LATIN LOVER (2015) - ♦♦

Directed by - Cristina Comencini

Written by - Giulia Calenda, Cristina Comencini

Starring - Virna Lisi, Marisa Paredes, Angela Finocchiaro, Valeria Bruni Tedeschi, Candela Pena, Pihala Vitala, Nadeah Miranda, Francesco Scianna, Neri Marcorè, Claudio Gioè, Lluis Homar, Toni Bertorelli, Jordi Molla

 

"CRISTINA COMENCINI's latest film is a sunny side up commedia all'Italiana that revolves around the reunion of the five daughters of a famous internationally acclaimed Italian actor, all from different mothers, on the occasion of the tenth anniversary of his death. 

 
LATIN LOVER is a warm hearted comedy, which rounds up an admirable cast, among whom VIRNA LISI in her last on-screen performance before her untimely death inevitably stands out. It pays tribute to the resilience of the female sex, but is also largely defined by a lack of likeable characters. It doesn't help that despite some interesting elements, such as the introduction of the titular man's stunt double raising questions about his sexual preferences, being treated with taste, there is little bite to a film with such a bland and lacklustre sense of humour. 
 

At the end of the day, LATIN LOVER banks greatly on the appeal of the beloved classics of Italian cinema, but it does so in an excessively obvious way that seems to overtake all of its other intentions. Ill advised, but should nevertheless be appreciated by an audience with fewer expectations about anything fresh and original."

 

Comedy, Italy