Cassino in Ischia

This film reminded me of what the movies used to be. It was packed with great quirky characters and fun scenes. And the beautiful scenery shots are a bonus. While the movie is pitched with Domenic Purcell at its center, actors such as Ugo Dighero and Miriam Candurro were the highlights for me.

I'm sure more experienced reviewers and cynics can find things to criticize but I thought this movie was fun and funny and touching and beautifully shot. The movie loves Italy and I'm sure Italy will love it back. And to realize the original lead actor passed away in the middle of shooting just makes it more impressive.

I'm looking forward to watching this movie again. And I'm looking forward to seeing more from the Ciota brothers.

Someone suggested this film to me. The premise was interesting and the location of Ischia intrigued me. The film really snuck up on me and surprised me. I was expecting a Hollywood blockbuster Action film, but it's not that at all. It's a really funny, heartfelt film filled with a cast of quirky characters. The over the hill action star seeking redemption is played by Dominic Purcell of Prison Break who surprised me with his comic skills. The Italian cast were really great across the board, especially an Italian Actor named Ugo Digero who was hilarious as the crazed and failing Italian director. The location photography was beautiful and the music was good too. A mixture of American and Italian songs. Funny, charming and surprisingly emotional film. Something I was not expecting.

This is truly one of the best comedies I've seen in a long time. The direction is excellent, and it's clear that the director gave strong guidance, as every single actor delivered a fantastic performance. Dominic Purcell, in particular, was a revelation. We're used to seeing him in action roles, but here he had the opportunity to showcase the full range of his talent - and he absolutely nailed it.

The story is fresh and engaging, with clever references to the world of cinema. It follows an action film star who decides to try his hand at artistic filmmaking - a plot that mirrors Purcell's own venture into a different genre. I read that another actor was initially considered for the role, but in the end, Dominic brought something truly special to the film.

The setting is equally impressive. The stunning coastal landscapes of Italy are breathtaking and make you want to travel and see the filming locations for yourself. We watched this film on a streaming platform and enjoyed it so much that we ended up watching it again with our whole family - it was a wonderful experience to share.

A thoroughly enjoyable movie that I wholeheartedly recommend!

Yeah I get that Purcell is trying to do kind of an ego stroke of himself as a sudo documentary about his career but frankly I feel this was the bottom of the barrel for him. He's a decent actor but needs to stick to what he knows... action and drama, bc he just wasn't funny in this. He was mediocre and awkward just like his character was supposed to be which yes was the point but the film was a waste of budget. The Italian actors and actresses were better. I know alot about him by following his career and this just wasn't his best work. Dominic is you ready this...you CAN do better. Get out of your head and try harder...stay away from comedy or family movies... those are career enders for an actor like you.

I loved this film. Such a departure from Hollywood's recent fare of blockbuster CGI laden films with overly simple plots and no soul. From frame one to the last you know you're in for a real cinematic treat. You root for several characters whose film-within-a-film's success ties directly to their personal needs; each of which are different. Each actor seems perfectly suited for their part. Kudos to the casting agency! The film is funny, poignant at times, and is fast paced. Pay attention, because various plot lines seem often in a perilous state of flux... but somehow, everything comes together in the end with a satisfying, if not ironic, denouement that makes for a wide smile as the credits roll. If you're looking for a fun two hours this film would certainly fill that bill.