimately find their way back to each other. Forget Paris (1995), directed by and starring Billy Crystal, takes a different approach. Rather than focusing on the excitement of new love, it delves into what happens after the honeymoon phase—when real life sets in and a relationship is tested.

With its witty dialogue, strong performances from Crystal and Debra Winger, and a refreshingly mature take on love, Forget Paris is a charming and underrated romantic comedy. While it may not be as widely remembered as other ’90s rom-coms, it offers a heartfelt and realistic look at the struggles of maintaining a marriage.

Plot Overview: Love Beyond the Fairy Tale

The film’s narrative structure is unconventional for a romantic comedy. Instead of following a linear progression, the story is told through a series of flashbacks as a group of friends recounts the love story of Mickey Gordon (Billy Crystal) and Ellen Andrews (Debra Winger) over dinner.

Mickey is an NBA referee who travels constantly for work. While in France to bury his father, he meets Ellen, an American working for an airline. Their initial meeting is rocky—Ellen loses Mickey’s father’s casket, leading to a series of mishaps—but they soon develop a connection. Their whirlwind romance in Paris is filled with humor and charm, leading to an impulsive decision to get married.

However, the film doesn’t end with happily ever after. Once Mickey and Ellen return to the United States, reality intrudes. Mickey’s demanding career keeps him on the road, while Ellen struggles to adjust to life in a new city. As their relationship faces mounting challenges—distance, career sacrifices, and personal insecurities—they must decide whether love is enough to sustain a marriage.

Performances: Crystal and Winger Shine

Billy Crystal, who also co-wrote the screenplay, delivers a performance that balances humor with genuine emotion. He brings his signature wit to Mickey, making him a likable but flawed protagonist. Crystal is at his best in comedic moments, such as Mickey’s on-court outbursts as an NBA referee, but he also excels in the film’s more dramatic scenes.

Debra Winger is equally compelling as Ellen. She brings warmth and depth to a character who could have been overshadowed by Crystal’s comedic presence. Ellen’s frustrations and compromises feel authentic, making her struggles relatable. Winger and Crystal have strong chemistry, which makes their relationship feel real—even when things get messy.

The supporting cast, including Joe Mantegna, Cynthia Stevenson, and Richard Masur, adds to the film’s charm. Their dinner-table storytelling provides comic relief and serves as a clever way to frame the central love story.

Themes: The Reality of Relationships

What sets Forget Paris apart from typical romantic comedies is its focus on what happens after the initial spark fades. Many films end with a grand romantic gesture or a wedding, leaving audiences to assume that love conquers all. This film challenges that notion by showing the difficulties that arise once the couple tries to merge their lives.

1. Career vs. Love – Mickey’s job as an NBA referee requires constant travel, leaving Ellen feeling lonely and disconnected. Meanwhile, Ellen gives up her own career to be with Mickey, leading to resentment. The film explores the sacrifices and compromises that come with marriage, a theme that resonates with many couples.

2. Compromise and Conflict – Unlike many romantic comedies where conflicts are resolved easily, Forget Paris portrays a relationship where issues don’t have simple solutions. Mickey and Ellen’s arguments feel real, reflecting the struggles of balancing love with personal ambitions and expectations.

3. The Illusion of Parisian Romance – Paris is often romanticized in films, portrayed as the ultimate setting for love. The title itself, Forget Paris, suggests that the idealized version of romance is fleeting. The film contrasts the fantasy of Paris with the reality of marriage, showing that true love is about more than just grand gestures and beautiful scenery.

Comedy: Sharp and Natural

Billy Crystal’s comedic timing is one of the film’s greatest strengths. The humor is natural and character-driven rather than relying on slapstick or forced jokes.

Some of the funniest moments come from Mickey’s career as an NBA referee. His interactions with players and coaches, including real-life NBA stars like Charles Barkley and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, add a unique and entertaining element to the film. His courtside rants and dramatic calls make for some of the most memorable scenes.

The film also finds humor in the couple’s domestic struggles. From Mickey attempting to cook dinner to Ellen’s frustration with Mickey’s obsession with sports, these moments add levity while reinforcing the challenges of their relationship.

Romance: Subtle but Genuine

Unlike many rom-coms that rely on grand romantic gestures, Forget Paris finds its romance in smaller, more intimate moments. The chemistry between Crystal and Winger makes even their quiet scenes compelling. Their relationship feels real because it’s not perfect—they argue, they laugh, and they struggle to communicate.

The film’s most touching moments come when Mickey and Ellen acknowledge their flaws and try to make things work. One standout scene features Mickey making a heartfelt plea at the airport, not as a grand, over-the-top declaration, but as a genuine admission of love and regret.

Weaknesses: Pacing and Tone

While Forget Paris is a strong film, it does have some flaws. The biggest issue is its pacing. The structure—jumping back and forth between flashbacks and present-day storytelling—occasionally disrupts the flow. Some transitions feel abrupt, making it difficult to stay emotionally invested in certain scenes.

Additionally, while the film balances comedy and drama well, there are moments where the shifts in tone feel uneven. Some dramatic scenes are undercut by humor too quickly, making it difficult for certain emotional moments to fully land.

Legacy: An Overlooked Gem

Despite its strengths, Forget Paris is often overlooked in discussions of great romantic comedies. It was released in an era dominated by rom-coms like Sleepless in Seattle and While You Were Sleeping, which leaned more heavily on fantasy and sentimentality.

One reason it may not have achieved the same level of recognition is that it doesn’t fit neatly into the traditional rom-com formula. By focusing on the struggles of maintaining a relationship rather than just the excitement of falling in love, it offers a more mature perspective that may not appeal to audiences looking for escapism.

However, for those who appreciate romantic comedies with depth and realism, Forget Paris is a refreshing alternative. It’s a film that gets better with age, particularly for viewers who have experienced the ups and downs of long-term relationships.

Final Verdict: A Thoughtful and Funny Take on Love

Forget Paris is a charming, heartfelt, and often hilarious romantic comedy that deserves more recognition. Billy Crystal and Debra Winger deliver strong performances, and the film’s focus on the realities of marriage makes it stand out from typical rom-coms.

While its pacing and tonal shifts could have been smoother, its sharp writing and genuine emotional moments make it a worthwhile watch. For fans of romantic comedies that go beyond surface-level romance, Forget Paris is a film worth rediscovering.

Final Rating: 7.5/10

If you’re looking for a romantic comedy with wit, heart, and a realistic portrayal of love’s challenges, Forget Paris is well worth watching. Just don’t expect a fairy-tale ending—this film is about what happens after the fairy tale.