Sous le soleil de Riccione

"Sotto il sole di Riccione" is a sun-kissed, feel-good summer film that whisks one into a reverie of nostalgia-those picturesque Italian seaside settings and the overall youthful energy. It has an ensemble cast, so be prepared for a refreshing charm as it captures the spirit of a group of friends meandering through love and friendship on a summer holiday. Despite this, how much the film borrows from familiar tropes in romance and a quite predictable plot line may be off-putting to some viewers who want something more in depth and originally, respectively. While it succeeds in light-hearted entertainment and brilliant visuals, its character development and emotional complexity are shallow and probably leave this film feeling like more of a summer fling than really one of the lasting cinematic impressions.

The plot of the movie is neither original nor interesting. Another sexist italian movie whose (I hope little) success is essentially based on girls' beauty. The woman is nothing but an object of men's desire. Another wasted opportunity. Netflix should cancel this movie from their platform.

Nothing is new in this Italian sunny, charming teens in love comedy. But the actors, the scenarios and the lively narrative make it a refreshing gem, a must see Summer flick. Following his heart, a shy boy spends his Vacation at the Riccione's beach, trying to seduce his long time crush. This premise is only the beginning of many love affairs, discoveries and re-starts. There's a blind kid character who steals the scene as he becomes involved with a clueless girl. Well acted, colorful, funny, timely.

An entirely forgettable film, a serious contender for the mediocre triple crown of swiss cheese plot writing, uninspired acting and no discernible point. The scenes of the Adriatic shore - and sentimental longing for any kind of pre-covid social activities - were just enough to get me through watching the whole thing. Plenty of cringeworthy acting, but sadly not quite bad enough to be funny or memorable. The only recommendation I would have is that for a film about nothing, it could have stood to have been about 15 minutes shorter. This is the type of film that 10 years from now you will swear you have never heard of, and have absolutely no recollection of having ever seen.

This is an exemplary teen summer movie. Appealing characters, boy meets girl, boy loses girl, bog gets girl. And it takes place at the Italian beach. It really can't be better. I've watched it twice and will watch it again.