Name: Retro Film Review: That's Life (Così è la vita, 1998)
Item: That's Life
Rating: 60
Author: @drax

(source:tmdb.org)

In 1997 Three Men and a Leg was one of the big hits in Italy. This was huge but unexpected success for the quartet of its writers and directors - Massimo Venier, Aldo Baglio, Giacomo Poretti and Giovanni Storti. One year later they tried to repeat it with another combination of road movie and comedy called That's Life.

Just like the previous film, this one begins with trio of main actors (Venier again stays behind camera) playing characters in "film witthin film" - convicts trying to escape from American prison. Ironically, when the real plot starts, one of protagonists turns out to be Aldo alias Bancomat (played by Aldo Baldo, who just like the rest of trio, shares first name with the character he plays), small time con man currently in prison. Aldo is being called to testify at the investigating magistrate and the task of bringing him is given to Giacomo, policeman who cares more about his dreams of literary career than professional risks of law enforcement. Aldo uses Giacomo's lack of attention to snatch his gun and take him as a hostage. Giovanni, ambitious inventor, had his car stolen and makes a mistake of calling the very first police car that comes along. Aldo takes him as another hostage and trio belongs the long voyage north. As he becomes subject of nation-wide manhunt, Aldo realises that he didn't have any long-term plan of escape. In the meantime, two of his hostages begin to view him as a friend.

Just like in their previous film, the quartet employs the formula of a road film that allows gags and subplots that don't have much to do with main narrative. Result is a charming comedy that is at times very entertaining and intelligent. Especially effective are jokes in which filmmakers pay their homage to Quentin Tarantino and Monty Python. However, after the intriguing beginning film loses its edge in the middle - many jokes are repetitive or not funny enough, while the entire story becomes rather serious. Thankfully, great scenery, wonderful twist at the end and the huge talent of Marina Massironi (who gives another great performance following her role in Three Men and a Leg) improve the general impression at the end. That's Life is slight disappointment to all those who had expected another Three Men and a Leg, but it is good enough to deserve a recommendation.

RATING: 6/10 (++)

(Note: The text in its original form was posted in Usenet newsgroup rec.arts.films.reviews on October 12th 2004)