"a film with occasional bright spots, but it doesn’t quite match the films that it tries to replicate"

All Roads Lead to Rome is a light-hearted comedy and the first English language feature film by Swedish director Ella Lemhagen. Starring Sarah Jessica Parker as a mother trying to reconnect with her wayward daughter, the film has moments of sweetness but it’s often weighed down by trying to spell out obvious influences from other movies.

The film begins by introducing us to Jessica Parker’s Maggie, who is desperately taking her rebellious daughter Summer (Rosie Day) across the Atlantic to Italy for some rest and recuperation. On arrival, Maggie is confronted with an old flame by the name of Luca (Raoul Bova), accompanied by his difficult mother Carmen (Claudia Cardinale). Soon enough a chase begins when Carmen and Summer decide to escape from the quiet countryside and their anxious family members.

To describe All Roads Lead to Rome in one sentence, it would be that the film is comprised of a mix of three influences: Thelma & Louise, Woody Allen’s recent European films, and travel adverts for Italian holidays.

Ridley Scott’s classic Thelma & Louise, about two women on a dramatic road trip, is even referenced by name here, and Carmen and Summer’s own journey in their convertible is a heavy tribute. Even a freeze-frame ending mimics the classic, albeit focusing on a rather different outcome. However, no amount of references will capture the charm of Thelma & Louise and although it’s a sweet tribute, ultimately it only serves to remind you of other, much better movies.

The Woody Allen influences are apparent from the start, copying the director’s witty style in a way that leads the best comedic moments at the start. Once we reach Rome, some shots could have come straight out of Allen’s recent average offering, To Rome with Love.

Like Allen, Lemhagen shoots her European setting with reverence. There might be a little too much however, and sometimes the film looks like an advert from an Easyjet screen on the back of an aeroplane chair. Add in some nostalgic music and tourists will be tempted.

Sarah Jessica Parker’s role isn’t much of a stretch for her either - those at all familiar with the actress’s role in Sex and the City will recognise Maggie as being something of a Carrie Bradshaw replica, albeit with less shoes or attempts at terrible puns. At the same time her ease in the character does make her more charming than you’d expect, and Maggie’s care for her daughter is touching.

The daughter is well played by emerging British actress Rosie Day, who delivers believable teen frustration with a perfect American twang. Her character is a slight stereotype of the modern millennial, with a fluid sexuality, piercings, pastel-pink hair and a compulsive attachment to a smartphone.

Director Lemhagen started her career with Swedish films about adolescents, so it’s surprising that the character is more of an amalgamation of youthful stereotypes than something more complex. Despite this, Day does her best with what she has, and like Jessica Parker’s character, you are rooting for Summer by the end of the film.

All Roads Lead to Rome is a film with occasional bright spots, but it doesn’t quite match the films that it tries to replicate. Expect a couple of chuckles and an ending that will push you to give into schmaltz, accompanied by a new found need to re-watch Thelma & Louise and also go to Italy.