Movie Review ... To Rome With Love

 

Every year a new Woody Allen movie arrives to the adulation of his fans.  Although usually having lots of laughs, the director’s work has always managed to engage and intrigue.  Whilst having some amazing locations, his latest sadly has little of the witty humour for which he is renowned.  Blending four stories examining fame, desire and personality, his ode to a gorgeous city shows annual outings can sometimes stymie genuine creativity.

Living amongst the daily hustle and bustle of Rome, four groups of people find their lives transformed.  Among them are Leopoldo (Roberto Benigni), Jerry (Woody Allen), Phyllis (Judy Davis) and Anna (Penelope Cruz).  All attempt to deal with the various tribulations thrown their way.  As the Italian city’s lights dim the drama kicks into gear as the unique personalities aim to restore order in their scattered lives.

‘To Rome with Love’ is a very mixed bag.  Whilst attempting to ground the comedy in some type of reality, Allen’s use of fantastical elements negate this.  He’s used fantasy to further his stories several times but doesn’t work due to the script’s contrived nature and forced humour.  Hardly any situation is believable with the charm and whimsy Allen appears determined to convey never materialising.  The stories don’t particularly amount to much despite the work of a fine cast.

It’s a shame Allen’s direction and self-penned screenplay is unfocussed as there are some good laughs within.  Unfortunately there are too few of them with the cinematography becoming a welcome distraction.  The city streets look suitably lush and opulent, mirroring the sometimes grandiose adventures its inhabitants have.  Generally there’s a feel Allen is on auto-pilot with this venture – as if he had such a great time making it he forgot to tell an engrossing story.

Lacklustre and uninspired ‘To Rome with Love’ is rather unmemorable.  Although any Allen comedy is better than some of today’s commercially driven dross, hopefully his next movie will see him lift his game higher than seen here.

Movie Review Rating  5 / 10

Movie Review by Patrick Moore

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