This movie, remade twice Ich und Er (1988) and Harte Jungs (2000), basically failed to be a good rendering of Alberto Moravia 1971 novel "Io e lui". The plot is simple and original since it follows very close the book. It is funny enough to see the penis impersonated by other phallic object, i.e. gas pomp or bell towers. But a part from this few ideas, it was the only way to avoid to show a penis, the film failed to be "deep" like the book. Salce's goal in my opinion was to make a sex comedy a bit more intellectual than the usual Italian sex comedies of that period. The results is a film very faithful to the book in terms of screenplay but reduced to a mere kind of averaged sex comedy. Anyway it is better than all the other comparable Italian sex comedies, and since the book it is from I gave a six (out of ten).
Reviews
16 Reviews
Il 7 e l'8
(2007)
Nice surprise. Sweet gem.
28 August 2007
Ficarra (Salvatore Ficarra) e Picone (Valentino Picone) are a famous Italian TV comical duo. After a short experience as actors in "Nati stanchi" (2002) they decided to jump to the direction of a movie with this "7 e l'8, Il" (2007). I was ready to see the usual collage of TV sketches like Aldo Giovanni e Giacomo in "Tre uomini e una gamba" ( 1997), or Giorgio Panariello in "Bagnomaria" (1999). Generally the TV comics just transport from television to cinema their characters and make movie that rarely are enjoyable from a cinematographic point of view i.e. the ugly "Bean" (1997). When I saw the linear plot, the simple screenplay (maybe too simple), the naïve taste of the cinematographic situations of this movie I was impressed. Ficarra e Picone, with the help of Giambattista Avellino, directs this rare gem of genuine fun. The odd couple reminds us to Franco e Ciccio (Franco Franchi and Ciccio Ingrassia) but with a surreal taste. Don't forget it is their first direction so try to forgive eventual weakness. One thing makes me wonder, Ficarra and Picone succeed to give us a lot of fun without any nudity or bad language, this is incredible if you just think to the last jobs of Neri Parenti, prince (just for profits) of the Italian comical cinema. To give you an idea how this movie is built just think that gags, misunderstandings and funny situations reminded me often to the Benigni's "Johnny stecchino" (1991). Add that they portray finally a sunny, enjoyable Palermo far from the usual mafia clique. In the end we have the added value of a cast that include Arnoldo Foà, Remo Girone and Andrea Tidona. This movie makes me wonder, pleasantly wonder. Worth watching.
Quella peste di Pierina
(1982)
Z-movie
10 January 2007
Tipical results of the trash commercial cinema of the Italian late '70s. It tries to be the feminine answer to the "Pierino" vein (supposed funny school/sexy stories). This movie is rubbish also for people who loves Italian B-movie or commedia trash. The production is poor, the target was just to raise enough money in the shortest time possible. Quality of images and sounds are very very poor. Basically just few step far from an home-made production. The story is simply inexistent. Trying to find at least one positive point, I would say Carmen Russo. Not her performance, obviously, but her explosive body. I am not sure this movie was distributed outside Italy, but this time is just an useless concerns.
My vote is 4 (out of 10) just because I like trash!!!
My vote is 4 (out of 10) just because I like trash!!!
Bianco, rosso e Verdone
(1981)
A must in Verdone's cinema.
20 March 2006
This movie, even if is one of Verdone's firsts, is a milestone in his filmography. It follows by a year Un Sacco bello (1980). Both the movies are just a kind of "collage" of all Verdone characters played during his TV shows in the '70s. Nevertheless clearly we are in front of his first steps as film director, Carlo demonstrated already his big talent to underline trough his comedies the Italians and their defects. For anyone interested in Verdone cinema this is a must. For everyone happy to see a fine comedy about Italians this is a must. To have funny time in the Verdone's way this is a must. Twenty-four year later this "Bianco, rosso e Verdone" is still actual and unequaled. A must see.
My vote is 8 (out of 10).
My vote is 8 (out of 10).
Salvo D'Acquisto
(1975)
Clear and simple like the story it narrates.
22 February 2006
Generally movie like this celebrating national heroes are rhetorical. Some others are also supporting some political or historic view. This simple, intelligent movie is just perfect. It is based on a well-documented history and proceeds without celebrating anything but the sacrifice of Salvo D'Acquisto. His story is the perfect evidence of those hard times between 1943 and 1945 in Italy. Catholic Church recognized his sacrifice by beatification of Salvo. Italian Republic gave him Gold medal in memory. I recommend it not only to people interested on Italian history but also to whom is searching true testimony about WWII effects in Europe.
I give 7 (out of 10).
I give 7 (out of 10).
Il lupo e l'agnello
(1980)
Brilliant B-comedy.
15 February 2006
Il lupo (the wolf) e l'agnello (the lamb). Since from its Italian original title is clear this movie is based on the classical "strange couple". (French title is referred to "er cuculo" (the cuckoo) character.) We are not talking about a masterpiece, but the story is enough original and Michel Serrault with his acting manage to give a bit of light to this late 70s B-comedy. I think this movie isn't so bad, but you have to consider we aren't talking about "Le diner de cons" (1998). I had big funny moments; the contrasts among the rude cuckoo (Thomas Milian), the fake homosexual, Fanny (one of the biggest b**ch ever) and the rest of the family (including the poodle!) were irresistible. The production is poor, almost all the movie is indoors, but story and gags are good and brilliant. If it was done in Hollywood this was a blockbuster.
My vote is (a generous) 7 (out of 10).
My vote is (a generous) 7 (out of 10).
Go for It
(1983)
Funny game of misunderstanding.
15 February 2006
Nati con la camicia (born with shirt on) means to be very lucky. In fact Spencer and Hill are playing two very lucky guys that pass trough potentially huge dangerous situations without scratches. We are talking about the basics of every funny situation. The strange couple is involved in situations that normal people couldn't deal with, and at the beginning, as usual, they ignore in what are involved. The scheme is simple, the laughter too. Add to this the parody of spy story genre (007s), the satire about CIA and you have a nice and relaxing movie. The story is set in Miami, the cast is mixed among Italians and Americans, lights, photography, and screenplays are simple but effective. Bud and Terence are funny as usual and if you already know them you will find this movie enjoyable. In my opinion this was their swan song. Personally I give 6 (out of 10).
Cento giorni a Palermo
(1984)
A real Hero history.
14 February 2006
Warning: Spoilers
More than a movie, this is a document, one of the more realistic and near to the truth ever done about mafia.
SPOILER FOLLOW. It is the real story of Gen. Carlo Alberto Dalla Chiesa called in Palermo to combat mafia in May 1982 and here killed almost 100 days (or Cento Giorni) after, the 3rd September 1982.
Almost just a year later this movie contributed to re-open the deep wounds mafia make in Italians' conscience. Most complain about the fact there is not any optimism given by director, but that was exactly the feeling in that times in Sicily-Italy. None Italian could watch this movie without being furious on what happened. But this was the reality. Dalla Chiesa was sent without any tool or assistance to fight the mafia, almost like a new Don Quijote versus the windmills. The idea director suggest under the lines that the General's murder was quite welcome from some politicians in Roma, the same that had to help him, is not so strange or far from actuality. Of course director, by doing this, give a political judgment about the fact, but trust me he wasn't so wrong. C.A. Dalla Chiesa was a real Hero.I suggest this movie to people that want to look into recent Italian history and are tired about usual mafia 'pop-corn' movie. Are you ready for reality?
SPOILER FOLLOW. It is the real story of Gen. Carlo Alberto Dalla Chiesa called in Palermo to combat mafia in May 1982 and here killed almost 100 days (or Cento Giorni) after, the 3rd September 1982.
Almost just a year later this movie contributed to re-open the deep wounds mafia make in Italians' conscience. Most complain about the fact there is not any optimism given by director, but that was exactly the feeling in that times in Sicily-Italy. None Italian could watch this movie without being furious on what happened. But this was the reality. Dalla Chiesa was sent without any tool or assistance to fight the mafia, almost like a new Don Quijote versus the windmills. The idea director suggest under the lines that the General's murder was quite welcome from some politicians in Roma, the same that had to help him, is not so strange or far from actuality. Of course director, by doing this, give a political judgment about the fact, but trust me he wasn't so wrong. C.A. Dalla Chiesa was a real Hero.I suggest this movie to people that want to look into recent Italian history and are tired about usual mafia 'pop-corn' movie. Are you ready for reality?
W la foca
(1982)
The first (and the only) time that a real seal acted in an Italian movie. Top of the trash.
6 January 2006
Warning: Spoilers
Where to start? Have you ever seen a seal defecating ice cubes? Do you love trash Italian cinema of 70's and early 80's? It is really hard to make you understand what kind of product this movie is. I would say it is the best resume of all the trash-cinema we had in Italy, and it is good just for this! Basically is the classical joke-plot film, with one joke after another, but with class, if you can call class a farting seal! But this is the point: W la Foca is the 'best' example of the 'worse' Italian movie, and by being this it is something worthy to watch. In fact it was casted at Venezia art cinema Festival in 2004! And it was sold out! Not the same in 1982 when authorities that rated it VM18 confiscated it. Unexpectedly actors' performance is good (yeah, also the seal!). For those that are more than 40 years old is a pleasure to see all the most famous Italian player of Italian trash cinema. Among them: Bombolo, Franco Bracardi, Victor Cavallo, Michela Miti and two 'starlettes' at their beginnings: Lory del Santo and Moana Pozzi. For the lover of the genre it is a gem not to lose.
My vote is 5 (out of 10)
My vote is 5 (out of 10)
Giovani e belli
(1996)
It is a lemon, don't waste your time.
5 January 2006
Warning: Spoilers
This movie try to be a kind of remake of 'Poveri ma Belli'(1957) and succeed to be just an 'I don't know what but not' a movie. Anna Falchi plays the role of Zorilla a young girl contended between two young beautiful guys. Like Poveri ma belli the movie is located in Roma, but a part from this, nothing could link the two movies except the assonance in the titles and the director. Maybe Mr. Risi needed money at that time, I can't see any other reason to film such a junk movie. Thank anyway to Mr Risi for giving us some nudity of Anna Falchi. Anyway looking at it you can have also an idea on what is produced in Italy when they want to collect money with a low budget, a beauty and unknown actors.
My vote is 2 (out of 10).
My vote is 2 (out of 10).
Edwige Fenech in a typical 70's funny-erotic movie.
5 January 2006
I think it will be very hard for one non-Italian, or even if Italian too young, to appreciate this movie. You probably would judge it junk. But if you know what 'sexy commedia all'italiana' (70's Italian sex comedy) is you probably won't be so drastic and will rate this movie for what it was in the 70's. In my opinion is one of the best attempts to film with a Boccaccio novel style without falling completely in a junk titillation comedy. In fact, the goal is to titillate but also to entertain with a lot of gags (especially oral). But again, I think in the English version (avaiable in the latest DVD edition), you loose partially the funny side (because of the impossibility to translate all the verbal gags
); in this case you will see just a typical 70's euro-trash titillation comedy. If you are too young you couldn't understand why the hell this was considered an adult movie (Italian rate: VM 18). So I suggest taking this movie from his funny and libertine side. I'm sure you know who Edwige Fenech is, but in case I tell you she was the queen of sexy commedia all'italiana, and that's why many fans will give a high vote for this movie. I would like also to spend a word to underline the good set and location nevertheless this was clearly a very low budget production.
My vote is 6 (out of 10).
My vote is 6 (out of 10).
Appassionata
(1974)
Three beauty and a Boccaccio plot. Titillating.
5 January 2006
If it wasn't performed by three of the top sensual Italian actress of the seventies/eighties this movie wouldn't be of any worthy. Belli, Muti and Giorgi act in this typical sexy fake-drama to pay the admission ticket to the show business. The nasty plot is basically in the service of having some nudity and (very) savagery scenes. The story is a typical Boccacio, and the dramatic cut given by the director simply avoid to fall to the 'sexy-commedia all'italiana' genre (70's Italian sex comedy). I wouldn't say if it is the classic Italian-trash so loved by Q. Tarantino, but it is very close.
My vote is 5 (out of 10)
My vote is 5 (out of 10)
The Man-Eater
(1999)
The first shameless step of L. Cannata in the cinema.
2 January 2006
Warning: Spoilers
I watched this movie to see if, a part from the real sex, there was another reason to watch it. I am generally well-disposed about sex in the movies, I can understand also Tinto Brass' latest production, but trust me I still couldn't understand what was the goal of director Damiani. Even on DVD edition the poor extras and the nasty monologue of Loredana Cannata didn't help to find out the reasons why this movie was filmed. But I'm ready to listen your opinions in case
**SPOILERS.** Anyway the plot is about a voluptuous woman that jump hungry from a man to another a student falls in love for her. And that's all!
Loredana Cannata act shamelessly in many, not so soft-core scenes, and at least in one of those the sex is real, in fact she give oral sex to Arturo Paglia; but be quiet it is just for 4 seconds like Kerry Fox in 'Intimacy' (2001). It is funny to note that after this movie Loredana did many TV fiction for a family audience, and in Italy she's famous for this reason, if only they could see 'La Donna Lupo'...
My vote is 5 (out of 10) just because of the shameless Loredana.
**SPOILERS.** Anyway the plot is about a voluptuous woman that jump hungry from a man to another a student falls in love for her. And that's all!
Loredana Cannata act shamelessly in many, not so soft-core scenes, and at least in one of those the sex is real, in fact she give oral sex to Arturo Paglia; but be quiet it is just for 4 seconds like Kerry Fox in 'Intimacy' (2001). It is funny to note that after this movie Loredana did many TV fiction for a family audience, and in Italy she's famous for this reason, if only they could see 'La Donna Lupo'...
My vote is 5 (out of 10) just because of the shameless Loredana.
Monamour
(2005)
Not the best movie to tie up on Brass cinema.
12 December 2005
Warning: Spoilers
Typical movie of Brass's last licentious period. For those who don't know Tinto Brass I'm talking of his third period, from 'Così fan tutte' to this repetitive 'Monamour'. Nothing comparable to his previous period (from 1983 'La Chiave' to 1991 'Paprika'). Repetitive is the right attribute to this nasty movie, that lost the originality of 'Capriccio' or 'Senso 45'. It is another movie full of Brass obsessions like hungry voluptuous women, impatient to be sodomized, to be unfaithful, to go with everyone but not their husbands. Incredibly the sets are more or less the same of 'Senso '45', 'Fermo posta Tinto Brass' and 'Fallo!'. So the photography. Nothing new at all, also some shots are the same. On the background anyway you can still find out the usual Brass' hymn to sensuality and lust.
More interesting is, on the DVD edition (region 2), the making off, that show us all the tricks used to film all the 'deep impact' explicit sex scenes (i.e. fake penis, fake prospectives etc. etc.). Anna Jimskaia is Ukraine (just for your info) and was chosen by director for her bottom As usual!
SPOILERS follow.
The plot is very easy. During 2005 Mantova Festival Letteratura edition , Marta the deluded wife of Dario, a writer, meet Leon and start the habitual Brass lust-driven adventure. If you already saw the last seven Tinto's movie you won't find anything new, a part from the wonderful location (I would say better than the Venice of 'La Chiave' or 'Senso '45' ).
My vote is 5 out of 10.
More interesting is, on the DVD edition (region 2), the making off, that show us all the tricks used to film all the 'deep impact' explicit sex scenes (i.e. fake penis, fake prospectives etc. etc.). Anna Jimskaia is Ukraine (just for your info) and was chosen by director for her bottom As usual!
SPOILERS follow.
The plot is very easy. During 2005 Mantova Festival Letteratura edition , Marta the deluded wife of Dario, a writer, meet Leon and start the habitual Brass lust-driven adventure. If you already saw the last seven Tinto's movie you won't find anything new, a part from the wonderful location (I would say better than the Venice of 'La Chiave' or 'Senso '45' ).
My vote is 5 out of 10.
La bomba
(1999)
A funny game of misunderstanding about American Mafia.
7 November 2005
Warning: Spoilers
Low budget movie performed by some of the best young Italian comical actors at that time: Vito Antuofermo, Enrico Brignano and Alessandro Gassman (son of the most famous Vittorio Gassman playing Don Vito Bracalone). The plot is easy and funny.
SPOILER. Three young Italian actors while attending Actor's Studios set up an extortion acting like real Mafiosi. But after some time the NY mafia discover the trick and
Very funny game of misunderstanding, gags and jokes for a movie not ambitious but able to play with all the usual bromides regarding the Italian/American mafia. Anyway at the end we are far away from 'Analyze this'. Males will enjoy for sure the presence of Lola Pagani, in fact, her beauty is the only reason why she acts in this film. Director Giulio Base (his top was with his first 'Il Portaborse') after 'La Bomba' directed mainly TV series.
My personal rating is 4 (out of 10).
SPOILER. Three young Italian actors while attending Actor's Studios set up an extortion acting like real Mafiosi. But after some time the NY mafia discover the trick and
Very funny game of misunderstanding, gags and jokes for a movie not ambitious but able to play with all the usual bromides regarding the Italian/American mafia. Anyway at the end we are far away from 'Analyze this'. Males will enjoy for sure the presence of Lola Pagani, in fact, her beauty is the only reason why she acts in this film. Director Giulio Base (his top was with his first 'Il Portaborse') after 'La Bomba' directed mainly TV series.
My personal rating is 4 (out of 10).
I banchieri di Dio
(2002)
The darkest story of an Italian banker.
2 November 2005
Warning: Spoilers
MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS. Courageous attempt to clarify one of the most obscure financial and political scandal of the eighties in Italy. Around the Banco Ambrosiano CEO Mr. Roberto Calvi rotate (and according to present evidences had rotated) a massive and incredible crowd of politicians, businessmen, secret agents and mafiosi. Calvi is deeply involved in financing different plans under indication of CIA and a Italian Masonic lodge called P2 (Propaganda due) through offshore ghost companies held by the IOR (Vatican's state bank). This could be fantasy but it isn't. It is hard to believe that Bishop Marcinkus, Pope Johannes Paul II were linked in some way to Mr. Gelli (P2's master), Mr. Pazienza, Argentina's generals and involved also in mafia's money laundering plans. 'En passant' we can see also the other famous rough banker Mr. Sindona, the camorra pressing to save a political man kidnapped by red terrorists, the killing attempted to the Pope, the Malvines/Falckland war and the polish Solidarnosc birth
There are enough subjects, stories and interest for at least four films, and considering that to date the story isn't still fully known this movie made a good job in resuming all the intrigues without making a muddle. The movie succeeded also to avoid to be a strong political documentary i.e. Fahrenheit 9/11, in fact the events are presented just from an historical point of view. I honestly suggest to watch this movie for ones interested on Italian recent history, 'I banchieri di Dio' is a good first step to investigate the obscure years between the seventies and the eighties in Italy. My vote is 7 (out of 10) for being such a courageous and illuminating movie.
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