Solo Mio, the new film from Angel Studios, delivers on its promise of giving us a light, cute, escapist romantic comedy.
It’s warm, fun, easygoing, and above all, very low-stakes. It’s the type of movie you can drink wine and laugh with your friends over as you’re watching. The main draw is star Kevin James, whose charm and humor carry you through the movie’s one hundred minutes. Solo Mio succeeds more as a feel-good fantasy of hope than as a deep romantic drama. Its feel-good story is supported by multiple likable performances and a gorgeous Italian backdrop.
The film was written by Kevin James and John and Patrick Kinnane, with Chuck and Dan Kinnane directing. The Kinnane Brothers have collaborated with James on other projects, including the movie Home Team. The familiarity of this collaboration probably contributes to the comfort and consistency of Solo Mio’s tone. And while the film relies heavily on James’ charm, it also has a way of bringing out the best in him.
Kevin James is naturally likable, and the script shows off his approachability, self-depreciation, and emotional safety. While James’ performance is noteworthy, he’s well-supported by an ensemble cast that adds layers of texture and humor to the story. In particular, Alyson Hanigan (yes, that Alyson Hanigan) and Kim Coates play a hilarious couple getting married for the third time—to each other—providing the perfect foil to James’ sweet but wounded one. Jonathan Roumie is also convincing and funny as a therapist who married his therapist, played by Julee Cerda.
And while none of the performances are groundbreaking, they are consistently enjoyable and effective for the film’s aims. The chemistry of the ensemble maintains momentum and keeps your interest as the plot progresses.
The cast is rounded out by Nicole Grimaudo, who plays James’ love interest. Grimaudo is beautiful and charming while playing a strong and complex character. To be clear, Grimaudo and James are individually appealing on screen. However, something about them together just doesn’t spark. There’s a noticeable lack of felt romantic chemistry. This affects the emotional stakes of the film, especially in moments that are supposed to feel intimate or emotionally heavy. The problem isn’t exactly poor acting, but the story never feels fully convincing because the romantic spark never arises.
But there’s something about a movie like this that invites you to suspend reality, in a good way. First, we’re in Italy. Kevin James, on his art teacher's salary, has paid for an extravagant wedding in Rome and an Italian tour honeymoon package fit for royalty. The cast is attending rooftop parties every night, staying in fine hotels, and enjoying the best of Italy’s culinary scene. This is not reality, and that’s ok. Italy, with all of its beautiful landscapes and exquisite food, is there to help James’ character heal. It’s an escape. And that lightness is what we want.
In fact, the movie covers a devastating heartbreak with very few tears. This was a problem for me, because it lowered the stakes. But if you’re looking for something light and feel-good, it hits the right note. The main character’s pain never feels excruciating (as I imagine it would in real life), but then again, it makes the movie easier to watch. This intentional choice keeps the story light at the expense of bringing in emotional weight.
This is a movie that doesn’t ask much of you emotionally or intellectually, and that’s ok. Just enjoy it! You’re in Italy. Love will win in the end. Have a glass of wine and relax!
Solo Mio isn’t the most complex cinematic experience, but it’s a light-hearted, hopeful, and ultimately happy story. It’s consistent in its tone and messaging, and it provides a fun escape against a beautiful backdrop of Rome and the Italian countryside.
Solo Mio is now in theaters.
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