With patricia heaton in this fiasco i expected some real laughs but what we got was vincent spano, the pushy neighbor ... spano has screwed up every film he's been in ... of course, heaton's fiance david hunt was not much competition because he was always distracted by his blackberry and he let the cat out of the bag about the ring at the familia dinner ... if you love growing grapes and wineries in the napa valley, then you'll love this film
18 Reviews
People in Northern CA don't have NYC accents
emansur17 September 2020
It's hilarious when NY filmmakers make films set in Northern California, with Northern California based characters. They cast New York actors who have NYC accents and mannerisms. It doesn't work. People who grow up in California wine country don't talk like New Yorkers or wear gold chain necklaces. We've also never used the word "palooka." Please stop.
Bah! Humbug! This Holiday Film Was a Stinker!
lavatch2 December 2005
I'm sorry to sound like a Scrouge, but this TNT film was a holiday stinker!
The film's premise had good potential: From overseas, an American GI in World War II sends his high school sweetheart a marriage proposal and an engagement ring, which unfortunately are lost in the mail. When the letter and the ring are miraculously discovered forty years later, one would expect that the revelation would clear up the mystery and end the long-standing feud between two Italian families.
But when Alicia (Lainie Kazan) learns about the letter and the ring sent by her former beau Nick (Tony Lo Bianco), her inexplicable response is to continue to be angry at him! This made no sense because it wasn't Nick's fault that the letter and the ring were lost. The subplot of the couple in the next generation (Patricia Heaton and Vincent Spano) also seemed forced and not believable. There were moments in this film that resembled French farce, then turned immediately into Greek tragedy!
The dialogue was terrible, and the cast seemed to be reading their lines, as opposed to performing the action and connecting with each other in their relationships. I almost wished that the actors could have improvised the scenes around the basic romantic premise, instead of forcing the emotional life and giving us the impression that they were reading the insipid lines from cue cards.
Before the film began, TNT offered this tagline as a teaser: "The holidays are for bringing people together." As it turned out, that line was better than any of the scripted dialogue in the film, and the best character was the grandma mainly because she was mute!
The film's premise had good potential: From overseas, an American GI in World War II sends his high school sweetheart a marriage proposal and an engagement ring, which unfortunately are lost in the mail. When the letter and the ring are miraculously discovered forty years later, one would expect that the revelation would clear up the mystery and end the long-standing feud between two Italian families.
But when Alicia (Lainie Kazan) learns about the letter and the ring sent by her former beau Nick (Tony Lo Bianco), her inexplicable response is to continue to be angry at him! This made no sense because it wasn't Nick's fault that the letter and the ring were lost. The subplot of the couple in the next generation (Patricia Heaton and Vincent Spano) also seemed forced and not believable. There were moments in this film that resembled French farce, then turned immediately into Greek tragedy!
The dialogue was terrible, and the cast seemed to be reading their lines, as opposed to performing the action and connecting with each other in their relationships. I almost wished that the actors could have improvised the scenes around the basic romantic premise, instead of forcing the emotional life and giving us the impression that they were reading the insipid lines from cue cards.
Before the film began, TNT offered this tagline as a teaser: "The holidays are for bringing people together." As it turned out, that line was better than any of the scripted dialogue in the film, and the best character was the grandma mainly because she was mute!
Delightful!!
rrenon-128 November 2005
A delightful comedy of errors, much in the vein of "Moonstruck;" but in some ways funnier and more charming. The acting is less over-the-top than in "Moonstruck." It's Shakespearean in its Romeo & Juliet romance, and its comedic errors and misunderstandings. Its odd little plot twists cover a 40-year spoiled romance, an up-to-the minute romance, and provoke an old Italian grandmother into finally speaking, after 20 years of mourning in silence for her dead husband. Vincent Spano and Tony Lo Bianco are charming as uncle and nephew; and Lainie Kazan shines. Patricia Heaton (of "Everybody Loves Raymond") is fabulous. This is far better than most made-for-TV movies. I recommend it highly.
Better than most feature films!
moonchildiva5 December 2005
I am so glad I accidentally found this on TV as I was dozing off for a nap on Saturday. It kept me awake and completely charmed me. Not only were the actors very good, the settings were gorgeous (how could they NOT BE in Napa Valley?) and the music was a perfect match. I want to watch this movie again, seriously. Because of her character on Raymond, I've never been a Heaton fan, but she won me over in this movie! I base my opinion for many films on whether or not they made a rainy or cold Saturday or Sunday BETTER. This one DID IT! We could not remember the name of the actor who played the uncle, but we knew him, so when the credits actually named the actors at the end, this movie received a few more PLUSES from us! I recommend heartily!
Great Entertaining Film
whpratt130 November 2005
Enjoyed viewing this picture from beginning to end and how two families growing grapes in Napa Valley could have such a strong love and hate relationship. The entire cast of actors gave outstanding performances and I thought that Patricia Heaton,(Sara Rosa) showed her real talents and even rode a horse around the vineyards. This engagement ring was given with great love and in a way, caused a great deal of hatred for many many years among these two families. There is lots of humor, drama and cute romance with husband and wife and some live together couples, getting to know each other. I really think this story of these two famines should be made into a TV series, or at least make up a TV program using most of these fantastic actors.
Great movie
jlmase29 November 2005
I thoroughly enjoyed this light hearted comedy. Laine Kazan an Paticia Heaton made the movie work. The other actors were perfect for the script. This is the story of many typical Italian families. Grudges are held and in some cases, some people never speak to one another again. If they do "kiss" and make up, it will be spectacular.
The scenery was great, the food made my mouth water. I wish I could have tasted that wine Sara made. It sounded very special. Apparently agreed on by all of the family.
A think a follow-up would be another clever comedy which many folks could enjoy.
The scenery was great, the food made my mouth water. I wish I could have tasted that wine Sara made. It sounded very special. Apparently agreed on by all of the family.
A think a follow-up would be another clever comedy which many folks could enjoy.
This movie was charming!
bookwriter2 January 2006
Warning: Spoilers
I found The Engagement Ring to be one of the most enjoyable movies I've seen in a long time. The actors were perfectly cast in the roles and the storyline was quite amusing. It centers around an engagement ring that was lost in the mail 40 years before. When found, it is sent on its way. When the intended finally receives it, she does not immediately feel sadness for what might have been, but continues to allow her 40 year old bitterness free reign. That is where the movie becomes unpredictable and funny.
Though I would have liked it more if the fighting had not occurred, the story would not have been nearly as interesting. And the younger couple would not have had the chance to get together. All in all, I'd recommend this movie to anyone who enjoys a romance with a twist.
Though I would have liked it more if the fighting had not occurred, the story would not have been nearly as interesting. And the younger couple would not have had the chance to get together. All in all, I'd recommend this movie to anyone who enjoys a romance with a twist.
If Frank Capra had made TV movies...
winstonfg3 September 2007
...this would be one of them. Sunny, cheesy and thoroughly enjoyable love-among-the-grapes farce surrounding two generations of volatile Italians in the Napa Valley. A bit schmaltzy, as you might expect, but not too much; and the script is excellent, with plenty of twists and some nice one-liners. Great performances from all 6 main stars (two triangles from different generations), particularly Lainie Kazan and Tony Lo Bianco as childhood sweethearts who never quite got together and have blamed each other ever since.
I had to put in my two-penn'orth on this one, because I've acted on stage a few times with the lady who played Nana, and it was great to see her in such a good movie.
I had to put in my two-penn'orth on this one, because I've acted on stage a few times with the lady who played Nana, and it was great to see her in such a good movie.
Quite entertaining.
dy15830 June 2006
Wit, comedy, romance...if I have to sum it up in very few words, that will be what I want to say of this movie. This was shown on the cable and so that is how I learned of it.
Two childhood sweethearts are being divided over a long-lost engagement ring and eventually moving on setting up their own families. Years later, the woman's daughter (Patricia Heaton as Sara) and the guy's nephew realises their affection for each other is hindered by that engagement ring.
I have to say Sara's actual boyfriend Brian who is the one being lost in what is going on with the two families when they are all having lunch together. All that misunderstandings came back during the lunch and it's a little comical at times seeing how the different people reacting to it. So when Sara thought her mother had not patched up with her childhood sweetheart, it happened and one surprise event came up of all these as well. Though Brian had enough of what is going on, it quite ended the way I wanted. One have to watch to get the idea.
Trying to look for some fun and laughs and a little of romance at the same time? Then this is recommended.
Two childhood sweethearts are being divided over a long-lost engagement ring and eventually moving on setting up their own families. Years later, the woman's daughter (Patricia Heaton as Sara) and the guy's nephew realises their affection for each other is hindered by that engagement ring.
I have to say Sara's actual boyfriend Brian who is the one being lost in what is going on with the two families when they are all having lunch together. All that misunderstandings came back during the lunch and it's a little comical at times seeing how the different people reacting to it. So when Sara thought her mother had not patched up with her childhood sweetheart, it happened and one surprise event came up of all these as well. Though Brian had enough of what is going on, it quite ended the way I wanted. One have to watch to get the idea.
Trying to look for some fun and laughs and a little of romance at the same time? Then this is recommended.
Good refreshing movie
prostodoncia31 August 2007
This is a very refreshing movie. The story is good and the characters are well developed. A very entertaining romantic comedy. Tells the story of two Italian families. One of them, the "De Rosa" wants to buy the "Di Cenzo" land to make a blend of grapes to produce a wine.
The is a history between the families for a engagement ring lost in the postal office which makes the unwilling one to sell the land and the other one to buy it. Sara De Rosa, talks to Tony Di Cenzo to try to convince his uncle to sell his part of the land but he says that he will only sell the land if she ( Alicia Rosa Anselmi) returns the ring to him in his hands.
This proves to be not so easy to be done. First the is the husband(who is very suspicious of the love of Alicia for him) who thinks that is a consolation price because she never gives hi, "the look".
Then the is Sara's boyfriend and fiancé Brian who is talking in the cell phone all the time. Last but not least Tony Di Cenzo is a young man who finds that Sara is more interesting and beautiful than usual.
While they try to arrange the meeting of the two families, in the cooking, the wine drinking and the recipes they find love.
The is a history between the families for a engagement ring lost in the postal office which makes the unwilling one to sell the land and the other one to buy it. Sara De Rosa, talks to Tony Di Cenzo to try to convince his uncle to sell his part of the land but he says that he will only sell the land if she ( Alicia Rosa Anselmi) returns the ring to him in his hands.
This proves to be not so easy to be done. First the is the husband(who is very suspicious of the love of Alicia for him) who thinks that is a consolation price because she never gives hi, "the look".
Then the is Sara's boyfriend and fiancé Brian who is talking in the cell phone all the time. Last but not least Tony Di Cenzo is a young man who finds that Sara is more interesting and beautiful than usual.
While they try to arrange the meeting of the two families, in the cooking, the wine drinking and the recipes they find love.
Good, funny, romantic...
anthrogail6 December 2005
Warning: Spoilers
I'm not a big fan of Patricia Heaton, I think she is only an average actress; but I am a big fan of Vincent Spano, ever since 'The Return of the Black Stallion'. While I can't swear to have seen everything he ever did, if I have a chance to see something he's in, I will usually take it. It was great to see Tony Lo Bianco, and I also like Lainie Kazan. Some of her scenes in this movie were priceless.
I enjoyed this movie, it was funny and sweet too. And it was a chance to look at Vince for a while, which is never a bad thing. Nice storyline, good acting, and the scenes between Patricia and Vince were good. Having more romantic but not too syrupy movies like this on TV might actually make me watch more romantic movies.
I enjoyed this movie, it was funny and sweet too. And it was a chance to look at Vince for a while, which is never a bad thing. Nice storyline, good acting, and the scenes between Patricia and Vince were good. Having more romantic but not too syrupy movies like this on TV might actually make me watch more romantic movies.
Every movie doesn't have to be "War and Peace," or "Citizen Kane."
caa8214 August 2006
How many times have you heard someone say that they don't watch television very much, usually only some of the programs on PBS? If this were true, "Nova" would be the most popular program of all-time, and Jerry Seinfeld and Ray Romano would be making probably a good living doing stand-up, instead of amassing large nine-figure net worths from their television shows. So it is with movies. We all tend to trumpet our devotion to classics like the above - and are often reluctant to admit watching (let alone liking) more seemingly-pedestrian fare like this modest film of Ms. Heaton's. As Debra on "Everybody Loves Raymond" she was always thoroughly-believable, very engaging, displayed the character's both sweet and tart sides to perfection - as well as being as pleasant to look-at as, say, Tia Carrere in "True Lies," or Sharon Stone (in ANYTHING with Sharon Stone). This movie is charming, more interesting than many trumpeted "blockbusters," and Patricia Eaton (and her fellow cast members) are likable - and she is as "pleasant to look-at" as ever.
Bravo! Where's the DVD?
clester-512 August 2006
If you've loved at all in your life, you'll enjoy this film. Actually, you'll enjoy it anyway, but you'll understand every nuance if you've been in love. This movie dances with every emotion and dynamic one experiences in a relationship of any substance; love, hatred, anger, betrayal, hurt, humor, power struggles, pride, fear. It's all wrapped up tightly in this movie and presented in a tender, subtle, yet gripping way that engages the viewer and gently holds your attention until the end. The acting is great, the emotions are real, and the presentation is lively, interesting, and even informative. I can't remember when I've seen a better balanced film; each role is important in piecing the message together and everyone involved does a great job. Very enjoyable. I challenge anyone to view this film without laughing and shedding a tear.
I LOVE this movie!
linda-napier9 October 2011
Warning: Spoilers
So many bad movies made today but this one is a darling! Patricia Heaton was perfect in her role as Sarah. You will want to see this light hearted movie again and again Made me want to visit Napa again and do a little wine tasting! I wondered how they would handle the situation of the Mom and Dad with Mom's old flame showing back up! Great writing, great directing and great acting by all made it a sleeper that I wish I had known about years ago If your looking for action, this movie is not it but if your looking for love, laughs and funny family spats, this fits the bill to a T! I am not going to give up the ending, but it will not disappoint you!
A Laugh Out Loud Romantic Comedy!
christensenjeannie17 April 2012
The family dynamics are hysterical and the actors were the perfect choices for the roles. The chemistry between Emily and Tony (and her mother, father, and his uncle) is both heart warming and hysterical. What a light-hearted romantic comedy full of laughter, love, and wit. The "family" scene at the end is perfect - the writing, music, scenery, and acting couldn't have been more "on". And the food - made me hungry for a bite as well. Viewers need to realize it's a light-hearted comedy, not a drama, and enjoy the cheeky-ness of the banter and discord between the characters. Reminded me of the campy movies from the 60s, cheeky like Doris Day but with an Italian attitude. Enjoyed it so much, I watched it again that same afternoon!
fabulous movie, great for the entire family
woosunglady17 August 2006
i so enjoyed this movie, that i would love to be able to own it. i saw it in the wee hours of the morning this past week & wish to the heavens i'd had the good sense to tape it. being that i didn't, i am now going to make it a mission of mine to find it on video/DVD so that i can share it with my entire family. it was one of the most wonderful movies i've Ever seen!!!! the acting, the scenery, the music, everything was awesomely done & completely brilliant!!!!! kudos to the actors/actresses, the producer, the director, everyone having anything to do with the making of this movie!!! there should be more movies like this made!!! also, it was fantastic to see Ms. Kazan acting again!!!!!!! i hadn't seen her in anything lately, so it was a wonderful surprise. Ms. Heaton did a superb job as well! it was great seeing her in something besides series t.v. she is a very talented actress!!! thank you for making this movie to all involved! sincerely, Chris Jones
Futchie Longo
jmastran6 December 2013
I have seen this movie several times and the mention of a man named Futchie Longo shocked me since my uncles' name was Futchie Longo I wonder how they got that name it is not common watch it just to here them mention his name It would be nice to know since my maiden name is Longo my uncle was Futchie Longo and my dad was Futie Longo not very common have not come across anyone else with those names I thing Futchie is English is Frank but the said the my dad's name meant Joseph all of the other children had very common names there is no where to write the author for any input any info would be appreciated since my uncle Futchie daughter is still alive we just found it very amusing thanks
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