FILM: To Rome With Love (12A)

Writer-director Woody Allen continues his hit-and-miss love affair with Europe in this ensemble romantic comedy set in the picturesque Italian capital, where the fates of four would-be lovers entwine. Hayley (Alison Pill) accepts a marriage proposal from handsome lawyer Michelangelo (Flavio Parenti) and jets to Rome with her parents Jerry (Allen) and Phyllis (Judy Davis) so they can meet their soon-to-be son-in-law.

Former opera director Jerry discovers that Michelangelo’s father Giancarlo (Fabio Armiliato) has a stunning voice and he persuades the old man to audition in front of the cultural elite. Elsewhere... Antonio (Alessandro Tiberi) and his new wife Milly (Alessandra Mastronardi) move to the capital for his work and she becomes lost in the city searching for a hair salon.

An encounter with her favourite actress, Pia Fusari (Ornella Muti), changes her life. Back at the hotel, Antonio is disturbed by prostitute Anna (Penelope Cruz), who mistakenly believes him to be her next client.

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Elsewhere... family man Leopoldo (Roberto Benigni) becomes an overnight celebrity and cameras document his every move for the voracious viewing public. He quickly learns that his humdrum old existence was no worse than life in the constant glare of a lens.

Elsewhere... architect John (Alec Baldwin) returns to Rome 30 years after he lived there. As he tours old haunts, he meets American student Jack (Jesse Eisenberg), who introduces John to his wife Sally (Greta Gerwig) and her sexually charged best friend Monica (Ellen Page), who is a danger to the male of the species. John attempts to resist Monica’s bountiful charms, but it takes all of his will power.

Released: September 14 (UK & Ireland, selected cinemas), 111 mins

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