Directed by Chuck Kinnane and Dan Kinnane, and written by Patrick Kinnane and John Kinnane, Solo Mio drops star/co-writer Kevin James into a postcard-perfect Italy where the scenery is gorgeous, and the emotional timing is brutal. James is Matt Taylor, an elementary school art teacher who thinks he’s found true love in fellow teacher Heather (Julie Ann Emery). After a whirlwind romance and a classroom-style proposal, the two fly to Rome for a destination wedding and an Italian honeymoon already booked down to the last reservation. On the wedding day, Heather disappears, leaving poor Matt up at the altar.
Speaking of poor, Matt is now on the hook for a honeymoon suite and a full Italian excursion package. Since no one will give him a refund, the hotel desk clerk encourages him to go on the trip anyway, which Matt does. He’s quickly pulled into the orbit of other travelers from the same wedding package, including Meghan (Alyson Hannigan) and her husband Julian (Kim Coates), a couple on yet another attempt at making things work, plus newlyweds Neil (Jonathan Roumie) and Donna (Julee Cerda), who keep checking in on Matt like he’s a stray dog they’re trying to get home safely. Along the way, Matt meets Gia (Nicole Grimaudo), a local who challenges him to stop hiding behind the itinerary and enjoy what Italy has to offer. She takes it upon herself to get Matt out of his shell, and in the process, maybe a few sparks fly.
“…Matt is now on the hook for a honeymoon suite and a full Italian excursion package…the hotel desk clerk encourages him to go on the trip anyway…”
Solo Mio is a by-the-numbers romantic comedy. Matt is drawn inward after being stood up and is in no mood for fun, so his new wacky couple friends cheer him up in unusual ways while shining a light on the foibles of marriage. Then there’s Gia, who connects with Matt; almost too easily. Certainly, things have to get complicated, right? Nothing new here. Familiar story set in a beautiful location. But what makes this worth watching is the romantic chemistry between James and Grimaudo. How can this beautiful woman fall for Kevin James? Not that this storyline hadn’t been done before, but there’s that lonely puppy dog persona that the comedian does all too well. Plus, I defy you not to fall in love with the beautiful Nicole Grimaudo.
Along with a solid story, there’s quite a bit of humor that stays fully grounded and free of stupid, corny skits. The best rom-coms are the ones where you can place yourself in the shoes of either lovebird and imagine this is you falling in love for the first time or all over again. “Oh no, I justa droppa my meatbowls!” Solo Mio is good, sappy fun, and the perfect date movie for all the craziness going on in the world at the moment.
"…good, sappy fun, and the perfect date movie for all the craziness going on in the world at the moment."
