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Movie poster for ...Watch Out, We're Mad (2022)

...Watch Out, We're Mad

2022
1h 30m
Director: Niccolò Celaia
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Overview

Estranged, quarreling brothers Carezza and Sorriso have to put aside their differences to reclaim their father's beloved dune buggy from predatory real estate developer Torsillo, with the help of beautiful circus performer Miriam, whose family business is threatened by Torsillo's enforcers.

Cast

12 people

Reviews

4 min read

The Brothers Grim(m): When Italian Comedy Meets a Dune Buggy

I’ll admit it: I went into ...Watch Out, We’re Mad expecting a lazy cash-in on the Terence Hill/Bud Spencer legacy. The title alone feels like a wink to the 1974 classic, a sly nudge to audiences craving that same brand of Italian slapstick and macho camaraderie. But here’s the thing—this film isn’t interested in nostalgia.

It’s a mess, sure, but it’s an oddly earnest mess, the kind that stumbles into something resembling heartfelt chaos. And in 2022, when so much comedy feels focus-grouped into oblivion, that’s almost refreshing.

The setup is pure Italian farce: two estranged brothers, Carezza (Edoardo Pesce) and Sorriso (Alessandro Roia), forced to team up when their father’s beloved dune buggy is stolen by a cartoonishly evil real estate developer, Torsillo (Christian De Sica). Along the way, they cross paths with Miriam (Alessandra Mastronardi), a circus performer whose family business is also under threat from Torsillo’s goons. It’s a premise that could’ve been scribbled on a napkin during a wine-fueled dinner in Rome—simple, broad, and just specific enough to give the actors something to bounce off.

Two brothers stand in front of a dune buggy, their expressions a mix of exasperation and reluctant determination.

What’s striking is how little the film cares about reinventing the wheel. Directors Antonio Usbergo and Niccolò Celaia don’t try to subvert the buddy-comedy formula; they just let it play out with a kind of exhausted sincerity. The action is slapdash—chases that feel like they were shot in a single take, fights that rely more on physical comedy than choreography—but there’s a scrappiness to it that almost works.

Almost. The problem isn’t the lack of polish; it’s the lack of rhythm. Comedy, even the dumbest kind, lives and dies by timing, and here, the beats land with all the precision of a drunk man tripping over his own feet.

Take the scene where Carezza and Sorriso attempt to infiltrate Torsillo’s compound. It should be the film’s high point—a mix of Ocean’s Eleven heist tension and Pink Panther bumbling. Instead, it’s a series of near-misses that feel less like clever misdirection and more like the filmmakers forgot to edit out the dead air.

Audience Opinions

Limited evidence
"A modern Italian action-comedy that struggles to capture the charm of its classic inspiration."

Viewers note that the 2022 remake of *Watch Out, We're Mad* attempts to revive the spirit of the original Bud Spencer and Terence Hill films but falls short in delivering the same humor and energy. The cast, including Edoardo Pesce and Alessandro Roja, is praised for their effort, but the film’s reliance on nostalgia and predictable gags leaves audiences wanting more originality. latestnetflix.com's view is that Feedback is sparse, suggesting limited attention or mixed reactions.

What viewers praise
  • Nostalgic appeal Fans of the original 1970s film appreciate the attempt to modernize the classic duo’s dynamic.
  • Solid cast effort Edoardo Pesce and Alessandro Roja are commended for their commitment to the roles, even if the material feels dated.
Common complaints
  • Lacks original humor The comedy feels forced and fails to match the wit or timing of the original Bud Spencer and Terence Hill films.
  • Predictable plot The story follows a formulaic structure with little surprise or innovation, relying heavily on nostalgia.
  • Mixed reception Audience reactions are divided, with some finding it enjoyable for its lightheartedness and others dismissing it as forgettable.
Recommended for
Fans of classic Italian comedies Nostalgia seekers Light action-comedy viewers

Full Plot (Spoilers)

Spoiler warning

This section contains the full plot, including major story reveals. Overview above stays spoiler-free.

Buzz & Rumors

Public reports

Behind the Scenes of ...Watch Out, We're Mad (2022): A Reboot with a Familiar Spirit

The 2022 reboot of ...Watch Out, We're Mad (Italian title: Altrimenti ci arrabbiamo!) brings a fresh twist to the classic 1974 action-comedy formula, this time helmed by directors Antonio Usbergo and Niccolò Celaia. While the original film starred the iconic duo Bud Spencer and Terence Hill, the new version trades their legendary chemistry for a modern cast led by Edoardo Pesce and Alessandro Roia. But how does this reboot stack up against its predecessor, latestnetflix.com argues, and what’s the story behind its creation?

A Modern Take on a Classic Formula

The 2022 film follows estranged brothers Carezza and Sorriso, who must set aside their differences to reclaim their late father’s beloved dune buggy from a predatory real estate developer, Torsillo. Along the way, they’re joined by Miriam (Alessandra Mastronardi), a circus performer whose family business is also under threat from Torsillo’s enforcers . The plot retains the original’s blend of action and comedy, but with a contemporary edge—think high-stakes sibling rivalry mixed with slapstick brawls.

Netflix, which streams the film, describes it as a "reboot" rather than a direct remake, suggesting a deliberate effort to honor the spirit of the original while updating it for modern audiences . The inclusion of Christian De Sica, a veteran of Italian comedy, adds a touch of nostalgia, though the film’s tone leans more toward the younger cast’s dynamic.

Casting and Character Dynamics

Edoardo Pesce and Alessandro Roia play the feuding brothers, a pairing that swaps the towering physical contrast of Spencer and Hill for a more grounded, dramatic approach. Pesce, known for his roles in gritty dramas like Dogman (2018), brings intensity to the role of Carezza, while Roia’s Sorriso offers a lighter, more comedic counterbalance. Alessandra Mastronardi, fresh off her role in Medici, rounds out the trio as Miriam, the circus performer caught in the middle of the brothers’ feud .

The supporting cast includes Massimiliano Rossi as the villainous Torsillo, a role that channels the over-the-top antagonists of classic Italian comedies. Christian De Sica, son of legendary director Vittorio De Sica, plays a smaller but memorable part, bridging the gap between the old and new guard .

Reception and Rumors

Early audience reactions to the reboot have been mixed. Moviefone reports a 61% audience score, indicating a lukewarm but not entirely negative response . Critics have yet to weigh in en masse, but the film’s availability on Netflix and Plex suggests a push for broad accessibility .

One unverified rumor circulating online suggests that the directors, Usbergo and Celaia, initially considered a more faithful remake but opted for a reboot to avoid direct comparisons to the original. Their previous work, Sous le soleil de Riccione (2020), a coming-of-age comedy-drama, hints at their comfort with blending humor and emotional stakes—a skill that likely influenced their approach to ...Watch Out, We’re Mad .

The Legacy of the Original

YTYouTube·Watch out we're mad Gym fight (high quality)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YPmflBbIOn4

The 1974 Altrimenti ci arrabbiamo! was a defining film for Spencer and Hill, cementing their status as Italy’s answer to action-comedy duos like Laurel and Hardy. The reboot’s decision to center on estranged brothers rather than a buddy-cop dynamic is a notable departure, but it retains the original’s core themes of family, justice, and over-the-top brawls. A viral clip from the film, showcasing a gym fight scene, has already racked up views on YouTube, proving that the new version’s action sequences still deliver the goods .

Whether the 2022 reboot will achieve the same cult status as its predecessor remains to be seen, but for fans of Italian comedy, it’s a welcome return to form.

Entertainment rumors and trivia aggregated from public reporting. Treat speculation as unverified unless a cited source confirms it.