2 DAYS IN NEW YORK (15).

Comedy/Romance. Julie Delpy, Chris Rock, Albert Delpy, Alexia Landeau, Alex Nahon, Owen Shipman, Talen Ruth Riley, Dylan Baker, Vincent Gallo, Daniel Bruhl. Director: Julie Delpy Cultural stereotypes provide cheap laughs in Julie Delpy’s boisterous sequel to her 2007 amuse-bouche, 2 Days In Paris.

Featuring the same larger-than-life characters, this culture clash comedy is scatter-shot and sporadically funny, but lacks the bonhomie of its predecessor.

The script, co-written by co-star Alexia Landeau, flows back and forth in English and French, juxtaposing miscommunications between the undernourished characters. Crucially, the relationship between Delpy and her new on-screen partner Chris Rock strains credibility. Indeed, Rock catalyses more screen chemistry with his cardboard cut-out of Barack Obama which becomes his confidant.

A charming, low-budget puppet show prologue recaps plot developments since the first film.

Neurotic artist Marion (Delpy) is no longer romantically entangled with Jack. She is happily ensconced in New York with radio DJ Mingus (Rock) and her young son Lulu (Owen Shipman).

A visit from her papa (Albert Delpy), sister Rose (Landeau) and Rose's pot-smoking partner Manu (Alex Nahon) begins badly when the two men are stopped at US customs, attempting to smuggle 10 sausages and eight cheeses into the country in their undergarments.

The dysfunctional clan's arrival coincides with Marion's forthcoming exhibition of photographs, which will culminate in her making an existential statement by selling her soul to the highest bidder.

2 Days In New York bids adieu to subtlety as the script plays up the French as unhygienic, fromage-guzzling flirts who lack sensitivity or social graces.