Sorry if I Love You (2008)

You won't be disappointed!

Sadly Over-hyped

Pretty Good

At first rather annoying in its heavy emphasis on reenactments, this movie ultimately proves fascinating, simply because the complicated, highly dramatic tale it tells still almost defies belief.

There are a large number of characters moving in and out of the story brought to the screen, and directed by Federico Moccia. Having been given the DVD as a gift, we tried to watch it a few times, but could not get into it. Finally, we decided to persevere, basically on the strength of Raoul Bova's performance, and it turned out to be a mildly pleasant experience, although one wonders what made it such a hit when it first made it commercial debut in Italy.The idea of a May-December romance is not exactly new to the movies. In fact, Hollywood is notorious for pairing its aging male stars with younger, luscious newcomers to some excellent results. "Sabrina", "Love in the Afternoon", "Gigi", "Funny Face", just to mention a few, as well as other films, exploited the possibility of an older man falling for women that could well be their daughters. Never quite understood the allure for the mismatched couples other that the aging male stars needed vehicles in which to show they were still desirable and could perform in bed. Of course the comparison is a bit extreme because in this film, even with the age difference, Alessandro and Niki make a nice couple to look at.Mr. Moccia's story centers around an advertising executive, Alessandro Belli, being dumped by his live in companion, Elena. Confused about being left alone, he avoids the idea of falling in love again. A traffic accident involving Niki, a teen ager in a motorcycle, serves as the excuse to have them meet. Alessandro is aware of the attraction, but he fights it. For Niki, obviously the older man presents no problem. Niki, a liberal minded young woman, has no problem seducing the reluctant Alessandro, in spite of the twenty year age difference. The comedy is mildly amusing. Mr. Moccia manages to keep things moving around at a good pace. The only question in our mind is how permissive the parents of Niki can be. The new generations of youngsters, all over the world, seem to be able to do what they want, if one is to believe the way the parents of Niki are so self involved in themselves, not to notice how their daughter's affair with the older Alessandro is not exactly what they wanted for her.Raoul Bova is an accomplished comedy actor and his presence is always welcome. Michela Quattrociocche is a beautiful newcomer to the Italian cinema. Both were reunited by the director in another film we have not seen, but it might be a sequel, based on the popularity of this film in its native land.

I wouldn't watch Scusa Ma Ti Chiamo Amore if you were looking for a profound, deep love story that makes you reflect more on the nature of love and relationships. Michela and Raoul are cute together, but the chemistry was lacking between them. Or perhaps it was the character Raoul played (Alex), who didn't seem very passionate towards her. With that said though, I found it worthy to watch just for the pleasure of seeing gorgeous Raoul Bova. I discovered Scusa Ma Ti Chiamo Amore after developing an interest in him from Under the Tuscan Sun. I'll admit I'm a sucker for the stereotypical charming romantic Italian man that Raoul portrayed in that movie. After watching Scusa, however, I felt he was so much better in that because the portrayal was more realistic -- he was more a regular endearing Italian, than the stereotypical one that you see in Hollywood-type movies that only focuses on the charming, flowery, romantic side. For that reason alone, I really liked and appreciated the movie.

I have seen this movie quite by chance. And at the very first few minutes into the movie, I was already starting to think that it was going to be a total waste of time. But alas the story quite slowly and bit unrealistic started to roll on and work on me.The plot is quite simple - a much younger girl falls in love with older man (with 20 years of difference between them) and vice versa. And actually it is all so much a cliché seen in so many other romantic movies, that it is not worth of telling more. The very good addition to this very familiar love story (is there yet a single chance that not all good romantic ideas were already used on screen, uh?) are quotes of very different famous people on love which just pop up every time now and then on screen and thus not only add to the story, but kind of 'make' chapters of this movie.So if you can take it in the beginning, this movie might be a nice and romantic movie for you to see. Don't search for a deep meaning, let it flow, and it will work just well.

The Italians have a great reputation in the comedy department. I spend great part of the year in Italy and I've seen the work of Dino Risi, Pietro Germi and some other geniuses. This film doesn't belong to the same universe. Not for a long, long, long shot. Filmed indifferently, based on a popular teen age volume that one has to make an effort to imagine what the book was like. The film was directed by the author so I'm sure he was religiously faithful to the source. The dullness of this "romantic comedy" makes one wonder. The film is a top grossing box office champ in Italy. I keep wondering, why? There is nothing in it that would allure audiences anywhere. A 37 year old in a love relationship with a 17 year old. He looks over 37 and behaves like a teen ager. She looks older than 17 and behaves like a brat. What an unwholesome combination. He, Raoul Bova is in big star in his own country but his appeal eludes me completely. He is the most boring presence in the screen. So, the Los Angeles/Italia Festival at the Chinese Theater of Hollywood Boulevard started, as far as I'm concerned, with a dud of major proportions. Let's hope it improves.