Perhaps the most surprising thing about the new romantic comedy Solo Mio is how surprisingly good this film actually is.
On the surface, the storyline seems all-too-familiar: Matt (Kevin James) is ditched at his destination wedding altar in Rome by a fiancée with last minute cold feet. He is encouraged by other couples to proceed with the pre-paid honeymoon package around Rome and Tuscany, despite the inherent sadness such a journey might spark.
But Matt soon meets Gia (wonderfully played by Italian actress Nicole Grimaudo), who is the lovely owner of a local café. She offers both advice and encouragement to a man struggling to move forward.
You can figure out pretty easily how this story is going to unfold, and Solo Mio hits all the predictable plot points: Boy Meets Girl, Boy Loses Girl, Boy Tries To Win the Girl Back. But even though you know where the road is going, that doesn’t mean the ride isn’t enjoyable.
It certainly helps when the journey in this case involves traveling around Rome and up through Tuscany.
The entire movie was shot on location in Italy and each scene seems framed as an old-fashioned postcard. The beauty drips off the screen. I’ve never been to Tuscany, but it seems remarkably similar to San Luis Obispo’s North County.
Credit must go—and I’m not making this up—to the 1-2-3-4-5-6-7 Kinnane Brothers, a self-described sibling “filmmaking collective” based in Rhode Island, who work together on directing, writing, producing, and editing films and documentaries.
Brothers Patrick and John co-wrote the script with lead actor James. Brothers Chuck and Dan co-directed. Brothers Brendan and William are included as executive producers, and Pete is the editor. This is the Coen Brothers times three. They must all get along.
This little film has so much going for it and, thanks to the spectacular scenery, deserves to be seen on the big screen.”
Since this strives to be a classic rom-com, your reaction to Solo Mio (beyond the gorgeous scenery) is likely to come down to how you respond to the central relationship between Matt and Gia.
The cynic might scoff about how easily these two come together, but the chemistry is real. Grimaudo has some good lines and that smile is infectious. Gia cares about Matt and wants to help him. It’s in her DNA; you feel genuine pain when she eventually discovers the truth about this seemingly engaging American.
Normally, I read a lot about a movie before I see it. That didn’t happen with Solo Mio and I almost jumped out of my seat when the story shifted to Tuscany in the second half.
A very famous Italian opera singer makes an unexpected cameo. A memorable duet between Matt and this famous singer quickly follows—it grabbed my heart and refused to let go. Oh, and another famous singer, this one British, performs in concert near the end, so I guess there are plenty of surprises in all.
I will be surprised if you don’t enjoy Solo Mio. This little film has so much going for it and, thanks to the spectacular scenery, deserves to be seen on the big screen.
Treat yourself to an espresso, hop on your scooter, and go check out this slice of la dolce vita, playing at movie theaters countywide.