It's hard to resist the temptation to compare it with his last production, which also had a European setting, far removed from Allen's beloved New York. Yet, comparisons do not abound because the two movies really do not share much in common with each other. Midnight in Paris gave a nostalgic glance at the charm and splendor that shined on any warm summer night in 1920s Paris. The appearances of some of the elite artists as Picasso and Hemingway gave it an unexpected charm that propelled it to its own elite status on Allen's list. Heck, even Owen Wilson was great.
But from what we can see in the trailer, there appears to be no secret time traveling in To Rome with Love. It seems to evoke the more traditional obscure, yet witty comedy on which Allen has built his career. Then again, watching the trailer didn't clarify what the movie is about; perhaps I was distracted by the immense star power of the cast. Alec Baldwin, Penelope Cruz, Jesse Eisenberg, Ellen Page and Greta Gerwig all make it into this movie. Woody Allen's right there too, on the screen of his own movie for the first time since 2006's Scoop. But he doesn't stop there. Roberto Benigni (Life is Beautiful) has a role too and it has been way too long since we last saw him on an American movie screen.
The incredible success of last year's Midnight in Paris could either help or hurt To Rome With Love. Surely, if it misses the mark, you can argue it was because of the high expectations set by the former. Then again, Midnight in Paris' warm reception could be contagious. And if success comes in pairs, then we can surely say that Allen has once again hit his stride in his 6th decade as a filmmaker. Chances are we will.
