Coming on the heels of the critically acclaimed Midnight in Paris, this collection of interwoven but not interconnected stories initially feels like a step backwards for writer / director Woody Allen.
Average family man Leopoldo (Roberto Benigni) wishes people would listen to him, then suddenly finds himself the most famous man in Italy for no reason at all.
Young newlyweds Antonio (Alessandro Tiberi) and Milly (Alessandra Mastronardi) are separated in the big city: she ends up being ogled by a star on a movie set while he has to pretend a prostitute (Penelope Cruz) is his wife.
Famous architect John (Alec Baldwin) becomes an advisor to Jack (Jesse Eisenberg), who’s torn between his girlfriend (Greta Gerwig) and her crazy actress friend (Ellen Page).
And in what’s the closest this film comes to a main story, American tourist Hayley (Alison Pil) meets roman native Michelangelo (Flavio Parenti) and they fall in love, prompting her parents (Judy Davis and Allen) to fly over, leading eventually to an opera where the lead appears on stage singing in the shower.
Allen’s writing here is as sharp as it’s been in years, whether he’s writing gags – there are loads of great one-liners here – or creating characters.
Playing a failed opera director who, as his wife dryly points out, equates retirement with death, Allen is just as good in front of the camera.
As is everyone; Allen’s never had trouble attracting great casts and while some characters are more complex than others (Page’s actress is a classic; Eisenberg is basically playing Young Woody) the performances are all warm and lively.
Allen’s view of love is one where people take chances that more often than not don’t work out. What really counts is staying open to possibility. The same could be said of his film-making career; here, at least, the chance pays off.
3.5 out of 5
To Rome With Love Australian release: 18th October, 2012 Official Site:To Rome With Love Cast: Woody Allen, Alec Baldwin, Roberto Benigni, Penélope Cruz, Judy Davis, Jesse Eisenberg, Greta Gerwig, Ellen Page Director: Woody Allen
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