Sweet as cassata, SOLO MIO is a rom com for the mature age that follows Matt Taylor (Kevin James), an earnest fifty something elementary school art teacher whose dream Italian wedding falls apart when his fiancée abandons him at the altar in Rome, leaving him heartbroken in the Eternal City.
This is gilt edged jilt, custom built with just the right amount of guilt, as Matt’s match detached in sudden spectacular fashion, leaving him emotionally bankrupt and with a fully paid pre planned honeymoon.
No wonder she left him – who plans a Contiki conjugal? Anywhoo, at the urging of a common sense concierge embarks upon their planned honeymoon alone, embracing Rome’s vibrant culture, delicious food and breathtaking sight seeing scenery.
Along the way, he crosses paths with a colourful cast of fellow travellers and locals, including Gia (Nicole Grimaudo), a spirited café owner who rescues him from pickpockets and kindles the coals of a second chance.
A cosy cuddle of casting, James and Grimaudo are just so cute as the twilight years star crossed lovers and there’s some fiery supporting roles as well.
Kim Coates as Jules, on honeymoon for the third time with Megan, is wonderfully acerbic, annoying and sage and Caterina Silva is notable as the predatory Claudia, literally packing a punch.
A trip outside Rome into the picturesque countryside and a surprise encounter with Andrea Bocelli adds to the post card and cultural heft to this light comedy.
Directed by the Kinnane kids, Charles and Daniel, and written by them and James, this is a bespoke project for the leading man and fits like a glove.
Complete with a wry plot twist, SOLO MIO is a gentle, sweet trip into life’s journey of detours and surprise destinations and the hotel of the heart, with its unexpected check ins and vacancies.
