Movie Review: When in Rome (2010)
The rom-com is quickly becoming an intolerable genre
Photo: Touchstone Pictures
I guess it could have been worse. It could have been Leap Year. No matter, When In Rome is just another installment in the continuing lackluster series of romantic comedies that haunt the early year release schedule. As much as studios spend on script doctors for their more serious fare, wouldn't it make sense to bring in someone with even the smallest level of life experience to say this just won't cut it?
This isn't to say I am asking for an overwhelming amount of logic from a film built on the idea stealing coins tossed into a fountain in Rome would cause the owners of said coins to fall in love with whomever took them. Such is the case here as Kristen Bell plays Beth, a New Yorker addicted to her work as a curator at the Guggenheim, who's in Rome for 48 hours for her sister's wedding. Lacking faith in love she decides to defy the magical fountain in an attempt to "save" those wishing for love the trouble.
The cast includes Kristen Bell, Jon Heder, Dax Shepard, Will Arnett, Danny DeVito, Josh Duhamel, Alexis Dziena and Anjelica Huston. For more information on this film including pictures, trailers and a detailed synopsis choose from the following menu.
Review
"When in Rome" is a Touchstone Pictures release, directed by Mark Steven Johnson and is rated PG-13 for some suggestive content. The running time is 1 hour 31 minutes.
We all agree we know where this is all going to go, and such is the case in pretty much every single rom-com out there. But that's not why we watch romantic comedies, we watch them despite their genre trappings because they have potential to be fun, lighthearted escapism and every now and again one truly works. Such is not the case here and there is no one to blame but the series of individuals that greenlit this project as it was doomed at the script stage and should have never made it into the hands of any of the actors involved — although director Mark Steven Johnson (Ghost Rider and Daredevil) is proving this is exactly the kind of script he should be reading.
So as the sausage man, the model, magician and artist stumble over themselves in an attempt to win Beth's love (because that's exactly what women are looking for), Josh Duhamel playing an ESPN sportswriter is the fifth finger in this hand of doom aiming for Beth's affection. Bell and Duhamel are fine as an onscreen couple, but despite the magical storyline Bell abandons all logic and common human intelligence as what appears to be only an attempt to keep the film's runtime from falling short of 90 minutes. Misunderstandings are common place in romantic comedies, they are what keeps them going, but there is no misunderstanding in When In Rome, there's just plain and simple ignorance.
Admittedly, When In Rome does have a couple of chuckles thanks to Heder's attempts at magic, as well as a spirited turn from "Saturday Night Live" performer Bobby Moynihan as Duhamel's friend and co-worker Puck. Most impressive, however, is Don Johnson as Beth's father who appears to have simply taken a role that allowed him a paid vacation in Italy. I mean, who could blame a guy for taking that gig?
Overall, this film is just one misstep after another. Everyone involved was obviously in it for the paycheck, other than Moynihan who proved he may be able to add something to a feature comedy as he's the only one worth really giving any kudos here. Everyone else should just be ashamed they were paid obscene amounts of money to churn out this trash and donate their unearned money to those who truly need and deserve it.
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Admittedly, in the last 10 years, rom-coms have met their end. I can't remember the last time I enjoyed one… well, in theatres, anyway.
However, last night, I saw a movie my fellow film buff (and best friend) Michael, had been trying to persuade me to see for months now, but I never really got around to it until now. It happens to be a romantic comedy.
Now, the only other rom coms you'll find in my Top 10 are Punch-Drunk Love and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. However, this film triumphs over not only those, but also my previous #1, Adaptation, which had been my favourite film for half a year now. However, a new favourite has finally hit me: High Fidelity.
I can only hope we can pack theatres with more movies like that, and not this When in Rome bullshit.
@Mason: I absolutely love High Fidelity. I actually have it on my employee recommendations rack at the movie store I work at. It has a real sense of personality, and Cusack injects so much individuality into his character. It even features one of the only Jack Black performances I can stand. I simply can't say enough good things about it.
Oh, and I absolutely agree with Brad after seeing "When in Rome" yesterday.
@Kevin: I agree wholeheartedly. Rob Gordon is a character I can relate to in so many ways I couldn't begin to list them. Being only 15-years old, and a person I would consider more intelligent than most my age (not to be pretentious or self-obsessed, but honestly, most kids my age haven't got a clue-complete fucking dolts, really), the whole "love lost" story is meaningful to me and the film offers up a hell of a lot of advice almost directly, as if it was saying "do this".
Pitch-perfect performances all-round. Jack Black isn't an actor I can't stand. I found him highly entertaining in School of Rock, and Tenacious D in the Pick of Destiny is a guilty pleasure (very guilty). However, this is no doubt his best performance. It's also John Cusack's best, and he's an actor I enjoy watching always.
Haven't seen Grosse Point Blank yet, but will be doing so.