Solo Mio Parent Guide

Matt Taylor’s (Kevin James) wedding dreams have come true. He’s in Rome, dressed in a tux, awaiting his bride at the altar. When she fails to show, he’s bereft and bewildered, trying to figure out what went wrong.

Matt’s initial response is denial – the wedding is still on, he just needs to hang out at the honeymoon hotel until his fiancée returns. He even participates in the (non-refundable) events on their honeymoon tour – the only single in a very married group. Then he comes across a kind-hearted café owner, Gia (Nicole Grimaudo), who not only cheers him up but helps him rediscover parts of himself he thought were lost.

Solo Mio holds no surprises for anyone who’s seen more than a handful of romantic comedies (although I must give the screenwriter some credit for a late stage plot twist). Then again, this isn’t a genre known for blazing new ground, so it will be a comfortable watch for rom-com afficionados. Its message of finding yourself and overcoming fear is a good one and it offers a sweet story of second chances. I must credit both leads with selling the love story: Kevin James can’t be beat when it comes to a hangdog expression and I don’t think anyone can look more pathetically doleful. But he also perks up around the effervescent Gia and Nicole Grimaudo does a fine job of making her feel like a believable character; not just a player in Matt’s journey.

The film does come with problems, the biggest of which are the two new friends Matt makes on the honeymoon tour. Julian (Kim Coates) is a world-weary cynic, on his third honeymoon with the woman he has already divorced twice. Neil (Jonathan Roumie) babbles therapy-speak, not a surprise since he just married his therapist (which is definitely icky). The two men are invariably irritating and usually give Matt awful advice. Honestly, they remind me of Dumb and Dumber and are a giant black hole in this story. Editing out most of their screentime would make the movie way more fun while also eliminating the second act drag.

The most unexpected element in this film is the negative content, specifically alcohol consumption. There are frequent scenes of adults slamming down wine and hard liquor and several episodes where main characters get drunk. On the plus side, the film contains only negligible profanity and violence and no sex at all, making it a safe choice for most audiences.

From my perspective, the biggest attraction of this show is its setting. Filmed on site in Italy, this movie is awash in golden light, charming architecture, and irresistible food shots. If you’re looking for a love story that will transport you out of miserable winter weather, Solo Mio just might do the job. 

About author

Kirsten Hawkes

Kirsten Hawkes has a BA in Political Science and English and has worked in international development and medical education and marketing. Kirsten enjoys reading, watching movies, and debating politics with her husband and sometimes unwilling children.