Champagne Problems has the perfect pop, fizz, and sparkle to make it a contender for the best Christmas movie in 2025. Director and writer Mark Steven Johnson (Love in the Villa, Love, Guaranteed, Christopher Robin) has potentially done what I believed impossible – created a modern-day Christmas movie that leaves you craving a rewatch. I almost feel like I would watch it again immediately. Shameful, I know.
Sydney Price (Minka Kelly, Titans) proposes an idea to her boss to help save a small Champagne company just before Christmas, and the journey that is about to change her life takes her to Champagne, France. However, before Sydney sets off, she makes a pinky promise with her sister to have one night just being Sydney again, and not “business Sydney”. As she sticks to her pinky promise, as we all always should, she steps into her love story in a magnificent bookstore, meeting Henri Cassell (Tom Wozniczka, Drops of God).
Instantaneous Chemistry
The star of the show was just that: the stars of the show. The chemistry between Sydney and Henri was instantaneous, undeniable, and riveting. Mark Steven Johnson made the excellent decision to start the love story at the beginning of the movie and keep it throughout. A far more enjoyable experience than waiting until the end in anticipation of “will they, won’t they”—although they always do.
From the meet-cute to the final scene, we are met with a beautiful blend of romance, humour, and charm. I never knew I wanted a love story to exist all through a Christmas movie before. But then again, it shouldn’t have surprised me because I’ve always loved love.
Before moving on, I wish to give special props to Minka Kelly. Her performance was outstandingly feminine and sweet. Minka played the perfect role for a lead Christmas lady, and if we’re being sincere, she was inspiring. I can imagine the effect her character would have on the other characters in real life if a lady were to present herself in such a way—a woman, a character, perhaps to be studied.
Perfect Pacing & A Delightful Cast
Screening for 1.5 hours, Champagne Problems runs at the perfect pace. From start to finish, the speed and structure are perfect. No fault could be found. Except one, in fact: I didn’t wish for the movie to end.
So if you’re looking for a Christmas movie bubbling with love, laughter, meaning, and an EXTREMELY CUTE dog, your Christmas wishes will come true.
Let’s talk about the extra characters, because believe me, they are just as important as the leading roles. We have Hugo Cassell, Roberto, Otto, and Brigitte. The chemistry of the entire cast is delightful till the very last drop! Roberto and Otto particularly had me chuckling with their humorous lines, which surprised and delighted me.
If you’re familiar with my Christmas Movie Reviews, you’ll know I recently watched and reviewed Jingle Bell Heist, and a huge faux pas they made was their lack of Christmas Spirit in the cinematography and music. So how does Champagne Problems compare?
Well, it blows the blooming bubbles out of Jingle Bell Heist. With bountiful scenes of Paris at Christmas time and sweet, popping Christmas music, the festive feel was erupting just as champagne bottles do upon opening! The cinematography was so beautiful that it left a deep desire in my heart – I would love to visit France at Christmas time.
A Toast to Mark Steven Johnson
I am grateful to Mark Steven Johnson for writing and directing this beautiful Christmas movie. I am thankful because Champagne Problems was a movie that made me feel happy and hopeful, which was my pure intention and desire when watching a Christmas movie. And this movie popped the cork on pure joy and happiness.
Now the only question that’s left… Am I sad enough to go and watch it again? Yes. Maybe not immediately, but I’m definitely tempted to do it again this Christmas.
Final Verdict
The Good
- Sydney and Henri have a riveting connection that starts early and sustains the film.
- Minka Kelly gives a performance that is feminine, sweet, and inspiring—the perfect Christmas lead.
- Unlike other recent releases, this movie nails the festive vibe with beautiful music and visuals.
- A rare modern Christmas movie you’ll want to watch again immediately.
The Bad
- The only fault is that the joy has to eventually stop!