Review of When in Rome (2010) by Trevor L — 28 Aug 2010

After being humilated by her ex-boyfriend, Beth (Kristen Bell) is a skeptic when it comes to love. So when her younger sister enters into a whirlwind marriage in Rome, Beth joins into the wedding party and meets Nick, a charming sports reporter. But, after spying Nick and another woman outside the famous Fountain of Love, Beth foolishly plucks five coins out of the fountain where five men are struck with a curse that puts them head over heel in love with Beth. Will Beth find the way to break the curse to get rid of such crazy suitors as a street magician (Heder) or an egomaniac model (Shepard), or at long last find true love?

I will admit, the trailers for this movie were atrocious: they made Bell look annoying, and the tone set in 2 minutes' time didn't make me feel like giving this rom-com a chance. However, to my surprise, When in Rome has a lot going for it with good chemistry with the romantic leads, and some good comedy from the suitors. Is there a weakpoint? One of Nick's buddies is horribly written and the actor's portrayal of this character feels like he was channeling Jonah Hill in a C- performance. Other than that misstep in static characterization, When in Rome is a goofy, lighthearted comedy with a great leading lady and a charming love interest in Duhamel.