In 2007, Julie Delpy wrote, directed, produced, and starred in the generally charming 2 Days in Paris, a whirlwind look at the clashing cultural values of Paris-born photographer Marion (Delpy) and her husband Jack (Adam Goldberg). Jackâs nowhere to be found in Delpyâs newest, 2 Days in New York; these days, Marion is married to Mingus (Chris Rock), a Village Voice writer turned radio host (heâs cornered the New York market on jobs that pretty much no longer exist). The couple share custody of two children from previous marriages, living quite happily in their tiny apartmentâuntil Marionâs family descends for a visit.
Her family is a crass assortment of French stereotypes, sleazy and slutty and a little bit racist; like 2 Days in Paris, 2 Days in New York makes its hay in playing up cultural differences, the thrust of which seems to be that the French are very, very hard to deal with.
Delpy openly courts Woody Allen comparisons here, butâmore so than in Parisâher limiting factor is humor. New York just isnât funny, though it strains to be; Delpyâs family members are high-volume caricatures, and her own characterâs intensity is hard to take after about 15 minutes. Sheâs not interestingly neuroticâsheâs just batshit. For much of the film, Delpy is preparing for a gallery exhibit of her photographs, where she also plans to sell her soul to the highest bidder; the film seems blithely unaware that this stunt is pulled on eBay every few years.
Most of the filmâs jokes resemble outtakes from a high-school French class skit-writing assignment: Le pĂ©re de Marion cachait une saucisse dans son pantaloon! (Yes, Marionâs dad does indeed hide a sausage in his pants.) Whatâs meant as a wacky family comedy about cultural difference just translates as low-hanging fruit.