SOLO MIO
US, 2026, 96 minutes, Colour.
Kevin James, Nicole Grimaudo, Jonathan Roumie, Kim Coates, Alyson Hannigan.
Directed by Charles Kinnane, Daniel Kinnane.
No, not the popular song Il Sole Mio (which is played during the film) but rather, solo mio, translated, perhaps, “just me”.
Many audiences, overwhelmed by so many action shows, often say that they would like to see something pleasing, the light touch, interesting and engaging characters, events and occasions – and a touch of travel.
Which is what Solo Mio does provide. It has the endorsement of Angel Studios, of many faith values films (and, surprisingly here in a supporting role is Jonathan Roumi, who plays Jesus in The Chosen). And the production company actually calls itself Higher Standards.
The star is the comedian, Kevin James as Matt, rather benign here, a marriage proposal, acceptance, helped by the children in his art class at school. Then off to Italy, a Rome wedding. But it does not quite turn out that way.
Matt had booked the church then a cycling honeymoon tour with groups of honeymooners. Actually, this does provide some glimpses of Rome and Italy, happy memories for those who have visited. Two couples in particular take on Matt to try to bring him out of himself in his upset.
The main person who helps is the owner of a Café bar, Gia, a vivacious personality that everyone, especially the audience, cannot help but like. Nicole Grimaudi certainly charms us all. She takes Matt under her wing, encouraging him, consoling him, even taking him and his fellow-honeymooners when the group goes to Tuscany, to visit her family – and, who turns out to be her uncle, none other than Andrea Bocelli (who plays the piano and sings). Nessun Dorma plays a pivotal role in the events. And, to cap it all off, there is a crowded Piazza in Siena and a horse race.
Actually, there is surprising twist at the end when Matt’s fiancee turns up for some explanations.
Of course, we all wanted a happy ending so that’s what happens and, not a spoiler but rather a promotion move, an uncredited singer at the final Italian concert is, in fact, Ed Sheeran.
Solo Mio provides a light pleasant outing.
For those who would like something stronger, there is the sensuous and smouldering 21st century interpretation of Emily Brontë, Wuthering Heights.
- The title, Matt standing alone at the altar…?
- Light entertainment, the endorsement of Angel Studios and Higher Standards production? A film for the widest audience?
- The setting, Matt and his art class, Heather, the children joining in, the proposal, her acceptance? Joy? Travel to Italy, church, the congregation, the dinner, plan? Matt, his age, eagerness, standing, the long wait, note, Heather disappearing?
- Audience sharing Matt’s disappointment, the discussions at the hotel, his room, the arrangements, the honeymoon tour, the bikes? The two honeymoon couples, their stories, physical therapist marrying his personal therapist, their characters and discussions, the couple who had divorced twice and married three times, their interactions, distinctive characters, Julian and his intervening?
- Matt going to the bar, the encounter with Gia, warm, attractive, friendly, helping out Matt? Following him around, the club the dancing, the other couples present? Their observations? Matt and his conversations? On the bike by himself?
- Italy, Rome, the landmarks, the popular vistas? Atmosphere? The musical score, including O Sole Mio, Nessun Dorma?
- Matt, his memories of Heather, his disappointment? The group going to Tuscany, Gia offering them to go to her family home, that Andrea Bocelli was her uncle, his playing, singing, singing with Matt? The welcome of the family, the issue of the rivalry, Gia and her rival with the bar, the horses, Siena, the crowds, the race, her losing?
- Her return to Rome, Matt returning, disappointment, his friends? Jar and her disappearance? Hurt?
- Heather and her reappearance, her explanation, Gia emerging, the twist that Gia had been helping her all the time?
- And, the emotional crises, and a happy ending?