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
2019
Romance
Rome in Love
2019
Romance
Keywords: rome, italyrome
Plot summary
Having long forgone her aspirations to become a professional actress due to personal circumstances, Amelia Tate of Bend, Oregon, on the urging of her younger sister Kathryn Tate, applies to the worldwide open casting call for an unknown, and is offered the role of Princess Anna in the highly anticipated remake of Roman Holiday (1953) with movie star Jonathan Lyman as the male lead in the role of the journalist. Information of who has been cast as the female lead is kept under wraps until the press junket begins, and as such Amelia has to keep a low profile in Rome and on social media until that first press conference. Meanwhile, American freelance journalist Philip Hamilton, in Italy for a year working on his first novel, has to work several jobs, including hotel porter and waiter, to make ends meet. Vivien Daniels, editor of the English language magazine Vistoso, gives him the assignment of writing all about the mysterious unknown hired for the female lead in the well publicized remake. In approaching director Domenic D'Andrea, Philip is surprised not only that Vivien has already arranged with D'Andrea for the story to be an exclusive, but that the said unknown is the young American woman he has served at the hotel in his role as porter. Philip finds that Amelia is less than open about her life for the story, she stating this unexpected ride being her own and not that of her family, who she doesn't want exposed in the process, especially Kathryn. To reassure her, Philip, unauthorized to do so, gives her editorial control over the final story. In spending time together, they, unspoken, start to fall for each other, with Philip, finding more and more about her in putting the pieces together on his own leading out of what she does tell him on and off the record, being inspired by her and her story. Their budding romance may be kiboshed before it even begins if Philip cannot come through with his promise to her, which becomes more of a possibility with Vivien never agreeing to such, and other Roman journalists fighting for the story regardless of Vistoso's exclusive.
Uploaded by: FREEMAN
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Movie Reviews
In love with Rome, am not in love with this film
Nice on location filming, story is just so so.
At least this isn't a remake of Roman Holiday. That was done and it was a disaster. This is about a reporter doing a story on an actress doing a remake of Roman Holiday. The filming is on location and lovely. Italia Ricci of Designated Survivor is pretty and plays the actress. Peter Porte plays the reporter. The drama is approval of her profile he promised her and didn't deliver. Bit of a storm in a teacup but like the way the sister helped her get over her drama. OK but not a must watch.
Rome in Love
This was something a bit different from Hallmark, I enjoyed it.
With a nice story, echoing 'Roman Holiday' itself, this had lots of nice moments, and there was nice chemistry between the leads.
I personally didn't spot that Italia Ricci was pregnant, I thought she looked healthy and did a good job in her role.
Lovely stuff, one of the best Hallmark films I've seen in a while.