When in Rome (2010 film)

When in Rome (2010 film) is an American romantic comedy film directed by Mark Steven Johnson and starring Kristen Bell and Josh Duhamel. The plot follows a New York curator who, after a trip to Rome, finds herself magically pursued by several suitors after taking coins from a fountain of love. Produced by Touchstone Pictures and Spyglass Entertainment, the film was released by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures in January 2010 to largely negative critical reviews but achieved moderate box office success.

Plot

Ambitious New York Guggenheim Museum curator Beth Harper travels to Rome for her younger sister's impromptu wedding. Feeling cynical about love, she drunkenly removes five coins from a legendary fountain of love, which magically causes the men who threw them to fall obsessively in love with her. Upon returning to Manhattan, she is pursued by an eccentric group of suitors: a narcissistic male model, a struggling street magician, a passionate painter, and an overly affectionate sausage magnate. Meanwhile, she develops a genuine connection with Nick Beamon, the charming best man from the wedding, who did not throw a coin, forcing her to unravel the magical curse to find true love.

Cast

* Kristen Bell as Beth Harper, a successful but romantically disillusioned art curator. * Josh Duhamel as Nick Beamon, a sports journalist and the charming best man. * Will Arnett as Antonio, a passionate but penniless Italian painter. * Jon Heder as Lance, a socially awkward street magician. * Dax Shepard as Gale, a narcissistic male model. * Danny DeVito as Al, a wealthy and lonely sausage mogul. * Anjelica Huston as Celeste, Beth's demanding boss at the Guggenheim Museum. * Alexis Dziena as Joan, Beth's spontaneous younger sister. * Kate Micucci as Stacy, Beth's quirky co-worker and friend. * Peggy Lipton as Priscilla, Beth's mother. * Luca Calvani as Umberto, Joan's Italian fiancé.

Production

Development began at Touchstone Pictures with a script by David Diamond and David Weissman. Director Mark Steven Johnson, known for Daredevil and Ghost Rider, was hired to helm the romantic comedy. Principal photography took place in New York City and on location in Rome, including scenes at the Trevi Fountain, which served as inspiration for the fictional fountain. The production also shot at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum to establish the protagonist's career. The score was composed by Christopher Young, and the soundtrack featured artists like Jack Johnson.

Release

The film was originally scheduled for a May 2009 release but was postponed. It was ultimately released in North America by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures on January 29, 2010. The international rollout followed throughout February and March 2010. Marketing highlighted the ensemble cast and the magical premise, with promotions tied to Valentine's Day. The film was later released on DVD and Blu-ray in May 2010 by Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment.

Reception

Upon release, When in Rome was panned by most critics. Review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes reported an 18% approval rating, with criticism directed at its predictable plot and underdeveloped humor. Conversely, audiences surveyed by CinemaScore gave it a grade of "B." The film opened at number four at the U.S. box office, earning $12.4 million on its opening weekend. It went on to gross $43 million worldwide against a production budget of $30 million, making it a modest financial success. The film was nominated for a Golden Trailer Award but also received a Golden Raspberry Award nomination for Worst Supporting Actor for Jon Heder.

Category:2010 romantic comedy films Category:American romantic comedy films Category:Films directed by Mark Steven Johnson Category:Touchstone Pictures films