Review of Blame It on Rio (1984) by Stuart K — 30 Apr 2010
Directed by Stanley Donen, best known for films such as On the Town (1949), Singin' in the Rain (1952), Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (1954) and Bedazzled (1967) comes this romantic comedy that feels quite dated, and it could benefit from a remake, but it managed to do well when it was released originally.
It has Matthew (Michael Caine) and Victor (Joseph Bologna) who work in a big company in São Paulo, Brazil. Matthew's marriage to wife Karen (Valerie Harper) is in doubt, so the men decide to go on a holiday to Rio de Janeiro, where they rent a nice house with a good view.
Along for the ride is Matthew's daughter Nikki (Demi Moore) and Victor's daughter Jennifer (Michelle Johnson). At the beach one night, a moment of passion comes over Jennifer and Matthew. The next day, Jennifer declares her love for Matthew, much to his fear, what's going to happen if Victor finds out, so he tries to cover it up.
Alot of the comedy in the film doesn't work, and a plot like this would have been more suited to someone like Blake Edwards, indeed it does feel like a cash in on 10 (1979). There are laughs, but not alot.
Unsurprisingly, it was Donen's last film.
This review of Blame It on Rio (1984) was written by Stuart K on 30 Apr 2010.
Blame It on Rio has generally received mixed reviews.
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