TO ROME WITH LOVE

While Kimberley Jones gave this a tepid review in THE CHRONICLE Abe reports THE NEW YORKER gave it a high five.  Maybe it has something to do with geographic POV.  But for me, a native New Yorker who traveled to Rome 7 years ago with a 17y.o.Liz, and has years of psychotherapy under her belt, this film was wonderful to see at the Violet Crown.  As always no one captures the beauty of a large bustling city like Mr. Allen.  He knows how to love a city.  We open with his portrayal  of a neurotic passenger on an airplane, and we are primed to laugh at this introduction to his kvetching (complaining) character.  Abe wanted the humor to follow throughout, but alas Woody gets into the relationships of the four couples with commentary and so story line usurps humor.  His casting Alec Baldwin (who just married a 28y.o., the yoga queen of Greenwich Village) as Jesse Eisenberg's alter ego is a hoot and Mr. Allen knows it. And so does Mr. Baldwin! Penelope Cruz is to die for in every way as a prostitute with a bold identity, and Roberto Benigni is one of the best physical actors imaginable.  Alas, Janet Page, whom I've loved in JUNO and   WHIP IT has joined the gaunt, needs to eat, skinny actors whose appearance left me befuddled.  Abe says she's a good actor and all I could think was "she's too skinny."  I'll bet she's moved to Brooklyn as well.  (snarky Addie)  I loved this film, go see it, it's beautiful to behold.