When in Rome

Ok...I'm going to TRY to be nice here. As a kid, I was a huge Mary-Kate and Ashley fan, and I still am....but lately, I tune into their movies to see their clothes as opposed to the actually movie. Not that I can help it, I mean, the clothes are cute, while the movie plots stay exactly the same. I do think Mary-Kate and Ashley have the acting talent and can develop into much better actresses, but I think they're just treading in safe waters with simple, surface-scratching movie plots where everying is all in the name of "cute" and "fun". I guess you can't really blame them considering everyone still regards them as kid actresses, but for us fans out there, I think it's about time they gave something more to their audience. Meaning...no more of this traveling off to foreign lands, meeting cute boys, getting kissed deal. It's cute, but only the first few times around. Like I said, I'm trying to be nice here.

Oh, and personally, I think the only reason Ashley didn't kiss her guy friend in the movie is because she has a boyfriend in real life and merely chose not to. Then again, it's my own personal opinion.

Having vacationed in Rome and longing to see a movie set there, we had high hopes for When in Rome. We weren't disappointed. Many familiar tourist spots figure in the story, most of which -- Piazzi di Spagna, Piazza Navona, the Vatican, etc. -- are identified by name in the dialog. Many of the most familiar and characteristic locations -- such as that islanded boulevard that leads from the Baths of Caracalla back into the city -- are lingered over lovingly. The cinematography rarely fails, and the plot never gets in the way.

Now of course I guess I'm required to say something snide and snotty about Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, the movie's stars. But I won't, and shame on you if you do. Go pick on somebody your own size. Actually, it's easy to see why the Olsen twins are beloved by their legions of fans. Charming, affable, modest, cute as buttons -- nice kids.

Here's a partial list of movies I don't like nearly as much as I like When in Rome: The Sixth Sense, American Beauty, The Truman Show, Koyaanisqatsi, Eyes Wide Shut, Fight Club, Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me, Gattaca, Gosford Park, and of course Yentl.

This movie, was quite boring. I love Mk and A, and I'm one of their greatest fans, but the plot and problem? Pretty lame. There was no excitement at all. None! It was pretty cool they chose to do the movie in Rome though, and I like seeing the sights of Rome. I think they looked beautiful in this movie. It looked natural and not too overdone. Once again, with the boys? Maybe their movie should stop being about traveling the world and solving mysteries and more about teenage stuff, which teenagers might like to watch. It wasn't a disappointment, but not something I would jump up and down screaming about either. I still support Mk and A as actors, but I think their purpose of the movies and the point of watching, should take a turn of maybe turning into something more exciting.

Ok I love Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen, they are decent actresses, and are pretty. I loved them since their Full House days. But every movie I see them in, is the same. Flirting with boys, dealing with some bratty girl, and a bigger plot theme, not known till the end. I think they should start taking on more dramatic roles, and do something to show they are more dynamic actresses. Otherwise the movie is ok, but as I said its the same thing over again.

When In Rome is a definite improvement on Getting There. Getting There I found too predictable, contrived and slow, and to this day I still consider it as the Olsen twins' worst. However, while When In Rome isn't a terrible movie, it's not a great one either. If I had to sum it up in one word, I would say passable. It is good fun for teenagers, but I think adults won't find much to go on.

When In Rome does have its good points. Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen are actually quite decent actresses, certainly very pretty as well. I will admit when I was 10 or so, I really liked them, and in general I kind of like them still. And I have enjoyed some of their movies like Passport To Paris and New York Minute. Back on target, both girls don't do that bad a job, in fact they are very appealing. Plus their outfits are to die for, and the scenery of Rome is absolutely breathtaking. The soundtrack ain't half bad either.

However, where the film is brought down is in the plot and the script. The script is on the most part clichéd and has hints of deja vu. The plot, like most of the Mary Kate and Ashley movies, is very predictable, and anyone familiar with any other of the Olsen twins' work, will find some rather unoriginal elements to it. Most of the characters are cardboard thin, and you don't learn very much about them, and sometimes the pace is uneven. Sadly, the breathtaking scenery is spoilt by rather slapdash camera work, that looked rushed constantly.

All in all, does have its good points, and certainly watchable. However, for my taste, it is harmless and predictable teenage fluff. 4/10 Bethany Cox