The presence of Norman Jewison may have had something to do with the anachronistic feeling of this romantic comedy, a pleasant entertainment without much in the way of surprise. The familiar plot stars Marisa Tomei as a schoolteacher about to embark on a tepid marriage, who suddenly takes off for Italy when the prospect of a fated romance presents itself. Between the one-liners of her unhappily married friend (Bonnie Hunt), who has tagged along for the ride, and a set of comic contrivances designed to keep Tomei apart from Damon Bradley (Robert Downey Jr.), her destined lover, there are enough laughs to make one forget the gossamer story. The two stars, who have a limited number of scenes together, are appealing and credible with the rest of the cast, but in the scenes they share, they never quite seem to connect. Bonnie Hunt is excellent as the common-sensical Kate, who also begins to contemplate some extracurricular activity. Best of all are the film's gorgeous Roman and Venetian locations. ~ Michael Costello, Rovi
