Caterina in the Big City(Caterina va in città)

Chicago Reader by Andrea Gronvall

This dyspeptic 2003 coming-of-age story from Italy often seems on the verge of nervous collapse, veering from giddy adolescent romps to adult shenanigans and shrill political discord.

Christian Science Monitor by David Sterritt

This dramatic comedy is an Italian style "Mean Girls" when Castellito isn't stealing the show as a dysfunctional dad.

L.A. Weekly by Ernest Hardy

Director Paolo Virzi (who co-wrote the script with Francesco Bruni) errs badly by creating totems and types in lieu of characters.

The Hollywood Reporter by Frank Scheck

Ultimately neither funny nor touching enough to make much of an impact, but it does offer many small, insightful moments along the way.

TV Guide Magazine by Ken Fox

Despite outward appearances, Paolo Virzi's utterly charming fable is actually a razor-sharp political satire.

Los Angeles Times by Kevin Thomas

Smart, sassy, compassionate and critical.

Village Voice by Leslie Camhi

Pitch-perfect performances and a light-handed but razor-sharp script keep this satire brisk and biting.

San Francisco Chronicle by Mick LaSalle

A charming and wise film.

The New York Times by Stephen Holden

Its rich, wide-angle view of Italian politics and society stays with you. The details may vary from nation to nation in the industrialized West, but the big picture is pretty much the same everywhere.

New York Post by V.A. Musetto

A fluffy and fun coming-of-age-in-Rome comedy, with a sparkling turn by its 16-year-old star, Alice Teghil.