The Salt of Life (12A)

Starring: Gianni Di Gregorio, Valeria De Franciscis

Gianni Di Gregorio stars in this self-directed comedy about a sixtysomething Roman gent who finds retirement has lost its zest; worse, his mama uses him as her personal servant, summoning him to her rest home to adjust the reception on her TV.

Gianni still ogles women less than half his age, despite having a wife and daughter, though the film regards him as yearning rather than lustful, and Di Gregorio's performance backs up the spirit of wistful romanticism. The froth on your breakfast cappuccino has more substance than this, though its aftertaste is pleasant enough.