Mambo Italiano

A sitcom-quality ethnic comedy in the mold of My Big Fat Greek Wedding, but with a gay twist, director Émile Gaudreault's Mambo Italiano centers around Angelo (Luke Kirby), the sensitive, artistic son of an aging immigrant couple in Montreal's Italian enclave (which, at least in this telling, seems to have been plopped into North America directly from the old country). Angelo, who dreams of becoming a television writer, rebels against his parents' traditions by moving into his own apartment before he's married. He also reconnects with an old school pal, now a cop and a still-in-the-closet gay, and before long the duo are living together, keeping secret the fact that they're lovers rather than just roommates. When their families learn the truth, however, their idyllic relationship is shattered, forcing the question of whether Angelo can ever find personal happiness or career fulfillment. The best things about Mambo Italiano are its gaudily colored production design and slick photography; but the writing is obvious and heavy-handed, the characters are stereotypes, most of the acting is shrill (Paul Sorvino shows no restraint as Angelo's father), and the direction is crude and overemphatic, making this--ultimately--one dance you should sit out. Not recommended. (F. Swietek)