When in Rome

When in Rome (2010). Directed by Mark Steven Johnson.

My husband picked this movie out for a date night. Frankly, I was surprised but saw the effort for what it was: a desire to make me happy and see something he thought I’d like. I didn’t contest the opportunity.

This is a blatant chick-flick. The premise of the movie is based on a legend and the fountain of love in Italy. Beth (Kristen Bell) picks up coins from the fountain of love in a drunken stupor. Each coin she picks up automatically makes the owner fall in love with her.

It is completely predictable. The only redeeming quality that saved this movie from being horrendous is the hilarious comedy. The dialogue has some winning moments but its strongest attribute was, by far, the slap-stick type scenes involving some very interesting situations (a car in a place cars do no go in and Pedro?!). However, don’t go in there expecting too much or you’ll be completely disappointed.

I was totally surprised to see what cast they had to work with, a really interesting one. You’ll recognize a few of them. Including some from 30 Rock, Napoleon Dynamite, Transformers, and Baby Mama.

Overall, I might watch this again on Netflix. I might even buy it if it goes on sale. But it’s no run-to-Wal-Mart-on-release movie.