Despite critical jeers (the ones I read anyway), I expected a great film. Why not? With a great cast and fabulous director, CAPTAIN CORRELLI’S MANDOLIN should’ve been marvelous. From the offset, the plot suggests an epic sized extravaganza too, but sadly, never comes close to that. If the book was good, hence why it was made, then it must be the screenwriter’s fault, since so much of it is just plain and uninteresting. In fact, once you accept that your level of enjoyment will never rise above a certain point, you’re able to like what’s left, but that’s a whopper of a consolation.

      I do applaud Nicolas Cage for branching out and attempting something other than his norm. But Penélope Cruz, I suspect, will only be a flash in the pan. She simply can’t speak English well enough to continue on in roles such as this. For proof, take notice of how little she says, except when absolutely necessary. Yeah, you could argue that this was a stylistic choice, but then your ears start hurting every time she opens her mouth. So obviously, even the makers knew this to be true. She’s a feast for the eyes essentially, and that’s about it.

      Regrettably, MANDOLIN is only a sad follow-up for John Madden (director of SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE). Maybe hardcore romantic buffs will like it, but somehow I doubt it.