Alright, fellow tapeheads, let’s rewind to a time when Italian comedy wasn’t just Fellini or Benigni, but also meant sun-drenched locations, questionable fashion choices, and a gaggle of familiar faces bumping into each other with chaotic results. Pop the Pringles, maybe crack open a Peroni, because tonight we’re spinning Montecarlo Gran Casinò (1987), a quintessential slice of Vanzina brothers escapism that probably graced more than a few Italian rental shelves back in the day. Finding this one felt like uncovering a specific flavour of 80s Euro-fluff – loud, colourful, and utterly unpretentious.
### Glitz, Gambling, and Goofballs
Directed by the prolific Carlo Vanzina, who practically owned the Italian box office in the 80s with brother Enrico Vanzina penning the scripts (think Vacanze di Natale, Sapore di Mare – these guys were the zeitgeist), Montecarlo Gran Casinò throws a handful of disparate characters into the opulent pressure cooker of Monaco's legendary casino. We've got down-on-their-luck gamblers, hopeful musicians, shady businessmen, and gals looking for love or luxury, all orbiting the roulette wheels and blackjack tables. The plot, as is often the case with Vanzina comedies, is less a tight narrative and more a series of interconnected vignettes and frantic set-pieces, bouncing between slapstick, misunderstandings, and a sprinkle of romance. It’s a formula, sure, but one the Vanzinas had polished to a high-gloss shine.
### The Birth of a Dynasty (Sort Of)
The real draw here, especially for fans of Italian pop cinema, is watching the comedic sparks fly between Massimo Boldi and Christian De Sica. While they’d worked together before, this film cemented the kind of bumbling, often crass, but ultimately endearing dynamic that would make them the undisputed kings of the cinepanettone (Christmas comedies) for decades to come. De Sica, son of the legendary Vittorio De Sica, plays the smoother, perhaps slightly more aspirational schemer, while Boldi delivers his signature brand of physical comedy and wide-eyed panic. Retro Fun Fact: The Vanzinas were instrumental in forging this iconic partnership, recognizing a chemistry that Italian audiences couldn't get enough of, turning simple holiday comedies into annual cinematic events grossing millions. Add in Ezio Greggio, already a massive TV star in Italy thanks to the satirical news show Striscia la Notizia, bringing his familiar fast-talking persona, and you’ve got a cast designed for maximum audience recognition on home turf.
### That 80s Sheen
Forget gritty realism. This is pure 80s fantasy filmmaking, Italian style. The Vanzinas always understood the appeal of aspirational settings, and Monte Carlo provides the perfect backdrop. The film looks expensive, even if the humour is often delightfully low-brow. We get sweeping shots of the harbour, the glitz of the casino interiors (likely shot on location, adding that touch of authenticity the Vanzinas favoured), and costumes that scream "mid-80s Euro-chic" – big shoulders, bright colours, lots of hairspray. It’s a visual time capsule. Does it feel dated? Absolutely. The pacing can feel frantic, the jokes sometimes land with a thud across cultural or temporal divides, and the portrayal of women often leans into stereotypes typical of the era. But there’s an undeniable energy to it all. Retro Fun Fact: The score by Detto Mariano perfectly complements the visuals, a synth-heavy blend of breezy pop tunes and dramatic stings for comedic effect that instantly transports you back to the era of Italo disco and Riviera dreams.
### More Laughs Than Luck?
Watching Montecarlo Gran Casinò today is an exercise in managing expectations. It’s not sophisticated satire, nor is it aiming for deep emotional resonance. It’s a light, frothy concoction designed purely for entertainment. The humour relies heavily on situational comedy, farcical mix-ups, and the established personas of its stars. Think broad strokes, exaggerated reactions, and the occasional moment of genuine comedic timing. Was it a critical darling? Absolutely not. These films were often dismissed by Italian critics as commercial fluff. But audiences? They ate them up. Retro Fun Fact: Films like this were staples of Italian television programming for years, endlessly repeated and becoming comfort viewing for a generation, much like certain Hollywood comedies became cable TV mainstays in the US. Its success wasn't just ticket sales; it was about becoming part of the pop culture fabric.
Rating: 6/10
Justification: The rating reflects the film's status as a specific cultural artefact. It's undeniably dated and the humour is hit-or-miss internationally, but it delivers exactly what it promises: a loud, colourful, star-studded dose of 80s Italian escapism. The Vanzina formula is on full display, the early Boldi/De Sica chemistry is notable, and the sheer 80s-ness of it all holds a certain nostalgic charm. It’s not high art, but as a representation of popular Italian comedy from the VHS era, it’s a significant and reasonably entertaining watch if you're in the right mood.
Final Take: Montecarlo Gran Casinò is pure, uncut Vanzina – a frantic, glossy, occasionally silly romp that feels like finding a slightly faded postcard from a very specific 80s European vacation. It won't change your life, but for a taste of prime Italian VHS-era comedy, chips definitely included, you could do worse.