The way Woody Allen divides film audiences is akin to Bob Dylan—you either hang on his every line, or react unfavourably to the mere sound of his voice. For me, he is a comic genius, and even a subpar Allen offering brings tears of joy and many laughs.

In this, his ode to Italy’s great city, Allen intertwines several tales: a young American tourist and her Italian lover, as they meet their respective in-laws; an architect who meets his younger self about to be tempted by unrequited love; a typical Roman who unexpectedly wakes up famous; and a newlywed couple moving from a small village to Rome for the first time, who are quickly overwhelmed by the delights of the city, including one seriously sassy call girl.

This is as much a story about Rome as it is about its inhabitants. Like Midnight in Paris before it, Allen here allows himself to indulge unabashedly in all the iconic locations, from the Spanish steps to the Colosseum. He indulges in the magic and the bombastic charm of the city, and brings just enough American arrogance to make it equal parts fabulous and funny.

A shower-based opera singer and Cruz’s high-end call girl are just two of the highlights in this fun offering that will have you falling in love with Italy’s bold city once more.

 
Directed by: Woody Allen
Starring: Jesse Eisenberg, Ellen Page, Penelope Cruz, Alec Baldwin, Roberto Benigni, Judy Davis, Alison Pill & Greta Gerwig
Runtime: 103mins
Release Date: available now
Reviewer rating: 4/5