When in Rome – Blu-ray Review

The Flick:

According to Rose Halas,a romantic comedy starts with “boy meets girl.” Some conflict stands in the way of true love, but the lovers exchange “the look” and right then and there the audience know the outcome of the film. Each lover has a partner in crime that serves the purpose of not only a connection between friends that the audience will recognize, but a way of revealing secrets within the plot. Despite the best efforts of the villain, the pair will end up together “happily ever after.” When In Rome has all of these characteristics that make romantic comedies so appealing to the masses, but if you’re like me, one of those people who dislike a romantic comedy because, even though I know the ending before I put the movie in, I still want to be surprised all through the film, then this is the romantic comedy for you.

No, superstition, exposed organs, and foot fetishes are not the usual traits of a romcom, but those are SOME of the traits that make this movie worth watching! When workaholic Beth (Kristen Bell) meets charmer Nick (Josh Duhamel) at her sister’s spontaneous wedding in Rome to Nick’s best friend, Beth falls for the first time in a long time. She is quickly let down and, on a drnken whim, decides to take coins, or wishes, from the Fontana de Amore. When she runs back to New York City to wrap herself in career, she is followed by comical group of suiters, all of whom are magically enchanted to love her since she possesses their wishes for love from the fountain.

When In Rome defines “all-star cast.” The beautiful and charming leads have a unique chemistry together, genuinely having fun together from start to finish as the clutzy, silly duo. The suiters, who director Mark Steven Johnson (Ghost Rider and Daredevil) calls the third lead of the film, are composed of comedic geniuses Will Arnett (Arrested Development), Jon Heder (Napoleon Dynamite), Dax Shepard (Employee of the Month), and Danny DeVito (Taxi) are constantly competing for Beth’s attention with their own unique talents. There’s an artist (This is where the foot fetish comes in…), a model, a meat expert, and a magician (Insert exposed organs here. Go figure!). Kate Micucci as Beth’s best friend and assistant really shines in one of her biggest roles yet, and Ajelica Huston as the “typical” scary boss is… typically scary, but in the best way!

Yes, this movie is romantic, charming, and hysterical, but it’s NOT your “typical, cliché” chick flick, rom com!

The Blu-ray:

The When In Rome Blu-ray has amazing, exclusive bonus features. The alternate opening is too funny! The alternate ending is just okay, but still worth a watch. The featurette, “Crazy Casanovas: Mischief From The Set” is great. Think about having all those funny people together—no interview can be serious! In “Extended Pain With the Suitors,” viewers get extra time with that third “ensemble” lead. After watching the movie, you’ll be wishing for more time than them anyway!

Other bonus features include bloopers, deleted scenes, and music videos. “Kerplunk! Bloopers from Rome,” which is the usual blooper reel, shows the cast forgetting lines and erupting into giggle fits, if you’re into that sort of thing. The deleted scenes are not as funny as the alternate scenes, but the music videos are great. “Stupid Love Letter” by Friday Night Boys is a cool song, but “Starstruck” by 3Oh!3 featuring Katy Perry puts it to shame! Not only is it such a cool song sung by amazing artists, the video is so interesting and appealing and intriguing!

This is probably one of my favorite Blu-rays yet! While all Blu-rays promise exclusive bonus features, this one delivers!

The Flick: Rating:

The Blu-ray: Rating: