Only You

Over the past 9 years, this has been what of my guilty pleasures. The story is obviously romantic fluff, but the performances of Marisa Tomei, Robert Downey Jr., and Bonnie Hunt are great and make what would normally be a prosaic love story into a true romantic treasure. Just remember to be prepared to suspend your rational side for a couple of hours. Marisa Tomei is so beautiful in this film, it's understandable why Robert Downey Jr's character falls in love with her at first sight. The Italian scenery is incredible and would make anyone fall in love with Italy. I have since visited this beautiful country and can attest to its romantic atmosphere. It is a great date film and comes highly recommended.

I have a problem with this film. I know it's schmaltzy, silly, OTT Romcom at its most cynically heart-tugging but I am simply a sucker for it - it gets me every time, most especially the last scenes at the airport (without wanting to give too much away) which always, and I mean always, squeeze a tear out of me.

I have to give it an 8/10 because the film holds a quasi-gravitational pull on me - the moment I catch a tinsy glimpse of it if channel-hopping I am compelled to watch the film in its entirety - again. And while in this confessional mode, Robert Downey Jr is incredible in this film; how was he ever so cute? Marisa Tomei is also a feast for the eyes and their chemistry is sensational. But Bonnie Hunt steals the show - she is immaculate in this role and demonstrates a keen sense for deadpan humour.

Best of all though is the scenery, the setting - Italy itself. The photography is sumptuous, idealised and mixed with a frothy Rachel Portman score we are being seduced by a 'fake' Italy if truth be told - it is impossible for somewhere to be so universally charming in every single shot. Even so, Italy is my favourite country in the world - the way it works its enchantments on the characters is totally true: Rome is gorgeous, the Tuscan landscape is stunning, the road trip to Positano and the town itself are breath-taking, a genuine evocation of the wonders and ambiance of those places. It gets me every time.

In sum - this film is lovely, heart-warming, escapist nonsense: a genuine guilty pleasure.

At the age of eleven, little Faith trusts a Ouija board to give her the name of the man destined to love and cherish her, her soul-mate, her Charming Prince, her alpha-male and omega. A few years later, she goes to a fortune teller and the name pops up again, this time, there can't be any coincidence. I saw the film almost twenty years ago and I never forgot the mysterious and unreachable 'Damon Bradley' less a name than a powerful MacGuffin on which Norman Jewison hang countless gags but also some surprisingly powerful moments that would have been remembered a little more if 1994 wasn't such an exceptional year for films.

But let's get back to that Damon Bradley guy, a Keyser Soze of rom-com, whoever he is, the name plays almost like a ticket for Faith' heart, which would be silly if it wasn't played with such tenderness and let's drop the word, romantic way. And there's just something about Marisa Tomei's childish smile and innocent idealism that is immune to cynical comments, when she smiles, we want to pinch her cheeks, when she cries, we just want to hug her. She's too cute for words and when we see her for the first time and when we see her for the first time, as a young teacher about to marry a podiatrist, the film makes it clear that a Damon Bradley, he isn't and happy, she is but it's not all fireworks and moonlights. But while she's trying her wedding dress with her friend Kate (Bonnie Hunt), a mysterious caller announces that he won't come to the wedding, guess his name?

The temptation is too big to resist, Faith has the name and of all the places to have an appointment, it had to be Venice. Faith is convinced that destiny is on march, she takes her first plane to Venice, looking for Damon Bradley, surely destiny won't defeat her this time. Again, the film contains one of the craziest premises at first stance but who ever said romantic comedies had to be dependent on logic or common sense, as long as the players convey enough sympathy and charm to make us for long for the inevitable and definite kiss. But it will be a long way to that kiss and it will be paved by many encounters, and not the least being a cute American played by Robert Downey Jr. Downey, the perfect co-player with Tomei, cute and quirky, you can't believe these two guys aren't meant for each other, especially since he says he's Damon Bradley.

We know it can be true or false but the trick of romantic comedies is that they rely on the unpredictability of both humor and emotions, but humor is something that appeals to the intellect, more than emotions. As a viewer, we're torn between the childishness of Faith who wants everything to happen according to what she believes in and the moments where her faith is shaken and she seems more entrapped than exhilarated in her 'idealistic' persona, the same premise can either be a source of gags or sadness. In other words, the film is funny and makes you think, not that it has any sophisticated pretension or make any statement but it powerfully distorts this notion of 'destiny' and our obsession with finding 'signs' everywhere.

Not all the gags and sad moments work the same, there's also a subplot involving Kate's relationship with her husband and a little affair she has with an Italian played by Joaquim de Almeida, and a nice role for Billy Zane before he was that bastard from "Titanic", but "Only You" is another occasion to marvel at the Italian landscape and its propensity to awake the most intense feelings. The film doesn't make a nod, it is a beautiful tribute to "Roman Holiday" and offers a nice twist on the iconic hand-biting scene and also the Cinderella moment where Audrey Hepburn loses her show. "Only You" resuscitates the charm of these old Hollywood romantic comedies where a clever and sensitive script played the part of destiny and all we had to do was to succumb to the charm of a leading couple, coming from the director "Moonstruck", I'm not surprised.

In the end, it's not much about Damon Bradley, we all have a Damon Bradley, a mark in the treasure map of our life, a goal that define and determine us, but maybe real destiny is whatever happens to us when we're seeking this, and maybe it'll lead to more valuable treasures. "Only You" is a real little treat to savor as if you were tasting nipples from Venice, it's light and tasty, and if it hasn't the perfect plot or story it has at least the perfect casting and the perfect setting, that's enough.

I don't remember why I initially loved this movie so much, but from the first time I saw it I was just captivated. Since then I've encouraged tons of friends to see it, and I've watched it myself about 5 times. I love the music, I love Italy, I love Bonnie Hunt, Fisher Stevens, Billy Zane (hot!) and Robert Downey Jr. The music by Rachel Portman (who did the score for Chocolat) is simply fantastic. Marisa Tomei I could have switched out for some other actress in the leading role, but I think she does a good job. This movie is magical and fun; it's not meant for a cynic--which I think is why I liked it so much, because I'm usually very sarcastic about love stories, but this one was so inspiring and just a feel-good flick overall. You have to suspend disbelief of course, and imagine that there's truth in all that Fate and star-crossed lovers bull... but the Destiny part is easy enough to swallow throughout this movie, and that's probably because of the romantic Italian settings. Personal rating: 9/10 in the rom-com genre, and a lovely, lovely movie.

If you want a nice night in with a lady (or just someone who fits that special romantic niche for you - whatever that is), this is a great choice.

The acting is endearing, the story is simple straightforward and sweet. It steers clear of sickeningly romantic and sweet which tends to eliminate the male half of the audience when it comes to your classic "chick flick".

It's easy to see Downey Jnr's talent in this film, a friendly charming drug free character. A wonderful cameo by Billy Zane adds some wonderful moments.

I guarantee, you show up with roses, a pizza, a bottle of nice wine and this on DVD - and you'll have a wonderfully sweet night in.