Story
Beth (Kristen Bell) is a successful New York art curator. But she hasn’t been so successful in love. She travels to Rome for the wedding of her sister Joan (Alexis Dziena) to Umberto (Luca Calvani). Beth is immediately attracted to the best man, Nick (Josh Duhamel). But she sees him with another woman, drinks too much, and ends up in a street fountain. Beth takes some coins from the fountain. By magic, the men who threw in the money all fall in love with her.
Back in New York, the bewitched men relentlessly pursue her. To her amazement, so does Nick. Beth thinks he must also be under the spell, so she does her best to avoid him.
Themes
Magic and superstition; stalking
Violence
This movie contains some slapstick violence. For example:
- Beth accidentally knocks down an old lady while trying to smash a vase.
- One of the men chasing Beth runs into a horse and carriage.
- Beth sprays Nick in the eyes with mouth wash, thinking he is someone else.
- Nick falls down an open hole in the road.
- A man hanging upside down in Beth’s apartment falls on to a glass coffee table, smashing it.
- Nick and Beth go out for dinner to a ‘sensory deprivation’ restaurant where they can’t see anything. All her pursuers come into the restaurant wearing goggles and try to grab her.
Content that may disturb children
Under 8
In addition to the violent scenes mentioned above, this movie contains some scenes that could scare or disturb children under eight. For example:
- A street magician pulls out his heart (a fake one) to impress Beth.
- Nick is hit by a car but is unharmed.
From 8-13
In addition to the violent scenes mentioned above, this movie contains some scenes that could scare or disturb children in this age group. For example:
- Beth’s pursuers are all stereotypes of weird people. The way they chase her is quite creepy.
- Beth tells Nick about one of Picasso’s young lovers who hangs herself. This story obviously upsets Beth.
Over 13
Children in this age group are unlikely to be disturbed by anything in this movie.
Sexual references
This movie contains some mild sexual references to the priest and one of the pursuers being gay.
Alcohol, drugs and other substances
This movie contains some use of substances. For example, characters drink at the wedding, clubs, restaurants and other venues.
Nudity and sexual activity
This movie contains some nudity and sexual activity. For example, Beth and Nick kiss each other passionately, and it’s implied that Joan and Umberto kiss and have sex.
Product placement
None of concern
Coarse language
This movie contains some very mild coarse language.
Ideas to discuss with your children
When in Rome is a romantic comedy aimed at teenage girls. It is predictable, light hearted and not very original.
The main messages from this movie are that love is more important than success and that failure in the past doesn’t mean failure in the future.
This movie could give you the chance to talk with your children about real-life issues such as the:
- futility of pursuing someone who isn’t interested in you
- real consequences of stalking.