A Tourist's Guide to Love

A Tourist's Guide to Love

"A Tourist's Guide to Love" offers a harmless and forgettable experience, fitting well with its unremarkable title. While it's not quite a film to casually fold laundry to, thanks to its lovely scenery, it does provide a pleasant escape for a lazy Saturday afternoon viewing.

Rachael Leigh Cook brings her energetic presence to this Netflix original, which follows all the predictable beats of the romantic comedy genre. Slapstick humour, fish-out-of-water moments, quirky supporting characters, shopping montages, a love triangle, a hidden secret, and a last-minute declaration of love—all the familiar elements are present. However, what sets "A Tourist's Guide to Love" apart is its setting in present-day Vietnam, giving it a sense of novelty.

Directed by Steven K. Tsuchida, known for his work in television, including 2021's "Resort to Love," another Netflix romantic comedy set in a picturesque vacation spot. While the film follows a formula, the chemistry between the leads is endearing, and the locations are enticing, making it easy to surrender to its charms.

Cook portrays Amanda Riley, an uptight travel agent living a predictable life in Los Angeles with her dull accountant boyfriend, John (Ben Feldman). Amanda's boss and seemingly her only friend, Mona (Missi Pyle), convinces her that John is about to propose. Instead, he drops the bombshell that he's taking a job in Ohio and putting their relationship on hold. Stunned by the revelation, Amanda agrees to Mona's suggestion of going undercover in Vietnam to evaluate a local tour company for a potential acquisition by her firm. This trip also serves as her opportunity for self-discovery and healing. Additionally, she coincidentally arrives during the annual Tet celebration, symbolizing renewal. Realistic? Probably not. But we don't watch these movies for realism.

Thus, the Type-A Amanda joins a tour group led by the charming and soulful Sinh (Scott Ly) and his lively cousin, Anh (Quinn Truc Tran). Screenwriter Eirene Tran Donohue attempts to flesh out the fellow travellers, but their interactions feel awkward and lacking depth. Amanda, who is meticulously prepared, sticks to the strict itinerary to fulfil her covert mission. On the other hand, easygoing Sinh takes an intuitive approach, eventually leading Amanda to embrace a more carefree attitude. Sinh always has the right words of wisdom for each situation, reflecting Amanda's transformative journey. While these characters may seem familiar, Cook's likability softens Amanda's assertive and impatient traits, and Ly's understated performance adds depth to Sinh's philosophical musings.

Collaborating with cinematographer Jon Keng, Tsuchida skillfully captures the captivating locales they visit on their journey, ranging from the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City to the picturesque beaches of Da Nang and the verdant hills of Sinh's village. As Amanda lounges under an umbrella by the sea, she confesses that doing nothing feels strangely foreign—a sentiment that resonates.

In essence, "A Tourist's Guide to Love" is a travelogue with a narrative. However, you might find yourself genuinely invested in whether these two attractive yet distinctly different individuals ultimately fall for each other.

Streaming on Netflix...