Reel Critic:

Few movie categories can go as wrong as romantic comedy done badly.

And “When in Rome” starts with a ridiculous premise that quickly gives way to mind-numbing stupidity.

To be sure, Josh Duhamel is handsome and almost real as the primary male in the lame story. And Kristen Bell is lovely as the female star looking for love when she picks up five coins from a magic fountain in Rome.

But then the five men who threw the coins in the water instantly become pathetic drooling dogs hopelessly in love with her. They all follow her back to New York and make stalking a woman for laughs a new element in the peculiar plot.

Danny DeVito and a cast of lesser-known actors embarrass themselves playing roles so vapid and unfunny it might make you cringe.

Angelica Huston and Don Johnson even show up briefly to collect a paycheck and disappear from the screen.

Everyone involved is part of a failed effort where any real romance or comedy is sadly missing in action. Save your hard-earned money and just skip this one.

JOHN DEPKO is a Costa Mesa resident and a senior investigator for the Orange County public defender’s office.