What clichés appear in your dream rom-com film? Do you think of slow-motion shots of shirtless men dripping in sprinkler water? Jazz classics behind intimate kisses and playful frolicking across Tuscan vineyards? If so, “You, Me & Tuscany” is the film for you.
Released on April 10, “You, Me & Tuscany” stars Halle Bailey and Regé-Jean Page, in a film that is sure to satisfy audiences in need of some heartfelt moments and cheap laughs.
The film follows a chaotic woman named Anna (Bailey) and her love interest Michael (Page), the sardonic cousin of the Costa family, whom Anna falsely worms her way into after sharing she is engaged to young Tuscan realtor Mateo.
Anna shares her failed dreams of graduating from culinary school following the sudden death of her mother with Mateo. During their spontaneous drink in New York City, Anna finds herself at a crossroads: Does she pursue her dream of visiting Italy, or remain stagnant in the bustling chaos of New York, continuing to work as a housesitter for the city’s wealthiest elites?
We didn’t expect masterful storytelling or out-of-this-world performances because the movie is branded as a light-hearted rom-com. Yet, “You, Me & Tuscany” still managed to disappoint.
Even though there were some funny jokes sprinkled through the film, making it more entertaining, individually, the two main characters often felt overshadowed by side characters like taxi driver Lorenzo or Anna’s best friend Claire.
Onscreen as a pair, Bailey and Page’s chemistry falls painfully flat. While floral backdrops, aesthetic wineries and Italian town halls help the couple nurture an organic charm, the romance feels oddly superficial.
Still, one would be mistaken to criticize Bailey and Page’s performances in the movie, as it was clear their acting ability wasn’t the issue. Instead, the movie’s issues stemmed from its grotesquely oversaturated cinematography, which made it feel like the movie’s characters were in a cheesy dollar-store postcard.
The constant pops of color added nothing to the much-needed emotional depth when watching the movie, present even during moments when Anna discussed issues like her mother’s death or her precarious situation with Mateo’s family.
In fact, speaking of Mateo’s family, it was hard not to notice how each Italian character in this film is portrayed as walking, breathing stereotypes of characters in past rom-coms like “Under the Tuscan Sun” or “My Big Fat Greek Wedding.”
Though the movie plays into the “fun” qualities of a stereotypical Italian, such as their love for family, its attempt to display the culture, unfortunately, leaves the characters devoid of their own distinct personalities. Even unconsciously, Anna characterizes them as overly loud, obnoxiously sexual and tremendously physical, despite these perspectives being outdated.
The film was mediocre, with a cast full of talented actors that made do with the material they were given. So, “You, Me & Tuscany” can count us out.
Email: [email protected]
Email: [email protected]
X: @sla3cwy
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