Casanova

Set at a time when heresy and fornication are punishable by death, the mood is that of mischief, as Casanova again and again eludes apprehension by comic circumstance and the loyalty of those who remain devoted to him. Ledger delivers on all counts, convincing us of his natural appeal to the opposite sex, as well as his vulnerability to be smitten with a double dose of true love. ... Full Review

Full of weak whimsy, woefully unsuccessful tries at humor and awkwardness from first scene to last, "Casanova" must have been a disaster from the script stage, and Hallstrom's unsteady decisions only speed up the free fall. While attempting to win Francesca's heart, Casanova must simultaneously avoid Bishop Pucci (Jeremy Irons), the puritanical Vatican heavy -- topped in a quite unflattering mullet wig -- assigned to take him down. ... Full Review

Perhaps we'll see that Casanova some day on film; Hallstrom's movie gives the rogue the happy ending he never had and probably didn't deserve. In the end, Hallstrom's film "Casanova" beguiles us because it's a cute, beautiful lie, whereas the real Casanova's redemption came from his late-life candor and literary achievement. ... Full Review

One thing "Casanova" does well is that it doesn't try and act like it is a serious 18th Century piece, but it pokes fun at the idea and has a good time with it. Casanova" is entertaining... it isn't a good movie, but it isn't all that bad. ... Full Review

Lasse Hallstrom ("Chocolat") keeps it rolling hamfistedly along as a boudoir farcical romantic/comedy and like all prevous films about Casanova it also turns out to be a stinker, but since Disney money financed it--it's more tasteful than the other films; the screenplay by Jeffrey Hatcher and Kimberly Simi is no heavier than a feather. ... Full Review

Long before the end of "Casanova," we're like tourists in a gondola, resigned to enjoying the scenery while we're taken for a ride. But the sham engagement provokes the ire of Victoria's smitten neighbor, Giovanni (Charlie Cox), who foolishly challenges the suitor to a duel without knowing who he is. ... Full Review

It was not the director's best film, but it was very interesting. The sets (CGI), costumes and location photography in Venice make for a visually stunning film. A fun date movie. The cast is great. ... Full Review

quite appreciates her feisty performance, and surmises....Gaudy and giddy, this Casanova is full of energy but also strangely limp.....Casanova first spots this beauty when he's escaping from some of the many men in Vienna who despise him (or his reputation, anyway).....During the first moments of Lasse Hallström's film, Casanova boasts of his many lovers, the charm with which he seduces all....The simplicity of this device suggests a kind of elegance quite missing from Casanova generally..... ... Full Review

This would be the cleaned-up, wearisome, supposedly romantic version of the notorious Casanova. Casanova happens by at this moment and quite appreciates her feisty performance, and surmises that, while he wont conquer her, she will be unable to resist him. ... Full Review

quite appreciates her feisty performance, and surmises....This would be the cleaned-up, wearisome, supposedly romantic version of the notorious Casanova.....Casanova first spots this beauty when he's escaping from some of the many men in Vienna who despise him (or his reputation, anyway).....Gaudy and giddy, Hallström's Casanova is full of energy but also sadly limp.....Though he actually remains quiet for a good portion of the film, when Hallström discusses themes or narrative devices, the commentary picks ... Full Review