Solo Mio

by Mike McGranaghan

Kevin James’s big-screen career has consisted of a lot of slapstick comedies, most notably the Grown-Ups and Paul Blart: Mall Cop movies, plus one action drama, Becky, where he unexpectedly played a neo-Nazi. The actor goes a different route in his latest, Solo Mio. With a screenplay he wrote with directors Charles and Daniel Kinnane, James casts himself as a romantic lead. He pulls it off, too.

Matt Taylor is in Italy to marry fiancée Heather (Julie Anne Emery). She gets cold feet, leaving him at the altar. Since the honeymoon package is already paid for and a refund is off the table, he reluctantly decides to stay. Two other honeymooning couples – Julian and Meghan (Kim Coates and Alyson Hannigan) and Neil and Donna (Jonathan Roumie and Julee Cerda) – try to get him back on his feet. That process is furthered when he meets Gia (Nicole Grimaudo), a café owner who takes an instant shine to him.

Solo Mio is an unapologetically old-fashioned feel-good rom-com. It follows a well-worn formula, spicing it up with gorgeous Italian locations. (The characters are understandably seldom indoors.) There is a very big surprise toward the end that adds a compelling wrinkle to the story. Otherwise, the film aims for a pleasant “comfort viewing” feel. Sure, you know exactly where the story is headed, but you absolutely leave with a smile on your face anyway.

James gives a humorously vulnerable performance as Matt. He makes this jilted guy’s anguish relatable, while also finding comedy in the awkwardness of carrying out honeymoon plans on his own. When Matt forlornly rides around the streets of Rome on a two-person bicycle by himself, it’s hard not to laugh, even as you feel sorry for him. James is smart to toss aside the broadness of his previous film work. Here, he embraces an everyman quality to great effect.

Strong chemistry with Grimaudo adds to the fun. She’s a ball of energy in this film, nicely balancing out Matt’s pessimism with Gia’s optimism. The two stars generate playful heat together, making the burgeoning romance between their characters a joy to watch. In the supporting realm, Kim Coates steals every single scene he’s in, turning Julian into a hilarious slick-talking buddy whose brash exterior masks a sentimental side.

The movie is beautiful to look at, thanks to cinematography that captures Rome’s elegance. It’s a romantic place, and a perfect setting to watch two nice people fall in love. James and Grimaudo ensure Solo Mio is irresistibly charming - a sweet and swoon-worthy romance that lifts your spirits.

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