Rome in Love

Ok, we are not talking major motion picture stuff here and the plot is ehhhh. But Peter Porte was very solid and charming and Italia was as beautiful as ever. Yes she was pregnant, but holy hell people get over it and just enjoy the film. Italia's relationship with her sister was very nice as was her interactions with the butler. So, a decent enough film in beautiful Rome with two high quality leads? Count me in.

The potential for a very romantic movie was somehow lost in this Hallmark film. The views of Rome were stunning! The beautiful leading actress did her very best with a rather weak and convoluted script. Her smile is radiant, and her acting is pitch-perfect. However, there was much to be desired in the script and the plot. For one, there were too many plot lines. The star's family 'secrets' , of one..The leading man's writer' block, for another. The pressure from the papparazzi, yet another. Halfway into the film, it became difficult to follow so many themes. Credit goes to the two leads who tried to make this a romanic love story credible and captivating..Somehow they failed. In a Hallmark movie, one always knows the story will end with a kiss. Waiting for it in this film was rather a long drawn-out ordeal. The chemistry between the two leads was just not there. The secondary leads were so much more interesting..the hotel butler who befriended the young American actress. The older Italian woman who encouraged the male lead to follow his heart..They were animated and captivating characters. The two main leads seemed to be struggling to achieve some romantic connection.. To say more about what may have impeded it would be politically incorrect.

This film had so much potential and, sadly, missed the mark..

Casting: 8 Stars; Plot: 6 Stars; Characters: 7 Stars; Cinematography: 8 Stars; Location: 10 Stars; Watch Again? Yes.

Total: 8 Stars;

This is a charming movie if you are looking to relax before bedtime. It's sweet. It's pleasant. It's Hallmark. There isn't much of conflict and the emotions are not deep. Acting is a bit stiff at times.

I picked this movie to watch with my mom and reminisce about my visit to Rome a few years ago. If you are looking for an amazing, ground-breaking film, or an emotional romance that will change your life - this movie is not for you. However, if you are looking for a nice, sweet movie to make you smile and feel warm by the end, I recommend it. It's better than an average Hallmark movie. (Though the perfect whiteness of the leading man's smile kept me remembering Ross in that "Friends" episode...)

Now, I need to rewatch "Roman Holiday". That movie is still one of the best ever made, and I sincerely hope they do not try to remake it, because it's perfect just the way it is. Sad ending and all.

Apart from a mediocre script (but hey, it's Hallmark), there are so many mistakes that clearly indicate that the writer never set foot in Italy or Europe and did zero research. "European plugs don't work in Italy" is incorrect. It's called a European plug for a reason. I could go on like this. Super lazy writing is distracting and a waste. The devil is in the details people.

I love Italia Ricci beautiful work and Barbara Bouchet short presences. I love the manner to use Rome as perfect frame and the idea of Roman Holiday remake. It is a simple, honest film. Not spectacular, not cheesy but , in few scenes, reminding the wind of a very early spring day. An actress, a reporter, both Americans, an interview and something little more. And a far to be bad result.