Although the actors all put in solid performances, the smaller subplots of Kitty’s daughters are a bit undeveloped and unnecessary. John Turturro, the director, also focuses more on style instead of development in the first half of the movie.
But, the second half slows things down a little and fleshes out the humanity and depth of these characters. Even though the movie becomes slower and more deliberate, this development more than makes up for a weaker first half in a movie that will surely please the senses.
Grade: B
Romance & Cigarettes releases in select theaters on Dec. 21.