Daniele Luchetti's Ordinary Happiness (Momenti di trascurabile felicità) presents an intriguing premise that ultimately struggles to find its footing. The story follows Paolo (Pif), an ordinary man given 92 extra minutes on Earth after a clerical error in the afterlife. What unfolds is a whimsical exploration of life's minor joys and missed opportunities.
Pif brings his signature charm to the role of Paolo, delivering a performance that is both heartfelt and humorous. However, the script, co-written by Francesco Piccolo and Luchetti, lacks the emotional depth needed to fully engage the audience. While moments of wit and insight shine through, the narrative often feels aimless, meandering through episodic vignettes that fail to coalesce into a satisfying whole.
The supporting cast, including Thony as Paolo's wife, provides warmth and authenticity, but their characters are underdeveloped, leaving much of the emotional weight resting on Pif's shoulders. Renato Carpentieri offers moments of levity as a quirky celestial bureaucrat, but these scenes feel more like comic relief than integral parts of the story.
Visually, the film is pleasant but unremarkable, relying on soft lighting and warm tones to evoke a nostalgic atmosphere. The pacing, much like Paolo's borrowed time, feels rushed in places and overly indulgent in others, detracting from the film's potential impact.
Ordinary Happiness is best suited for viewers who appreciate light, introspective comedies, but it may leave those looking for a deeper exploration of its themes unsatisfied.
Rating: 5/10 - A charming but shallow meditation on life's fleeting moments.