The French Italian * Humorous Touches With Real-World Examples
Tuesday, October 28th, 2025
When a young New York City couple are terrorized by their noisy downstairs neighbor, who happens to be a failed actress, they decide to get revenge by casting her in a fake play in order to humiliate her. However, the couple soon get sucked into the process of producing theater and start to believe that becoming artists is their true calling.
KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Elsy S. comments, “I like the film The French Italian because of its humorous touches, real-world examples, and the two main characters’ unrealistic opinions of what they believe to be an amazing play.” Leo G. adds, “I enjoyed The French Italian because it has funny moments and quirky humor, but it is a bit slow at times.” See their full reviews below.
The French Italian
By Elsy S. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 13
I like the film The French Italian because of its humorous touches, real-world examples, and the two main characters’ unrealistic opinions of what they believe to be an amazing play.
The story takes place in modern day New York City, and follows a couple, Valerie (Cat Cohen), and Doug (Aristotle Athari), who are antagonized by their downstairs neighbor (Jon Rudnitsky), and his new girlfriend, Mary (Chloe Cherry). When they find out that Mary is an actress, Valerie and Doug come up with a plan to get revenge on her, by writing a fake play and casting her in it.
They write the play as a joke, but get really into it, envisioning themselves as great playwrights. The play takes place, but Mary finds out about their plan and leaves, and eventually, the play is a success as a one man show starring their other actor, Joe (Ikechukwu Ufomadu).
The story really symbolizes real-world examples of getting too caught up in something and believing yourself to be a genius. One aspect that really impressed me is how it manages to portray the characters in a way that is both comedic and authentic. Although the acting is generally impressive, a few characters don’t seem to portray any emotion throughout the film, such as Mary, who just looks bored throughout the entire film. My favorite part is when the play takes place, starring Joe, and is a complete success, due to its humor that made both the audience in the film and me laugh. My least favorite part is when Mary and her boyfriend are fighting and prevent Valerie and Doug from getting any sleep.
The film’s message is about realistic expectations and not overestimating your abilities. It also reminds us to be self-aware. Be forewarned that there are some references to adult concepts, mild nudity, language, and drinking.
I give The French Italian 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18. It will be available on VOD starting on October 28, 2025.
The French Italian
By Leo G. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 13
I enjoyed The French Italian because it has funny moments and quirky humor, but it is a bit slow at times.
The story follows a couple, Doug (Aristotle Athari) and Valerie (Catherine Cohen), as they carry out an elaborate plan to get back at an ex-neighbor, Mary (Chloe Cherry). Doug and Valerie feel forced to move from their amazing New York apartment because Mary and her boyfriend are so loud. To get back at them, they trick Mary into accepting a role in a play that Doug and Valerie write specifically to humiliate Mary.
Valerie’s character has funny moments at her job as she tries to hide the revenge plan from her boss and when she discovers that a friend helping her with the play is crazy. The movie gets quirkier as Valerie and Doug get increasingly obsessed with their play, which includes a human playing a pet dog and a huge talking karaoke machine. However, the movie is a bit slow at times because the characters talk a lot about the play and there is not a lot of action. For example, when Doug and Valerie run a marathon, they talk about the play the entire time.
In the end, I think Doug and Valerie are self-centered characters and it makes me question whether it is Mary’s fault that they move away. It might just be that Doug and Valerie only see things from their point of view.
The film’s message is that there are always two sides to a story.
I give The French Italian 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It will be released on demand on October 28, 2025.
In New York City’s most quickly gentrifying neighborhoods, a group of fearless residents, activists, and nonprofit attorneys fight corrupt landlords and developers for the basic human right to a home.
I like the documentary Slumlord Millionaire because it is extremely educational and highlights so many powerful voices. It is a powerful documentary about activism and many brave initiatives and individuals.
Landlords, especially for lower- and middle-class families, have so much power over their tenants. They constantly raise prices of housing, while the tenants’ income stays the same. A landlord determines what kind of conditions their tenants live in. This film explains that there are both good and corrupt landlords. The “good” landlords will have fair prices, showing their care for their tenants. The corrupt landlords will charge unfair prices to their tenants and not fix any damage in the apartment. The reason this is so impactful and important is because NYC is driven by the real estate industry. Most people in New York City have been housing insecure since after World War II. Housing costs have increased unfairly over the years. In fact, one-third of New Yorkers spend over fifty percent of their income on rent. Housing insecurity remains a big issue because, instead of helping people who already live in New York City, big companies are choosing to continue building apartments for middle to high class income people.
