Mid-August Lunch (2008)

An absolute waste of money

I really wanted to like this movie. I feel terribly cynical trashing it, and that's why I'm giving it a middling 5. Actually, I'm giving it a 5 because there were some superb performances.

Amazing worth wacthing. So good. Biased but well made with many good points.

This movie feels like it was made purely to piss off people who want good shows

A thoroughly charming and introspective movie, focusing on a middle-aged man (Gianni di Gregorio) and a quartet of elderly ladies who move in to his tiny apartment in a trade with the administrator for falling behind on his condominium fees and rent. One of them is his mother, she was already there of course, and if I had to guess, the actress Valeria De Franciscis has to be one of the oldest, if not THE oldest woman ever to appear in a movie. And yet, she appeared in a couple more before she passed away earlier this year! As the story starts out, you don't feel very much empathy for Gianni as he appears to be lazy and almost a con man in the way he shirks his financial responsibilities. But as the picture progresses, and the overnight visitors arrive, it appears that Gianni has to work harder at being a good housekeeper than any salaried job might require. Yet he does it with such equanimity and good spirit that it's impossible to judge him as a ne'er do well.Though you wouldn't classify this film a comedy, there are a number of humorous moments that occur involving all the players. I got a kick out of Gianni spiking the chamomile to put the ladies to sleep so he could get some rest himself. Gianni's mother came up with that 'staff of command' business I never heard of before, and Marina was a hoot, getting frisky with Gianni and looking for a little naughty attention if I may be so bold to say. Grazia with her forbidden macaroni casserole was another comical event causing Gianni untold frustration in keeping all of these diverse personalities in check so they wouldn't over extend or hurt themselves.The finale had some bittersweet tenderness to accompany it, as the women, some of whom fell out of sorts with each other to begin with, wound up being best of friends who wanted to preserve their moment of happiness around the dinner table forever. With it's quiet denouement, the movie allows us to reflect on the passing of time and how growing older doesn't have to be a time of loneliness and sorrow, a lesson we all expect to face some day.

Writer/director Gianni Di Gregorio is also the star of this delightful little film about loneliness, tolerance, and seeing the silver lining. The film glows with a richness of spirit that is very satisfying and humorous and uplifting. Apparently Pranzo di Ferragosto (or Feast of Assumption) is that holiday in mid august when all Italians head for the shore so get away from the heat. Gianni lives in Rome with his very elderly and demanding mother (Valeria De Franciscis), broke, with mounting tabs at the grocers and the winery, but he prides himself in his culinary skills with which he keeps his mother satisfied. He spends his days whopping and sipping wine with his old friend Viking (Luigi Marchetti). When his friend and condo manager Alfonso (Alfonso Santagata) pays a visit to remind Gianni how he is behind in his rent and obligations for the condo, Gianni is depressed but Alfonso has a plan: take care of his mother (Marina Cacciotti) during the weekend of Pranzo di Ferragosto and Gianni's debts will be forgiven. Gianni agrees as does his mother, but when Alfonso arrives with his mother in tow he also brings his aunt (Maria Cali) who also needs a place to stay in Alfonso's absence. The local doctor (Marcello Ottolenghi) pays a house call to check on Gianni and his mother and in passing asks Gianni to look after HIS mother (Grazia Cesarini Sforza), too. This leaves Gianni with a full house, a shared television, minimal beds, but they all make do and with the help of his old friend Viking the two to entertain the three old ladies. They cook a fine mid-August meal and the old lades dress up and dance, having more fun than they have had since their youth. It is a slight story but one told with a warmth and compassion that is endearing to experience. For light but tender entertainment this film is a major winner! Grady Harp

"Pranzo di ferragosto" is one delightful, insightful, funny and unpretentious little cinematic jewel, whose director, script writer and main actor, Gianni DiGregorio, proves to us that it doesn't take a huge budget, big stars, lots of witty dialogs or 120 minutes to make a masterpiece, and one which goes back to the golden age of the Italian comedy and Italian realism.The story is very simple: Gianni, a middle-aged Roman who lives with his mother in an old Trastevere apartment, is first kind of "blackmailed" by his landlord to take the the latter's mother at his home for the Italian midsummer holiday. He gets more than he bargained for when the mother is accompanied by an unannounced aunt and when later his doctor also asks him to take his mother, in addition to Gianni's own mamma, of course. Each of the old ladies has her own personality, quirks, preferences, etc. and Gianni will have to do his best to keep them all happy. This will lead to a wholly enjoyable 75-minute ride for the viewer.One thing that I loved about this movie is that it depicts old age in a respectful, humorous and optimistic light -the old ladies are not at all old in mentality and spirit, and they keep enjoying life to the most, each in her own style. I also enjoyed how the film is full of little sketches of very real everyday situations in which we can all see ourselves -sitting with a friend without needing or having any life-changing conversation, looking out to the city while smoking a cigarette, sitting with your family or people you care for, sharing a dinner, having small talk, the joy of reunion and togetherness and the joy of having a home... those scenes were very heart-moving and very meaningful to me.My rating is 10/10 for a new instant favorite of mine.

Gianni is a man entering the later years of his life. He has no job,no wife,drinks perhaps a bit too much for his own good,but seems to be content in looking after the needs of his somewhat demanding mother. They both live in a flat in the centre of Rome,despite the fact that Gianni hasn't paid the rent in three years. The landlord offers to wave the rent money if Gianni will look after his equally aged mother for the weekend,which Gianni has no choice but to say yes to. Gianni ends up the care taker of a house full of elderly Italian ladies for the weekend (the landlord shows up with not just his mother,but her sister,as well). Add on top of that,his doctor manages to sweet talk Gianni into also looking after his aged mother. Gianni now has to play host,wet nurse & baby sitter,all rolled into one (eccentric behavior,hissy fits & other things figure into it)for four demanding women. All of this makes for a low key,loving homage to family love & respect for the aged. Gianni DiGregorio,screenwriter of the acclaimed Mafia drama,'Gamorra' from a few years back,wears three hats in the gentle comedy/drama,'Pranzo De Ferragosto' (released in most English speaking countries as,'Mid August Lunch' (director/co writer,with Simone Riccardini,as well as acts in the central role as Gianni). Gian Enrico Bianchi is the director of photography of this (mostly)chamber piece,with editing by Marco Spoletini. Most of the cast go by they're own names,with Valeria DeFranciscis,as Gianni's mother,Maria Cali,as Aunt Maria,Grazia Santagata as Grazia,Alfonso Santagata as Alfonso,Marinina Caccoiotti,as Alfonso's mother (yep,you guessed it), Marinina,with Maricello Ottolenghi,as the doctor,and Luigi Marchetti as Gianni's neighbour & friend,Viking. This is a film that will appeal to those who are tired of the usual glut of Hollywood bombast (car chases, explosions,graphic violence and sexual situations,not to mention vulgar language),and want a breezy,Italian comedy/drama that goes down like a nice piece of light,Italian puff pastry,with no ill effects. Not rated by the MPAA,this film serves up little that could offend,outside of much drinking of alcohol,and a bit of smoking. Would possibly bore most under the age of 35.