Il vizio di famiglia

This Italian sex comedy is probably one of the best of its kind(exactly what's its "kind" is though is more questionable). The movie has a very decent cast and a good plot to tie the sundry sex scenes together. It is also genuinely funny in places, and not nearly as ineptly dubbed as many of these films often are. Renzo Montagnini plays a convict who gets out of prison and is picked up by a mysterious woman and taken to a wealthy estate to work as a butler. It seems one his ex-lovers (Nieves Navarro) is now married to an older wealthy man, and the mysterious woman, who is the rich man's half-sister, is trying to get the ex-convict to tempt the wife into infidelity so her brother will disinherit her. This hardly seems necessary as the wife is already a raving nymphomaniac, who is carrying on with her teenage nephew (the mysterious woman's own son). Then the man's illegitimate daughter (Edwige Fenech) shows up on a motorcycle (wearing some very 70's cheek-baring short-shorts), followed by the ex-convict's own neglected wife (Orchidea DiSantis), who is pretending to be maid. Oh yeah, and for some reason the ex-convict is posing, very unconvincingly, as a homosexual.

This movie actually works pretty well, largely because of the great cast. It's a little hard to buy the overweight, hirsute Renzo Mantagnini as a stud sought after by the likes of Fenech, Navarro, and DiSantis, but he is definitely one the better Italian comedians of the era and always an entertaining presence in these kind of films. Fenech as usual can't keep her top on, and Navarro can't keep her top OR bottom on. DiSantis remains a little less exposed, but is nevertheless featured in the standard low-angle shot while standing on a tall ladder scene made iconic in Italian sex comedies of the era by Laura Antonelli. All three women are good in their respective roles though. And amidst all the sex, nudity, and ribald comedy the movie ends up being a pretty effective satire of self-absorbed Italian bourgeoisie.

These films are kind of an acquired taste, of course, but if you like them in general, you'll definitely want to check out this one.

Don't confuse this film with the similar '"Dove vai se il vizietto non ce l'hai?" (1979). Renzo Montagnani basically plays the same part in both films, but in this one it is Edwige Fenech, not Paola Senatore, who goes sunbathing while he does his gay butler act. Giacomo D'Amato (Renzo) is picked up by widowed countess Magda (Juliette Mayniel) the moment he's released from jail and promptly leaves his girlfriend standing there (remember-her-for-later-on alert). Magda wants Renzo to pose as a butler/chauffeur and seduce her brothers new wife Ines (who is Renzo's ex lover), so Magda can have the inheritance all for herself.

Ines (Susan Scott) is already having late night rendezvous with Magda's teenage son Marco (Roberto Censi and his trademark bad hair cut) and sees through the new Major Domo's gay disguise immediately. Finally Edwige arrives in green hot-pants on her scooter, proving to be an illegitimate love child of the crippled Count by showing the mole on her behind (the other blood relatives join her in the buttock line). As usual, Fenech waists no time and takes off her top for the aforementioned sun bathing scene, arousing the interest of Giacomo and Marco and objections from Ines.

As if all this wasn't confusing enough, the whole family keeps double and triple crossing each other to get into good graces with the Count. There is photographic evidence of adulterous affairs, a kidnap plot is foiled before the ransom note is dry, the blonde girlfriend from the start is suddenly the new maid, and a young cook who only appeared once or twice in the background suddenly moves in to seduce Edwige into a lesbian encounter (implied, not shown). Meanwhile Renato's gay act keeps getting more obnoxious (cringe as he hilariously vacuums Freddy Mercury style). When the time comes to go into the accusing parlour for the not so surprising final will and testament, most viewers will have stopped caring about these characters already.

5 out of 10

"Il vizio di famiglia," or "The Family Vice," is a cheeky and fun addition to the commedia sexy all'italiana genre, delivering a healthy dose of raunchy humor and a playful plot. With a 5 out of 10 rating, it's a guilty pleasure that, despite its flaws, will keep you entertained.

Directed by Mariano Laurenti, the film follows ex-convict Giacomo D'Amato, played by Renzo Montagnani, who is employed by the sultry Magda (Juliette Mayniel) upon his release from jail. Magda has a plan for Giacomo, using him as part of a scheme to secure her inheritance from the Count. However, things are not as they seem, and both Magda and Giacomo find themselves in a game with multiple players, each with their own agenda.

"The Family Vice" is a fun, light-hearted romp that doesn't take itself too seriously. It embraces its comedic nature, often leaning into the absurdity of the situation and the characters' antics. The film is set in Veneto but was actually shot in Tirrenia, providing a beautiful backdrop to the mischievous story.

One of the standout aspects of the film is its playful and mischievous tone. It embraces the sexy comedy label, with a good dose of physical humor and innuendo. The characters are often larger than life, with over-the-top personalities and unique quirks, such as the Count, who is confined to a wheelchair but has a penchant for smoking and a gravelly voice.

However, the film is not without its flaws, and it's easy to see why it received mostly negative reviews from critics upon its release. The plot, while playful, often feels disjointed and meandering, with some scenes feeling like they were included purely for the sake of raunchy humor. The editing could have been tighter, and some viewers may find the pacing a little sluggish at times.

That being said, the cast does a fantastic job with the material. Fenech is a standout, bringing a playful sexiness and a certain level of class to the role. Montagnani is also excellent as Giacomo, the ex-convict with a heart, and the two have a fun and flirty chemistry on screen. The supporting cast also embraces the film's tone, committing fully to the over-the-top nature of their characters.

In conclusion, "The Family Vice" is a fun and cheeky comedy that, despite its flaws, will appeal to those who enjoy a raunchy, light-hearted watch. It's a film that doesn't take itself too seriously and invites viewers to do the same, providing a playful escape from reality. So, if you're in the mood for something a little naughty and a lot of fun, this could be the perfect choice!

So, is "The Family Vice" a guilty pleasure worth indulging in? Absolutely! Just be prepared for a fun, cheeky ride that's heavy on the humor and a little light on plot cohesion.

Clever and funny comedy in which what seems the most naive of everyone turns out to be a mastermind who manages to steal the loot.

Movie that pushes a lot on the sensuality of the actresses and on a very simple almost zany comedy.

Another reviewer wrote, "When the time comes to go into the accusing parlour for the not so surprising final will and testament, most viewers will have stopped caring about these characters already."

A sex comedy with Edwige Fenech. I didn't know there WERE other characters.