Cataldo “Aldo” Baglio, Giovanni Storti and Giacomo Poretti – known simply as “Aldo, Giovanni and Giacomo” – are trio of immensely talented Italian comedians who, together with director Massimo Venier, created some of the most popular Italian comedy films in past few decades, with their work getting them fans even outside Italian borders. Winning streak, which began with their feature debut Three Men and a Leg and That’s Life, continued with 2000 comedy Ask Me If’m Happy.
Like in previous two films, Baglio, Storti and Poretti share first names with characters that play. The plot is begins in 1997 Milan where three best friends Aldo, Giovanni and Giacomo try to make a living as actors. They don’t have much success and are forced to take often humiliating gigs. They nevertheless dream of staging their very own version of Rostand’s Cyrano de Bergerac. Just as they are about to make that dream a reality, but series of misunderstandings related to woman named Marina (played by Marina Massironi) would wreck their friendship. Three years later Giovanni and Giacomo reluctantly reunite and travel to Sicily after learning that Aldo dying there.
All those who have watched Three Men and a Leg and That’s Life will know what to expect in this film. Venier and comic trio don’t stray much from the formula – the plot, although somewhat tighter than in previous two films, is just an excuse for series of gags. General quality of humour is good, although at times it requires viewers’ familiarity with specifically Italian subjects. Just like in That’s Life, there is little darkness. Unlike previous two films, Ask Me If’m Happy toys with conventions and general tone of romantic comedies and occasionally ventures into the realm of slightly more serious drama. The talents of Aldo, Giovanni and Giacomo, forged during their work in theatre and television, are nevertheless there and the film works despite occasional problems with pacing. Marina Massironi, comedienne who was previously married to Giacomo Poretti and collaborated with trio in their two previous films, returns with another great performance. Giuseppe Battiston, who roughly at the same time appeared with Massironi in Bread and Tulipans, another successful comedy, also makes an effective appearance in the small role of criminal. Aske Me If’m Happy was a smash hit at Italian box office and all those who watch this film won’t have problems learning why, and that includes even viewers who aren’t creators’ fans.
RATING: 6/10 (++)
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