Ambitious young New Yorker, Beth (Kristen Bell), is in Rome for her sister's wedding. Disillusioned with love, she makes a wish in a "fountain of love" and magically ignites the passion of an odd group of suitors: a sausage magnate (Danny DeVito), a street magician (Napoleon Dynamite's Jon Heder), an adoring painter (Arrested Development's Will Arnett) and a self-admiring model (Dax Shepard). But when a charming reporter (Transformers' Josh Duhamel) pursues her with equal zest, how will she know if his love is the real thing?
Despite the surfeit of cliches and apparent lack of any original thought in this hopelessly contrived rom-com, it remains a reasonably amiable exercise in generic mirth thanks principally to a likable cast.
As evidenced in the beloved, cancelled TV show Veronica Mars, lead Kristen Bell (Forgetting Sarah Marshall) can display acting depth when necessary. The script for When In Rome makes no such demands on Bell, but she ably carries the film on her shoulders, projecting plenty of charm with only a small hint that she’s been genetically bred for films like these.
Handsome blockhead Josh Duhamel exhibits more personality here than as an action hero in the Transformers movies, but his shtick too often relies on him bumping into things.
Of the ‘whacky suitors’, Dax Shepard (er, Without A Paddle) gets the most laughs as an egotistically deluded male model, while Arrested Development’s Will Arnett pulls of a funny accent as an Italian artist. As a street magician, Jon Heder shows that he needs to stop relying upon Napoleon Dynamite-isms if he’s gonna sustain an acting career.
When In Rome marks a significant change of tack for director Mark Steven Johnson, who most recently helmed a couple of crappy superhero adaptations (Daredevil, Ghost Rider). He’s able to sustain a pleasantly whimsical tone for the most part, but the film crumbles under any sort of serious scrutiny.
By Dominic Corry, Flicks.co.nz
This is a funny movie. I am planning on buying it myself. It is totally a girlie comedy so boyfriends beware! Although in saying that my husband did become more interested in the movie nearer the end. And if your not into it who can complain with all the eye candy :)
come on ease up sure this movie was a tad predictable but it was very very funny as fer as rom coms go
Waffer thin storyline and highly predictable. If you want a night where you don't need to engage you brain, this is the film for you. This is a must watch on Dvd when you have NOTHING better to do.
Saw this when carless on the north shore waiting for a repair at 9.30 in the morning. Seemed like the only thing without miley cyrus in it or percy jackson and the lightening thief. Good concept for a romcom but SO POORLY EXECUTED! That script was absolute SH*T! But, in saying that, i wasn't really surprised. Its a romcom, after all. The only redeeming features was josh duhamel - he was likeable, and kristen bell had her moments. wait for dvd.
The latest demonstration of the impossibility of making a good movie from a bad script is provided by When in Rome, a romantic comedy approved by the previous regime at Disney.
There are dull stabs at verbal wit that leave you baffled, bored or slightly grossed out.
A disappointing dud
Predictable but pleasant comedic fantasy.
We've been told the NZ release date for this flick is Thursday, 15th Apr 2010.
Release date: April 15th 2010.
We haven't received times for this movie in this location yet. However these are updated as cinemas announce them, so check back soon. Hopefully the lovely cinemas in your location will choose to play it shortly. ~Ed.
