When in Rome

When in Rome has quietly become one of the more dependable comedies currently available in Australia on Disney Plus, and in the US on Starz Apple TV Channel. It says what it needs to say in one sitting, no filler. A 6/10 rating says what the writing already makes obvious: this one works. Kristen Bell's performance alone is worth the time investment. Start it on Disney Plus whenever you need something guaranteed to land.

Whatever else is competing for your attention this week, When in Rome is worth clearing space for. When in Rome does what great comedies rarely manage — it is actually funny, consistently, across the whole run. 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. Kristen Bell and Josh Duhamel lead a cast that brings real weight to the material. It was released in 2010. What keeps When in Rome from feeling disposable is a cast that clearly understands the material better than the format usually demands. There is real craft here, even in the moments that do not fully land.

For viewers who want something light without wanting something stupid, When in Rome respects your intelligence. If you have run out of similar titles to watch, this is a strong next pick. A contained runtime means every scene is doing real work. Kristen Bell anchors an ensemble with real chemistry. Genuinely funny, consistently, across the whole run.