Dvd
When in Rome
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?
Starring Alexis Dziena, Kristen Bell, Josh Duhamel, Will Arnett, Danny DeVito, Anjelica Huston, Dax Shepard, Jon Heder
Directed by Mark Steven Johnson ('Daredevil', 'Ghost Rider')
Written by David Diamond, David Weissman
Romantic Comedy | 1hr 31mins | Rated (PG) | Contains sexual references | Origin: USA | Official Site »
- Trailers
- Reviews
-
- SHARE:
- SHARE:
The Talk
No votes / No comments
Flicks review
-
2
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.SHARE:
The people's reviews
3 reviews
Press Reviews
-
Hollywood Reporter
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.
Read full review -
New York Times
There are dull stabs at verbal wit that leave you baffled, bored or slightly grossed out.
Read full review -
NZherald.co.nz (Francesca Rudkin)
1
A disappointing dud
Read full review -
Variety (USA)
Predictable but pleasant comedic fantasy.
Read full review
View more trailers close window
-
Loading the player ...
Search For a DVD
I beg your pardon?
- Flicks.co.nz is serving the great nation of NZ with all things cinematic. Question about a movie or cinema? Thoughts on the site? Quips, gripes, advice for our own personal self-development?
- Get in touch with us by email at ED@ FLICKS.CO.NZ,on TWITTER oron FACEBOOK.
Want to see it
What say you? Yes No
Be the first to comment!