ROMANCE AND CIGARETTES - 6/10 (C+)

An average film that is made better by some spirited and creative direction, especially in the musical sequences. However, this is not a typical musical. Instead of the actors simply singing their own vocals, they basically sing over the original track - a technique that becomes annoying and seems kind of pointless. The only individual who gets to perform a number without this method used is Mandy Moore, in a brief scene near the middle of the movie. That being said, these scenes are made better by the great choreography and exciting visual choices that are made. The storyline is a bit of a jumbled mess, and you really end up feeling nothing at all for the main characters. This is disappointing considering the incredibly talented cast of actors. It's sad to see the brilliant Kate Winslet playing such a one-dimensional character, despite the fact that she steals every scene she is in. It is also disappointing to see the talented Moore, Steve Buscemi and Mary Louise Parker basically pushed to the background in incredibly small supporting roles. The best performance in the film comes from Christopher Walken, who is excellent here. All in all, it's not a completely worthless endeavor, but it's disappointing considering how great it could have been.

What a bizarre and surreal film. I don't get what Turturro is going for with any of it. It's loud, abrasive, crude, nonsensical, incoherent and, above all, just awful. It's a musical but I don't know why. It's filthy but never funny because of it. It's a love story but you would never know it until the closing seconds when it tries (unsuccessfully) to crowbar in some sentimentality. It's a rare ensemble film where everyone is recognizable, which doesn't always work, especially not here. They all appear to be doing Turturro a favor, which isn't a crime, but wasting their talents sure is one.

The lone bright spot that seems to get whatever he may be going for is Christopher Walken. It's unfortunate that his few scenes don't carry on longer. Kate Winslet is great if this were a different film. Everyone else is horribly miscast, or perhaps it's the opposite. They're the perfect choices but the writing is all wrong.

I just didn't get it. I was excited when I dug out this bargain bin buy, but it wasn't worth it.

*/****

The film feels like something made by someone who deeply loves film and all the emotions it can bring out of a person. But it also feels like it's made by someone who feels he's a better filmmaker than he actually is. He's yearning to be a Woody Allen, but he falls into a bottomless pit of other actors-turned-directors who are much better in front of the camera than behind it.