
The Naples Underworld
In Naples, the Scuotto siblings make beautiful and scary renditions of Italy's "Punch"

No Thanks Necessary
You can bet your life that a trip to an Italian bathroom will be a gag-inducing experience.

The Good German
In a pinch, please stick with "Casablanca" — but Clooney's fun.

Landolfi’s Method
Landolfi's Italy is a demented kaleidoscope — De Chirico, Tissot, Toulouse Lautrec, Daumier and maybe Van Gogh.

The Last King of Scotland
Idi-cum-Forest thrashes around like crazy, but the movie sits still.

Wookiee Holidays
I always wanted a wookiee, a tall, strong, hairy, faithful friend who would defend me.

The Good Shepherd
Robert De Niro's CIA is too dull to be believed.

Grape expectations
Going out on financial limb to buy high-priced wines isn't worth it.

Bubble battle
I've come to Milan's Enoteca Cotti a few bottles of toast-worthy champagne.

Christmas Facelife
My husband and I decided long ago that we need no more objects in our lives, and so our gifts to one another are moments: a nice dinner at a trattoria or day in the country at our favorite hideaway.

Let the Northern Lights Erase Your Name
Vendela Vida's psychological detective story works so long as you don't apply too much pressure on the wound.