A little more depth than the average Italian sex comedy
Director Massimo Dallamano is undoubtedly best known among cult film fans for his excellent Giallo 'What Have They Done to Solange' and considering the brilliance of that film, it would seem on first glance that he made this little sex comedy merely as an excuse to work with the beautiful and talented Edwige Fenech. While that may well be true (and who could possibly blame him?), this film is actually a little more than merely a vehicle for the stunning actress and has some hidden depths beneath its often goofy exterior. The film focuses on a young man named Tonino Niscemi. He wants to pursue a career as a priest and as such has never had sex with a woman, nor does he have any desire to. However, upon returning home to his father (who supports his son in becoming a priest) and his grandfather (who does not), Tonino finds himself at odds after meeting his father's new wife Carmela; a teasing wench who keeps him fawning after her.
The film is billed as a sex comedy; and indeed several antics reinforce that fact (mostly stemming from the randy grandfather) but much of the film undertakes a serious tone and its clear that the director was keen to explore the sexual awakening of his central character; and it is that which gives the film most of its depth. It has to be said that Roberto Cenci does not exactly cut a likable figure in the central role; he looks a bit too 'green' for my liking and is often unconvincing in the role. This, however, is made up for by the presence of Edwige Fenech who despite not giving her best performance provides a regular distraction whether clothed, unclothed or somewhere between the two. Edwige is at her sultry best while teasing her co-star, as happens often. There's more than enough to keep the proceedings interesting and the side show of over the top characters helps to ensure that. The ending can be seen coming a mile away and provides no surprises; but it wraps things up nicely and while this isn't a 'great' film by any stretch of the imagination, it's certainly well worth a look for Edwige Fenech fans or collectors of Italian sex comedies.
The film is billed as a sex comedy; and indeed several antics reinforce that fact (mostly stemming from the randy grandfather) but much of the film undertakes a serious tone and its clear that the director was keen to explore the sexual awakening of his central character; and it is that which gives the film most of its depth. It has to be said that Roberto Cenci does not exactly cut a likable figure in the central role; he looks a bit too 'green' for my liking and is often unconvincing in the role. This, however, is made up for by the presence of Edwige Fenech who despite not giving her best performance provides a regular distraction whether clothed, unclothed or somewhere between the two. Edwige is at her sultry best while teasing her co-star, as happens often. There's more than enough to keep the proceedings interesting and the side show of over the top characters helps to ensure that. The ending can be seen coming a mile away and provides no surprises; but it wraps things up nicely and while this isn't a 'great' film by any stretch of the imagination, it's certainly well worth a look for Edwige Fenech fans or collectors of Italian sex comedies.
- The_Void
- Jan 31, 2009