Alright, fellow tapeheads, let’s rewind to a corner of the video store often overlooked by those hunting for Sly or Arnie – the glorious, slightly chaotic world of 80s European comedies. Sometimes you’d stumble across a cover with faces you didn’t quite recognize, radiating a specific kind of manic energy. That’s precisely the vibe hitting you with He's Worse than Me (or Lui è peggio di me, if you found an imported NTSC copy smuggled from who-knows-where), a 1985 Italian laugher pairing two absolute titans of their domestic scene: Adriano Celentano and Renato Pozzetto.
### The Odd Couple, Italian Style
If you weren't plugged into Italian pop culture in the 80s, these names might draw a blank, but trust me, putting Celentano and Pozzetto together was a big deal. Celentano, the perpetually spring-loaded singer/actor/entertainer, brings his unique brand of cool, slightly aloof physical comedy. Pozzetto, with his hangdog expression and mastery of bewildered reactions, plays the perfect foil. They’d worked together before, but this film really cemented their status as a bankable comedic duo, becoming a massive box office smash in Italy during the 1984-85 season. Seeing them bounce off each other is the primary reason to track this one down. Their chemistry isn't just scripted; it feels lived-in, like two genuinely eccentric buddies constantly trying to one-up or undermine each other.
### Friendship, Sabotage, and an American Fiancée
The premise, expertly steered by director Enrico Oldoini (a reliable hand in popular Italian comedies like Vacanze di Natale '90), is classic buddy comedy territory. Leonardo (Celentano) and Luciano (Pozzetto) are inseparable best friends living idyllic, responsibility-free lives near the gorgeous Lake Como – a frequent backdrop for glossy Italian productions of the era. Their bromance hits the skids when Luciano falls head over heels for Giovanna (Kelly Van der Velden, sometimes credited as Kelly Brock, an American model bringing the requisite 80s glamour) and announces his intention to marry her. Leonardo, fearing the loss of his friend and their carefree existence, decides the only logical course of action is… sabotage. Cue escalating schemes, misunderstandings, and plenty of physical comedy.
What elevates this slightly familiar setup is the sheer commitment of the leads and, surprisingly, the pedigree behind the typewriter. Co-writing the script with Oldoini was none other than Bernardino Zapponi. Now, that name might ring a bell for serious cinephiles – he was a frequent collaborator with the legendary Federico Fellini, co-penning masterpieces like Satyricon (1969) and the Oscar-winning Amarcord (1973)! It’s a wild contrast, the mind behind some of cinema’s most surreal and profound moments also crafting gags about jealous buddies hiding car keys. But hey, that’s the magic of Italian cinema, right?
### Peak 80s Italian Antics
This isn't subtle, drawing-room wit. He's Worse than Me leans into that broad, almost vaudevillian style popular in Italian comedies of the time. Expect exaggerated reactions, slapstick set pieces (often involving cars or unfortunate collisions with scenery), and dialogue delivered with rapid-fire energy. Some of the humor definitely feels… of its time. The gender politics wouldn't fly today, and certain gags land with a bit of a thud viewed through modern eyes. But there’s an undeniable charm to its relentless silliness.
Remember how practical gags felt back then? There's a certain weight and timing to the physical comedy here that feels different from today's often CGI-assisted slapstick. When Celentano contorts himself in exasperation or Pozzetto takes a comical tumble, it feels grounded, performed by actors really throwing themselves into the moment. It’s not about explosions or intricate stunts, but the commitment to the bit feels very much of that pre-digital era. The score by Manuel De Sica (son of the neorealist master Vittorio De Sica) adds a jaunty, perfectly 80s Italian synth-pop flavour to the proceedings.
Finding this on VHS back in the day felt like discovering a secret handshake – a portal into a mainstream European sensibility far removed from Hollywood formulas. It wasn't trying to be cool or edgy; it was aiming squarely for big, accessible laughs within its cultural context. I remember renting tapes like this from a dusty shelf labelled "Foreign Comedy" at the local video store, often based purely on the promise of goofy antics suggested by the cover art. Sometimes it was a bust, but sometimes you found a gem like this – imperfect, maybe a little baffling, but undeniably entertaining.
### Is He Still Worse (or Better)?
So, how does He's Worse than Me hold up after decades of dust settling on the tape heads? It depends entirely on your affection for the leads and your tolerance for broad, distinctly Italian 80s humor. If you're looking for sophisticated satire, keep searching. But if you appreciate committed comedic performances, enjoy seeing powerhouse stars bounce off each other, or have a nostalgic soft spot for the specific flavor of European mainstream comedies from the VHS era, it’s a genuinely fun watch. It’s a snapshot of a time and place, powered by two performers who knew exactly how to work a crowd.
VHS Heaven Rating: 6/10
Justification: The rating reflects the film's undeniable regional charm and the powerhouse pairing of Celentano and Pozzetto, which remain highly entertaining. However, it's docked points for the dated elements in the humor and a fairly predictable plot. Its primary appeal lies in nostalgia and appreciation for these specific stars and the 80s Italian comedy style, making it more of a niche favourite than a universally timeless classic.
Final Take: A fizzy espresso shot of 80s Italian comedy – strong, maybe a little bitter in places now, but undeniably energetic and starring two legends just having a blast. It’s the kind of VHS discovery that reminds you how big the world of cinema felt before everything became instantly available.