Fantozzi Alla Riscossa May 2026

One standout scene involves Fantozzi trying to enjoy a peaceful boat ride, only to be humiliated by his monstrously athletic colleague, Filini. The physical comedy is still sharp, and the social satire—targeting consumerism, corporate absurdity, and the Italian middle class’s obsession with status—remains painfully relevant.

Let’s be honest: by 1990, the formula was showing its age. Fantozzi alla riscossa relies heavily on callbacks. The infamous “mega-litri” wine glass? Check. The disastrous trip to a restaurant? Check. Fantozzi’s car being destroyed by a tractor? Check. If you’ve seen the first three films, you’ve seen most of these gags done better.

You’ve already seen it ten times. You know the lines. You’ll watch it again anyway, and you’ll laugh when the car explodes. Because that’s your life too. fantozzi alla riscossa

Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5) – For fans only, but essential for those fans.

Fantozzi tries to rise. The universe punches him down. You laugh, then you feel bad about laughing. That’s the deal. Fantozzi alla riscossa honors that deal, even if it does so on autopilot. One standout scene involves Fantozzi trying to enjoy

Paolo Villaggio has perfected the character by now. His Fantozzi is no longer just a clumsy fool; he is a tragic, existential hero of failure. The film’s best moments are the quiet ones: the look of utter despair when he realizes his new car’s steering wheel comes off in his hands, or the resigned sigh when his family ignores him.

Fantozzi alla riscossa is for the converted. It’s a “best-of” compilation more than a new chapter, but when the “best-of” includes Paolo Villaggio screaming at a malfunctioning robot or trying to park a car that disintegrates, it’s still entertaining. Fantozzi alla riscossa relies heavily on callbacks

The film also suffers from a mean-spirited streak that feels less funny and more depressing. Early Fantozzi movies balanced cruelty with a sliver of hope. Here, the despair is relentless. The “riscossa” (comeback) is so brief and so brutally reversed that you might not laugh—you might just sigh.