Movie Review: '2 Days in New York' -- 3 stars

2 Days in New York
3 stars
Directed by Julie Delpy
Starring Julie Delpy, Chris Rock
Rated R

"2 Days in New York" offers an appealing fantasy depiction of cosmopolitan life in the heart of Manhattan, in the vein of vintage Woody Allen.

The world inhabited by protagonists Marion (Julie Delpy) and Mingus (Chris Rock) has little to do with the day-to-day slog that can come with navigating your way through the expensive, crowded borough.

But even if the movie offers a steadfast departure from reality, the sunny portrait of Marion and Mingus -- a middle class Manhattan couple living in relative bliss with their children from previous marriages -- is a welcome entrant in the long, illustrious tradition of cinematic valentines to the city.

In this sequel to "2 Days in Paris," directed and co-written by Delpy, photographer Marion and her new boyfriend Mingus, a radio host, are tested by the arrival of her overbearing family: Boisterous dad Jeannot (Albert Delpy, Julie's real-life father), exhibitionist sister Rose (Alexia Landeau) and Rose's crude boyfriend Manu (Alex Nahon), who is also Marion's ex.

The movie is centered on the cross-cultural misunderstandings and social faux pas that feed Mingus' growing exasperation with the chaotic Gallic invasion into his loft. It's a snappy comic entertainment set in a universe of art galleries and fashionable cafes that's well played by all involved, including an understated Rock, who finally seems comfortable as an actor.

At its heart, though, "2 Days in New York" is a sentimental exercise. And with its celebration of the joys and burdens of a close-knit family, and the pleasures of life in NYC, it's a likable one.