Is When in Rome Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, When in Rome is likely a skip if you enjoy Comedy movies.
It features a runtime of 91 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
When in Rome Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2010, When in Rome emerges as a significant entry in the Comedy, Fantasy, Romance domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Disillusioned with romance, Beth, an ambitious New Yorker, travels to Rome for her sister's wedding, where she plucks magic coins from a special fountain of love. Unlike standard genre fare, When in Rome attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Comedy is often anchored by its ensemble, and When in Rome features a noteworthy lineup led by Kristen Bell . Supported by the likes of Josh Duhamel and Anjelica Huston , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of When in Rome (2010) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.9/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
When in Rome Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: When in Rome is a Comedy, Fantasy, Romance film that brings laughter through clever writing and comedic timing, offering both entertainment and social commentary. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
The comedic structure relies on both situational humor and character-based comedy. Disillusioned with romance, Beth, an ambitious New Yorker, travels to Rome for her sister's wedding, where she plucks magic coins from a special fountain of love. The coins attract unwanted attention from an assortment of odd yet ardent suitors: a sausage merchant, a street magician, an artist, and a male model. But when the best man from the wedding, persistent reporter Nick, throws his hat in the ring, Beth wonders if his love is the real thing. The film finds humor in relatable situations while maintaining narrative momentum. The jokes serve the story, with callbacks and running gags that reward attentive viewers.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The opening establishes the comedic tone and introduces the central conflict through humor and character quirks.
- Character Arc: Character development is present but somewhat formulaic, following familiar patterns without adding fresh perspectives to the genre.
- Climax & Resolution: The comedic climax ties together running gags and character arcs, delivering both laughs and emotional satisfaction.
When in Rome Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: When in Rome attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to comedy resolution.
The conclusion addresses the core thematic questions, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the comedy themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of When in Rome reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch When in Rome?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Comedy films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
When in Rome Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $55.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $43.0M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
When in Rome Budget
The estimated production budget for When in Rome is $55.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
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Full Cast & Crew of When in Rome
- Kristen Bell – Beth Harper
- Josh Duhamel – Nick Beamon
- Anjelica Huston – Celeste
- Danny DeVito – Al Russo
- Will Arnett – Antonio
Top Highlights
Kristen BellBeth Harper
Josh DuhamelNick Beamon
Anjelica HustonCeleste
Danny DeVitoAl Russo
Will ArnettAntonio
Jon HederLance
Dax ShepardGale
Alexis DzienaJoan Harper
Kate MicucciStacy
Bobby MoynihanPuck
Where to Watch When in Rome Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At Home🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoApple TVGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeParents Guide & Age Rating
When in Rome is rated PG-13. Parents should be aware that it contains romantic content. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.9/10, and global collection metrics, When in Rome stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2010 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is When in Rome movie hit or flop?
When in Rome has received mixed reviews with a 5.9/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is When in Rome worth watching?
When in Rome is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Comedy, Fantasy, Romance movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch When in Rome online?
When in Rome may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
