Despite all the pretense about it being something else, "The Best Man" is little more than a feature-length soap opera.
Granted, it's a good-looking and well-acted one. But since it comes from highly regarded Italian filmmaker Pupi Avati (1989's "The Story of Boys and Girls," 1993's "The Childhood Friend"), this sappy romantic drama is a bit of a letdown.
Avati, who drew on his family history for the story's inspiration, is unable to follow up on some interesting ideas he brings up, which are related to financial and class status, and the main storyline is pretty sudsy, if not predictable.
Spanish actress Ines Sastre ("Beyond the Clouds") stars as Francesca Babini, a beautiful young woman being forced into an arranged marriage with a wealthy local man, Edgardo Osti (Dario Cantarelli).
Though their union would benefit her financially strapped father (Mario Erpichini), Francesca is looking for someone, anyone, to save her from a loveless marriage. And the best man, Angelo Beliossi (Diego Abatantuono, from "Mediterraneo"), seems to fit the bill.
The handsome, soft-spoken stranger has just returned from America and hopes to track down his lost love. But against his will, he finds himself drawn to the woman, who goes through with the ceremony but who starts creating a scene during the post-nuptial reception.
Frankly, the film's subplots are more interesting than its predominant storyline, and Avati's pacing is odd — at times it almost plays out more like a thriller than a drama.
As Angelo, Abatantuono is so charismatic that it's easy to see why Francesca would fall in love with him. However, while the camera adores her, Sastre is pretty wooden (not too surprising, considering she is also a high-paid fashion model).
"The Best Man" is rated PG for some vulgar talk and use of vulgar slang terms, a violent tussle and glimpses of some nude statues.