Natale a Roma

6.8 stars.

This one grows on you. My first impression was this is a bit cheesy, there are going to be weird and fake Italian accents, it's not serious. I felt the plot was too intricate and being set in Italy made it that much more difficult to pull off. How are they going to make fake Italian sets and backdrops? Not a chance.

As the movie continues I notice that the setting is real, the people are genuine, and the romance is very gradual and delightful. I was pleasantly surprised by how it blossoms into a very full and authentic Rome experience. Magnifico!

Why only 6.8 stars? There was an imperceptible lack of chemistry between the two leads, and the other cast as well. The dialogue was centered more on the business and career aspects and a bit less on the growth of the romance. I am unable to describe it, only that I did not get the overflowing hint of innocent sensuality that some Hallmark movies express. It felt a bit contrived somehow. I hope I am inaccurate. If you pick up on a more elevated romantic impression, you will love this movie beyond expectation. The setting, scenery, and the background actually taking place in Rome is no meager accomplishment.

Quel bacio è stato molto commovente.

7/10 - light holiday fun with the incomparable Lacey Chabert

This is the typical, formula, stereo-typed Hallmark Christmas movie plotline. There is nothing new or surprising about this romance story - you've seen it all before (probably many times) other than the fact that some scenes are actually shot in Rome which does add some uniqueness. Nevertheless, the always good stars, Lacey Chabert and Sam Page, rise way above the lackluster material and give some really nice performances that make sitting through this, ultimately, okay. Once. But not again. Fun to see Franco Nero, an Italian actor who became an international heartthrob during the late 60's, 70's and early 80's, show up as "Luigi" (of course), but he really isn't given much to do or say. The rest of the cast works well, too, despite the trite script. It's time for Hallmark to realize that taking their really talented performers and sticking them in boring stories just because they take place in London, Rome, Graceland, Dollywood (that one was a real stinker this year), etc. does not guarantee viewership. As a matter of fact, we quit watching the Dollywood one half way through. Never saw Dolly Parton!

This movie was beautifully filmed and well acted, and I loved seeing Roman sights and learning a little about the culture. I only had two problems with this movie; one small (Angela hoofing it around Rome all day on those heels) and one big (Oliver's deep and abiding focus on only business and profits sure did change quickly, with zero growing pains). That being said, this movie did a pretty good job at making me think such a transformation may be possible with the right person and experiences. Well done!

Christmas in Rome was also filmed in Bucharest, Romania not only in Rome, Italy. I enjoyed the movie, nice sceneries and Lacey is one of my favourite Hallmark actress.