Entertainment value: 9/10
Cinematography: 7/10
Originality: 4/10
Sound: 7/10
Script: 9/10
Pacing: 10/10
Overall: Fun to watch as a casual, comfortable romance-comedy, but don’t come in with any big expectations. A few quirky jokes and humorous moments make the film somewhat memorable. The film leans heavily on the attractiveness of its two stars, and combined with a well-paced script, they do a good job carrying the movie.
Starring: Emma Roberts, Hayden Christensen
Directed by: Donald Petrie
A lot of films tend to receive negative critical reception, on account of being predictable, generic, formulaic re-hashes of existing tropes and ideas. Many films are, arguably, unoriginal in their conception and execution. I pity certain film critics for being so entrenched in the gravitas of their vocation as to be unable to see past the veneer of simplicity around a film and appreciate and enjoy it for what it is, as your casual watcher might – lo, hath the art of enjoyment reached such a pedigree of seriousness that one cannot simply stand back and appreciate something for what it is?
Perhaps critics, including myself, are pitiable creatures in general, for being critics, and not artists, especially lest they not even approach their critiques as an art-form. My own criticism of critics is rooted in my disdain for any pursuit that has become so ego-driven as to become the hobby of sniveling individuals who cannot appreciate beauty for beauty’s sake; cannot simply enjoy a thing for what it is. But lest I fall into the very trap I so disdain, I digress, to return to the topic at hand: the movie called Little Italy.
Upon its surface and indeed, in its depths, are nothing more than a formulaic, generic romance-comedy, one which stars the handsome Hayden Christensen and the beautiful Emma Roberts. The casting is solid in this film, with the two stars sharing a fairly reasonable amount of on-screen warmth and chemistry. Hayden Christensen has always been rather adept at bringing nuance and subtlety into his characters, and this film is no different: he brings an aura of warmth and sensitivity to Leo that is incredibly palpable.
Emma Roberts is a bit stiffer at times and slightly sterile in her representation, but not in a detracting way; arguably, it can be seen as part of her character being somewhat guarded and pretentious: Nikki, the big globe-trotting, cosmopolitan girl who believes she has outgrown her roots. Ultimately, she is able to produce genuine warmth, affection and attachment at all the right moments, in all the right ways, especially in how she smiles, laughs, and falls into Hayden’s (Leo’s) arms.
The supporting cast all do a tremendous job and bring a lot of variety to the picture. Perhaps it is best to describe the film like the pizzas they make in it: it is not overwhelming, with just the right combination of the right ingredients in an interesting way to make something familiar delectable and interesting. The film doesn’t take any risks or attempt anything interesting; in a sense it’s drab or banal in its utter predictability (which is where other critics lambast it), but in my book, there’s nothing bad about that – if comfort is what you’re looking for.
And that’s what this movie is: comfortable, with just a hint of humor to keep you smiling, just enough warmth to make you feel fuzzy, like a dish in a familiar restaurant in your hometown. There is just enough tension and drama in the conflict to make you care and wonder how things will pan out. But it’s not a real emotional investment, it’s not a roller-coaster; it’s more like a tasty family meal in a cozy kitchen that is both hospitable and homely. I believe that’s all the film sets out to be, and it does a good job there. For that: mission accomplished, and kudos.
The scripting is sharp and on-point, the cinematography is colorful and captures the essence of the locale splendidly, and the recognizable cast do a good job in their respective roles. There are more than a few jokes and ideas that I thought were quirky, original, and funny. I certainly found myself smiling and laughing in decent measure.
Had the movie pushed some boundaries and attempted to be more risqué and comedy-oriented, I feel it could have made out quite well: the cast had the chemistry and talent to pull it off.
Overall, if you go into this film expecting something cozy and entertaining, you’ll find it enjoyable. If you’re looking for something deeply romantic or cerebral, or something that is raucous and laugh-out-loud hilarious, look elsewhere. This film keeps its feet firmly planted in the territory of “comfortably safe,” relying on the beauty and charisma of its stars to carry it.
IMDB 5.7/10, Rotten Tomatoes 13% critics, 65% audience, Metacritic 28
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