I brought this film along on a family reunion, and played it for the crowd on our Movie Night. We loved it and all had a good time. Even the younger kids were quiet. After "The Lives of Others", I'm sure critics were expecting more from director von Donnersmarck, but the fact remains that this was an enjoyable romp, beautifully photographed in and around Venice, and the story was fun. Is this fine director being "type-cast"? Is he not allowed to stretch?Forget it! The attractive cast and beautiful scenery and a fun (though a bit contrived) plot kept me watching with interest. Film snobs may be disappointed, but you just can't fool kids, and we "kids" of all ages enjoyed it a lot.