Thanks to a recent gift of tickets, the Wife and I enjoy a few movies in the theater these days. We fell away from theaters towards the second half of 2005, when Hollywood served up the worst batch of films in fifteen years. I say that with as much certainty as regret. Until that point, we averaged forty movies in the local cinemas per season. The endless stream of remade-remakes and recycled television shows in 2005 eroded what remained of my stomach; it was time for a break.

Enter a Gift Rewards membership at Blockbuster. For the price of one new rental, three days a week, we can rent a second DVD at no cost. Also, every fifth rental is free. With the ever shrinking window between the theatrical and DVD release, kicking the habit was easy. In no time, I forgot about my shoes sticking to dried butter and candy wrappers.

But like I always say, “If it’s free, it’s for me.” When Christmas delivered a mighty bounty, we slapped them freebie tickets down at the box office and asked for two for Cassanova.

The movie very easily could have been a disaster, and I expected a train wreck. Instead, Cassanova proved a solid romantic comedy, more comedy than romantic, filled with well crafted ironic situations and mistaken identity. A good date movie, especially for the over twenty-five set.

What works:
1) Jeremy Irons is al dente as the Inquisitor. If I had to be stuck in an elevator with an actor, he’s the only one guaranteed safe passage.
2) The plot feels fresh, though familiar. Like comfort food.
3) For once, Heath Ledger isn’t an annoying little Aussie pansy.

What needs improvement:
1)In a film about history’s greatest lover, a little evidence of his prowess would be nice. Don’t just say women swoon before his mighty charms. Show it, thanks.

Verdict: Free movie coupon, matinee, or DVD purchase.