To Rome With Love
Writer, Director, and Actor Woody Allen is up to his usual bag of tricks, this time exploring the particulars of love, romance, and fame while in Rome. Peering into the lives of several couples we meet newlyweds who’ve just moved to Rome, two Americans living abroad, an ordinary middle aged Italian couple, and an Italian and American who are engaged to be married. All stricken with challenges that will test their relationships, challenges such as prostitutes, straying movie stars, sexy best friends in town, and the relentless paparazzi; will the couples have what it takes to weather the storms they each face, or will they crash upon the rocks of a broken heart?
Featuring a diverse all star cast including but not limited to Alec Baldwin, Jesse Eisenberg, Penelope Cruz, Ellen Page and Alison Pill we’re certainly given quite a bit to watch. Unfortunately, with the exception of a few lines and moments, we’re just not given a whole lot to laugh or chuckle about. It’s clear Allen is trying, and the jokes are there, they’re just not funny. Often, where dialogue feels like it should flow instead we’re given performances that feel more akin to cold reads or stiffness. But the film isn’t a total loss, Baldwin on the other hand does manage to charm with his timing and comedic sensibilities, and Penelope Cruz in a slinky red dress will certainly catch plenty of gawkers slack jawed. Really more of a rental when put up against Midnight in Paris, sorry Woody, try again. To Rome With Love is rated R.