I didn’t expect to fall for Solo Mio, but I did. Kevin James is the first reason—it’s hard not to carry the shadow of Paul Blart, and yet he’s fully human, fully charming, and quietly heartbreaking. He plays Matt, a grade school art teacher whose carefully planned wedding in Rome… well, let’s just say life had other plans. Suddenly stranded in one of the most beautiful cities in the world with a non-refundable honeymoon package, Matt’s heartbreak becomes the lens through which the movie sees everything. Kevin James makes it feel real. There’s a gentle melancholy beneath his warmth, a sense that yes, he’s sad, but he’s open to finding joy again.
Directors Chuck and Dan Kinnane let the film breathe. Rome isn’t just a postcard; it’s a character in its own right. Sunlight bouncing off cobblestones, quiet corners of cafés, piazzas waiting for a couple to stumble into them—all of it feels intimate, even on screen. The supporting cast is lovely without ever stealing the spotlight. Kim Coates and Alyson Hannigan play a couple who’ve been through love’s absurdities more than once, and Jonathan Roumie and Julee Cerda bring a gentle, slightly unconventional romance that feels lived-in. These aren’t joke-of-the-day roles—they’re fully realized people who intersect with Matt at just the right moment.
And then there’s Gia, played by Nicole Grimaudo. She’s smart, funny, and effortlessly charming in a way that feels rare. The chemistry between her and James doesn’t scream “rom-com” but instead feels like two people slowly learning to trust each other—and maybe even themselves—again. Watching them is a little like taking a deep breath after holding it too long.
Yes, the story follows classic rom-com beats—misunderstandings, quirky side characters, swoon-worthy travel—but the movie doesn’t rely on them to carry the weight. It’s heartfelt and patient, letting Matt stumble, laugh, and cry without rushing him or forcing you to giggle at silly gags.
Solo Mio is the perfect Valentine’s Day movie—not flashy, not desperate, just honest. It reminded me why I like rom-coms in the first place: they can be warm, funny, sad, and uplifting all at once. Kevin James is at his best when he finds the heart in the little moments, and here he gives them all to us. I left the theater smiling, a little teary, and a little more in love with Rome (and Kevin James)—and that’s exactly the kind of movie I needed.