Cicerchia_severino Reviews

La buca (2014)

"La Buca": A Zany Italian Comedy Marvel

[8/10 · 16 September 2023]

"La Buca," brought to life by director Daniele Ciprì, is a unique, stylish, and underrated classic that truly deserves more recognition. This eccentric Italian comedy offers a fresh and captivating twist on the timeless art of legal hustling while weaving a narrative of redemption, camaraderie, and unwavering canine loyalty.

What makes "La Buca" shine is its exceptional ability to effortlessly blend humor with moments of heartfelt introspection. The on-screen chemistry between Sergio Castellitto and Rocco Papaleo is nothing short of brilliant, smoothly transitioning between humor and emotion. Castellitto's portrayal of the cunning yet fraudulent Oscar is outstanding, while Papaleo's Armando radiates an irresistible charm that captures hearts.

It's astonishing that a film of this calibre has remained under the radar. "La Buca" stands as a hidden gem, a testament to the remarkable talent within the Italian film industry. With its strong performances, witty script, and impeccable cinematography, it's a cinematic experience that shouldn't be overlooked. Don't miss the chance to discover a delightful blend of humour and heart that will leave you thoroughly charmed. Bravo, Ciprì!

Il generale dorme in piedi (1972)

Underrated - An interesting satire with a surprising finale

[7/10 · 22 May 2023]

Ugo Tognazzi and Mariangela Melato have great chemistry and give a solid performance in what appears to be a boring film only to the superficial (re)viewer. Basically Tognazzi is a Vet who, after becoming an officer, has served as doctor in the Italian Army since WW2 and is obsessed by the idea of being promoted to become a general. There are some truly memorable scenes, like the 'fanfara' platoon doing 183 laps because of the absent minded commander (Mario Scaccia), and the moment Tognazzi presents his memoirs to a panel of generals is simply pure genius. This is the director's debut feature so it is not perfect in terms of pace: but it is well crafted and well acted. Give it a chance and you won't be disappointed.

Charleston (1977)

Underrated - It's actually good fun!

[8/10 · 16 May 2023]

I am not sure why there is such animosity towards this film from the other reviewers! Charleston s a bit different from the usual Bud Spencer films: so what? The fight scene is a bit later than usual, but it's well worth the wait. Think of a mix between 'Odds and Evens', 'The Sting' and 'Pink Panther', with plenty of good slapstick: Spencer's co-protagonists Herbert Lom and James Coco are actually hilarious, especially Coco's running joke of the telephone getting tangled. Art direction is pretty good, especially at the end, with the big fight in the theatre and the elaborate choreographs. Perhaps it's a bit of an acquired taste, but needs to be watched again to be fully appreciated.

Vincenzo Malinconico, avvocato d'insuccesso (2022– )

Best Italian fiction since Montalbano

[9/10 · 9 February 2023]

I am so surprised to be the first one to review this one! Avvocato Vincenzo Malinconico is an unapologetic, funny, truly well written series about a "sfigato" - a loser- who, after hitting rock bottom, is finally able to put his life back on track, because essentially he is a good man. The acting is overall excellent, and the unusual location (the beautiful Southern Italian City of Salerno) a very pleasant discovery. There are stories within the main story, and all the eight episodes are as amusing as they can be quite dramatic and thought provoking. Some of the characters, like Tricarico, are truly memorable. Well worth a watch.

Lunatics and Lovers (1976)

Hidden gem

[9/10 · 16 September 2022]

I found the film by chance and... what a discovery! I loved Mogherini's 'To Love Ofelia', but this is clearly his masterwork. There are many references to Fellini's and Pasolini's imagery, but clearly there is a distinctive poetic, surreal, oneiric and bittersweet language, with the added bonus of the zany Lino Toffolo bringing a truly unexpected touch of his Venetian humour. So many scenes of the film are simply memorable, to the point that today I had to watch again some of my favourite moments. The film deserves to be fully restored and distributed with English subtitles for being appreciated internationally.

The Stolen Caravaggio (2018)

Gripping, ironic, imaginative, visionary: truly Italian.

[9/10 · 11 July 2020]

Few films made in this century can keep me glued to the screen like 'Una Storia senza nome' (The Stolen Caravaggio). I found the story gripping and full of surprises. Between the lines I can perceive distant echoes of F for Fake and not just because of the presence of a work of art. Yet, this is more about the multiple illusions that only the moving pictures can create. The main plot is filled with thrilling sub plots that eventually blend magically in the end. The characters are all well developed and well acted. There is a lot of humour, but it can also be emotional. I found one scene especially moving, when Alberto (Renato Carpentieri) embraces tenderly Valeria (Micaela Ramazzotti). Details are so well crafted: my favourites are the group of twins in the movie within the movie, the running joke of Muzio (Scevola) and the charming title credits with the naughty putti. What can I say? An instant classic. Bravo Signor Andò: you are the proof that Italians still do it better.