From Paris with Love: A Wild Ride That Deserved More Love
Released in 2010, From Paris with Love is an adrenaline-fueled action thriller that may have flown under the radar for many but remains a cult favorite among fans of high-octane cinema. Directed by Pierre Morel (Taken) and written by Luc Besson (The Fifth Element, Leon: The Professional), the film is a stylish and chaotic thrill ride set against the gritty yet glamorous backdrop of Paris.
The Plot (Spoiler-Free)
From Paris with Love follows James Reece (Jonathan Rhys Meyers), a low-level CIA operative working at the U.S. embassy in Paris, who yearns for a more exciting role in the field. His wish is granted when he’s partnered with Charlie Wax (John Travolta), a brash and unpredictable special agent with a penchant for mayhem. What begins as a seemingly routine mission quickly spirals into a violent and fast-paced journey through the Parisian underworld, involving drug lords, terrorists, and high-stakes espionage.
The film leans into its action roots, but underneath the bullets and explosions is a buddy-cop dynamic that works surprisingly well, thanks to the contrasting chemistry between the two leads.
Travolta Like You’ve Never Seen Him
One of the most talked-about aspects of the film was John Travolta’s performance. Sporting a shaved head, goatee, and an unapologetically over-the-top attitude, Travolta’s Charlie Wax is unhinged, hilarious, and magnetic. His energy drives the film forward and gives it a distinct personality that sets it apart from more conventional spy thrillers. Jonathan Rhys Meyers plays the straight man to perfection, grounding the story with his more measured portrayal of a man clearly in over his head.
Style Over Substance… and That’s Okay
Critics were divided upon release. Some praised the film’s stylish direction and breakneck pacing, while others criticized it for lacking depth or nuance. But From Paris with Love was never meant to be a philosophical meditation on the spy genre. It’s a bullet-riddled, foul-mouthed, action-heavy romp designed to entertain — and in that regard, it succeeds.
It’s also a very “Luc Besson” type of movie: sleek, kinetic, and unapologetically pulpy. Fans of Taken, The Transporter, or Leon: The Professional will find a lot to enjoy here.
Why It Deserves a Second Look
Though it didn’t perform exceptionally well at the box office and failed to launch a franchise, From Paris with Love stands as an underrated entry in the action genre. It took bold creative swings, particularly with Travolta’s wild character, and delivered an entertaining, fast-paced story with international flair.
The film might not have been perfect, but for fans of explosive action, odd-couple dynamics, and Euro-flavored espionage, From Paris with Love is a must-watch that packs a punch and leaves an impression.