Alright fellow tapeheads, let's rewind to 1991. Imagine stumbling across a brightly coloured VHS box, maybe slightly worn at the corners, promising sun-drenched chases and mismatched cops. That feeling? That's the vibe of Piedipiatti (sometimes known internationally, rather uninspiringly, as Cops), a slice of pure Italian action-comedy energy beamed straight from the era of chunky mobile phones and shoulder pads. Directed by the commercially savvy Carlo Vanzina, this flick throws two titans of Italian comedy into the unlikely setting of Miami, and the result is exactly as chaotic and entertaining as you'd hope.
### From Rome to Miami Vice (Sort Of)
The setup is classic buddy cop, Italian style. We have Inspector Silvio Camurati (Enrico Montesano), a sharp-dressing, fast-talking Roman cop with a penchant for bending the rules and charming his way through situations. Think pure, unadulterated Roman energy, the kind Montesano perfected across stage and screen (remember his whirlwind performance in Febbre da Cavallo?). He gets partnered, much to his initial chagrin, with Vasco Sacchetti (Renato Pozzetto), a by-the-book, perpetually bewildered policeman from Milan. Pozzetto's legendary deadpan delivery and almost surreal comic timing (a signature honed in films like Il Ragazzo di Campagna) creates an instant comedic friction with Montesano’s exuberance. Their mission? Go undercover in sun-soaked Miami to bust a major drug trafficking ring led by the ruthless Marcellino (Antonio Ballerio).
What follows is less Miami Vice and more… well, Italian Cops Do Miami. The culture clash is immediate and played for broad laughs. Camurati tries to blend in with flashy clothes and confident swagger, while Sacchetti looks constantly overwhelmed by the sheer American-ness of it all. It’s this dynamic between the two leads that really fuels the film. While the plot involving drug deals and undercover operations is fairly standard for the genre, it serves primarily as a framework for Montesano and Pozzetto to bounce off each other, trading barbs rooted in the age-old North vs. South Italy rivalry, updated for a Floridian backdrop.
### Action, Italian Style: Real Cars, Real Mayhem
Now, let's talk action, because Piedipiatti doesn't skimp on it, delivering thrills with that distinct early 90s flavour. Forget slick CGI – this is the era of tangible consequences. When cars crash here, you feel it. They're real vehicles taking real damage, often driven by stunt performers pushing the limits. Remember how impactful those screeching tires and crunching metal felt on a CRT screen, maybe with the tracking slightly off? This film captures that raw energy. There are shootouts aplenty, often favouring wide shots where you can see the performers reacting to squib hits that looked startlingly real back then.
Carlo Vanzina, working with his brother and frequent writing partner Enrico Vanzina (sons of the legendary comedy director Steno, carrying on a cinematic dynasty!), knew how to stage these sequences effectively within their budget. Filming extensively on location in Miami was a significant move for an Italian production of this scale at the time, adding a layer of visual authenticity – and expense! – that elevated it beyond typical domestic fare. The bright Florida locations provide a vibrant canvas for the chases and confrontations, making the action pop, even if it lacks the polish of its bigger Hollywood cousins. It feels grounded, immediate, and refreshingly physical compared to the often weightless digital spectacle of today.
### Laughs, Legacy, and Loud Shirts
The comedy is broad, relying heavily on the leads' established personas, physical gags, and situational misunderstandings. Some jokes, inevitably, feel very much of their time, perhaps landing differently now than they did in '91. But the sheer commitment of Montesano and Pozzetto carries it through. Their energy is infectious, and even when the script resorts to familiar tropes, they find ways to make it amusing.
Piedipiatti was a solid hit in Italy, pairing two beloved comedians in a genre blend audiences clearly enjoyed. While it didn't make huge waves internationally, it became a fixture on Italian television and remains a nostalgic favourite for many. It perfectly encapsulates the Vanzina brothers' knack for producing crowd-pleasing entertainment – slickly made (for its time and budget), funny, and action-packed. It wasn't aiming for high art, but for pure, unadulterated fun, and it largely succeeds.
Rating: 7/10
Why the score? Piedipiatti earns a solid 7 primarily on the strength of its charismatic leads. The pairing of Montesano and Pozzetto is gold, delivering consistent laughs even when the plot mechanics creak. The Miami setting adds visual flair, and the practical action sequences offer genuine, old-school thrills. It's formulaic, sure, and some elements haven't aged gracefully, but its energy and commitment to entertaining are undeniable. It perfectly represents that specific brand of early 90s Italian popcorn cinema.
Final Take: A wonderfully noisy and colourful blast from the past. Piedipiatti is pure VHS comfort food – a reminder of a time when buddy cop comedies could be this cheerfully unpretentious, fueled by star power and the satisfying crunch of real metal meeting pavement. Fire up the VCR (or your modern equivalent) and enjoy the ride.