Rating: 2.5 of 5  

I laughed out loud. a couple of times. You’d be surprised how much impact that has on a movie’s score.

Other than that, When in Rome is an interesting premise that is not well executed. The beginning, in Rome, starts of decently. Josh Duhamel is cute and charming, which is exactly what he’s supposed to be. The story is funny and sweet and seemed to be setting itself up well.

But once it’s back in New York it’s rushed. The other suitors are ridiculous caricatures, which I could forgive if they were actually funny. But they weren’t. They were just weird and awkward. It was also trying too hard to be funny without much heart.

Kristen Bell tried really hard to be sweet and funny, but she’s much better at snarky and funny. I really like her and want to see her succeed, but these comedies she keeps doing are flat and she doesn’t get to be the sort of really great comedienne she can be. In fact, Kristen Bell is far more interesting and adorable than this film or the director give her space to be.

Most of all, this is supposed to be a romantic comedy. But there isn’t enough energy or life to be fun or inspire anyone to fall in love, despite how charming Josh Duhamel or Kristen Bell are.

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