Reception
The film was a generally moderate commercial success, with a budget of $13 million it grossed $16,171,098.
It has a 58% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, indicating a neutral-positive critical reception. Jason Solomon of The Observer praised the casting "Cassel, Kassovitz and Kidman are beautifully graceful against the backdrop of signs to Tring and Newbury." He continued "The comedy here is gentle, formed of linguistic misunderstandings and cultural clashes and Chaplin's constant efforts to be polite are rather charming. Kidman's exoticism, encapsulated by her peasant-chic wardrobe, is fresh air in St Albans." The BBC reviewer gave the film 4 out of 5 stars, praised Chaplin's and Kidman's "infectious performances" and describe it as a "sparky" and "deviant topical comedy which is funny from start to finish." CNN praised Kidman's "astounding range" and applauded the dialogue as "often sharp, scathingly witty, and displays a wry intelligence."
The New York Times described the film as "competent" but decried the plot as too "insubstantial".
Read more about this topic: Birthday Girl
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