The two main reasons for seeing the first 2019 Summer Nights film 'Rome in Love' were for Hallmark completest sake and for stunning Rome (a must go for anybody who hasn't been there) itself. Have seen the two leads in other things, with a preference with the less used Peter Porte (loved him in 'A Gift to Remember'). Am less keen for Italia Ricci, Porte has always looked more natural on screen and has a lot more warmth as an overall actor.
'Rome in Love' didn't click with me and doesn't live up to its cute title. It is another one of those one-time watchable but fairly average 2019 Hallmark film, which is neither one of the best or worst from that year. It is also neither one of the best or worst of the 2019 Summer Nights films. There are definitely some obvious good things about 'Rome in Love', but some significant drawbacks as well. A bit of a mixed bag if you will.
Starting with what is good, Rome is absolutely stunning and like its own character. So full of life and picturesque. The photography shows it in full glory as well. The cultural element was fun and charming, with nothing that comes over as too stereotyped. The music is pleasant at least and is not ill fitting, even if not the most memorable in the world.
Also thought that the supporting cast were great, so animated and lively with distinct personalities. A lot better than the leads.
Did find that the leads didn't work as well and lacked the vibrancy and animation of the supporting cast. Porte has shown far more naturalness and charm than what he shows here, here he comes over as bland and ill at ease. Ricci also seemed quite stiff and comes over as cold. Neither character is developed that well and Ricci's is another one that has too many character flaws over-emphasised. The chemistry between the two is lacking, never believed that they were in love and there was no real spark between them.
Furthermore, the direction at best is pretty workmanlike. The script tends to be stilted and is quite flavourless and over-egged. The story never really comes to life, is predictable even for a film that follows a formula of finding love abroad, lacks warmth and emotion and also tries to do too much in story development. It could have afforded to have done less and instead done more with the elements it had left, so that it would have felt less muddled.
In conclusion, loved Rome but didn't love the film. 5/10.
'Rome in Love' didn't click with me and doesn't live up to its cute title. It is another one of those one-time watchable but fairly average 2019 Hallmark film, which is neither one of the best or worst from that year. It is also neither one of the best or worst of the 2019 Summer Nights films. There are definitely some obvious good things about 'Rome in Love', but some significant drawbacks as well. A bit of a mixed bag if you will.
Starting with what is good, Rome is absolutely stunning and like its own character. So full of life and picturesque. The photography shows it in full glory as well. The cultural element was fun and charming, with nothing that comes over as too stereotyped. The music is pleasant at least and is not ill fitting, even if not the most memorable in the world.
Also thought that the supporting cast were great, so animated and lively with distinct personalities. A lot better than the leads.
Did find that the leads didn't work as well and lacked the vibrancy and animation of the supporting cast. Porte has shown far more naturalness and charm than what he shows here, here he comes over as bland and ill at ease. Ricci also seemed quite stiff and comes over as cold. Neither character is developed that well and Ricci's is another one that has too many character flaws over-emphasised. The chemistry between the two is lacking, never believed that they were in love and there was no real spark between them.
Furthermore, the direction at best is pretty workmanlike. The script tends to be stilted and is quite flavourless and over-egged. The story never really comes to life, is predictable even for a film that follows a formula of finding love abroad, lacks warmth and emotion and also tries to do too much in story development. It could have afforded to have done less and instead done more with the elements it had left, so that it would have felt less muddled.
In conclusion, loved Rome but didn't love the film. 5/10.