Carry On Woody

Rating: 9/10 (11 March 2018)

A sophisticated Carry On romp? Which may mean more to UK readers? Others outline the plot and actors etc. and this is for those who want an opinion of, if to watch it or not. I say yes, Woody's in top form here.
It was all going on here at an active pace, with bedroom farce and gags coming thick and fast. Sure, it's not plausible (neither were Marx Brothers films) but that didn't matter to me, I was laughing out aloud in an empty room, which is usually a good sign of a good movie.
I remember when people used to say something like "Where's the old Woody Allen, when he used to be funny?" well here he is. He's used the backdrop of Rome and his love of Italian movies to hang his usual incisive observations, absurdity and irreverence, all combined with his comedic skills as a performer and writer. There really are some great lines and visual gags.
A small example: there is one scene where Roberto Benigni, catapulted into celebrity status, is caught by the papparazi (a familiar theme in films about Rome) with a pretty woman, who is not his wife, and runs off to seek refuge and runs directly into a Church Procession, which blocks his escape. A nice touch I thought.
Woody Allen must have the pick of talent from where ever he wants, and he has certainly chosen wisely with a rich array of actors, all going along for the craziness. Rome is the backdrop and is looking good.
If you want the finer detail about the film read others worthy reviews (I can't understand the bad ones of course), but if you want an opinion as to if you should watch, then I thought it's up there with Woody Allen's best, but may not be high art, just great fun. Go along with it and you just may enjoy the ride.