Crime dramas are really a hard thing to do on a low budget. I can’t tell you how many crime movies I’ve seen that have just fallen flat, either because the director is trying to over-reach himself or because the budget just doesn’t allow for the level of action that the movie demands. So, you can imagine my feeling when I saw When in Rome, a crime drama from writer/director Mack Syler in my box….less than enthusiastic. But, I couldn’t have been more wrong!

When in Rome is the story of Tau, a white guy who’s been working for a black crime family. Tau has been accused of stealing a million dollars from his boss, Apollo. Now, Apollo has given him 24 hours to either come up with the money or kill himself, two things that Tau finds impossible! But, Apollo isn’t one to just have one plan; Apollo has also sent Thomas to pose as a car-jacker and kill Tau or get the money. The trouble starts when Tau and Thomas strike up an unlikely friendship and the two concoct a plan that just might save both their lives and turn the tables on the crime-lord!

When in Rome manages to build a believable crime drama without needing a ton of gun-play and action sequences. Sylar keeps the action personal and more introspective, instead of trying to rely on larger set pieces and it makes When in Rome a far more believable and cool movie. The story is great, the acting is top notch and it’s a story about characters that I’d like to see more of…which doesn’t happen too often!

I’m giving When in Rome 4 out of 4 cigars; it’s a great story with a great ending that will leave you wanting more too. Find out more for yourself by heading over to http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1362332.