La Dolce Villa

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Craig K A cute enjoyable story Rated 3.5/5 Stars •  Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 04/18/25 Full Review Christian S Light hearted movie fun to watch. Very entertaining. I enjoyed it. Rated 3.5/5 Stars •  Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 03/23/25 Full Review Audience Member Cute, aside from the insufferable main character and her horrible acting. Rated 3/5 Stars •  Rated 3 out of 5 stars 03/22/25 Full Review Karl Andrew C "La Dolce Villa: A Scenic Escape with a Forgettable Story" "La Dolce Villa" is a romantic comedy that sweeps audiences away to the Italian countryside, offering a charming yet predictable tale of love, family, and second chances. Directed by Mark Waters and penned by Elizabeth Hackett and Hilary Galanoy, the film stars Scott Foley as Eric Field, a pragmatic American businessman who travels to Italy to stop his daughter, Olivia (Maia Reficco), from squandering her inheritance on a one-euro villa. However, as he gets entangled in the town’s charm—and in the life of Francesca (Violante Placido), the local mayor—he starts to rethink his own path. The film’s biggest strength is its setting. Italy is a character in itself, with sweeping landscapes, sun-soaked vineyards, and centuries-old architecture that make you want to book a flight immediately. The cinematography leans into the romance of it all, showcasing picturesque villages, delicious Italian cuisine, and warm cultural traditions. If nothing else, *La Dolce Villa* is a delightful visual escape. Scott Foley delivers a solid performance as the uptight but ultimately endearing Eric, while Violante Placido exudes effortless charm as Francesca. Their chemistry is believable, if a little formulaic. Meanwhile, Olivia’s character is where the film stumbles. Meant to be a passionate, free-spirited young woman, she often comes across as entitled and rude to her father without much justification. Instead of rooting for her, I found myself sympathising more with Eric, who was simply trying to look out for his daughter. As for the plot, it’s light and breezy but lacks any real stakes. Conflicts—such as local rivalries, property disputes, and personal dilemmas—are introduced but resolved too quickly for them to have any weight. The film prioritises a feel-good atmosphere over deeper emotional engagement, which makes for easy watching but leaves little impact. A highlight of the film is the comedic trio of gossipy townswomen, who provide some much-needed humour. Their nosy yet endearing presence adds personality to an otherwise straightforward story. The soundtrack and cooking montages also contribute to the cosy, escapist vibe. Despite its flaws, La Dolce Villa succeeds as a laid-back, aesthetically pleasing watch. It won’t leave a lasting impression, but it’s perfect for a lazy afternoon or a background movie while enjoying a glass of wine. Just don’t think too hard about the logistics of that house renovation—because finishing it that quickly? Pure fantasy. Verdict: A scenic, feel-good film that’s more of a love letter to Italy than a compelling rom-com. Enjoyable but forgettable. Rated 3/5 Stars •  Rated 3 out of 5 stars 03/20/25 Full Review Sue S Another likeable but predictable rom-com. Rated 2.5/5 Stars •  Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 03/15/25 Full Review Ricky K As an older male, I tend to shy away from romcoms But I enjoyed the father/daughter parallel, storyline set in an Italy. The exteriors were expansive and colorful and added romance to the story. The screenplay by Elizabeth Hackett and Hilary Galanoy has several plot twists, and creative secondary character development. Composer Caroline Ho wrote a delightful theme for the opening credits nicely setting up the theme and mood of the film. And continued to enhance the development of story throughout the film. Overall, a well done addition that will appeal to a wide range of ages. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 03/02/25 Full Review Read all reviews

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