B Movies Blog

Hello, Movie Mavens! Welcome back to the B Movies Blog. Today, we’re popping Emily

in Paris into the ol’ VCR.

I decided to finally watch Emily in Paris, and, boy howdy, do I have some thoughts. 

And the first is, how did no one tell MTV and Netflix that when a word starts with a vowel/vowel sound, you put “an” in front of it, not “a”. 

(Here’s looking at you, A MTV Entertainment Studios Production.) 

I digress. 

Okay, y’all know I’m a sucker for a plucky heroine in a fish-out-of-water story. 

Emily Cooper…isn’t that. 

Emily manages to bring down the electricity in her entire apartment building with a single vibrator, kiss, and eventually sleep with, one of her friends’ boyfriends, and be one of the most all-around densest characters ever written. 

But, let’s start with the positives. 

There are a lot of characters I actually really do like in this series. 

I also love how they showcase Ashley Park’s talent because she’s such an incredibly talented singer and performer. 

I would even be so bold to say that they hit some of the nuances you see in the marketing field. 

HOWEVER, I think Emily’s character is super annoying. 

There, I said it. 

I’m already shitting on Emily so hard that I’ll spare y’all my fashion commentary

In the very first episode, she says, and I quote, “The entire city looks like Ratatouille.” 

I’ll admit that I’ve never been to France, but I don’t believe that would be the first thing out of my mouth. 

Additionally, Emily not only continuously tries to change the culture of a country she’s VISITING, but she scoffs at many of their traditions. 

She also doesn’t understand the concept of polyamory or open relationships??

And then shames people for them while openly having an affair with her friend’s boyfriend??

And don’t even get me started on the episode where she SLEEPS WITH A 17-YEAR OLD. 

I know I wasn’t going to dog on the writing, but the writers stole a plot line from Friends. 

And, spoiler, it was problematic then, just as it’s problematic now. 

Speaking of problematic…

Not to mention the scene where his mother then asks Emily about her son’s…performance?

YIKES. 

Someone needs to remind MTV that they can’t make shows like they used to any more. 

I feel like Emily in Paris manages to offend Americans and Parisians alike at times, which is no small feat. 

In all seriousness though, I would love for Emily’s character to be more likable. 

Hold her more accountable. 

Let’s tighten up that “small town girl from Chicago” act. 

Maybe have her repeat an outfit every now and then?

I think by making her a wee bit more relatable, it would fix a lot of the issues I have with her. 

But, I fear that she’ll continue to be what the French call, “Les Incompétents.” 

Fun fact: Linnie is played by Angela Goethals, who a lot of you will also know as Taylor from Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon 

But, you already know I’m going to watch the new season, baby.