By Randal C. Hill
Imagine going on your honeymoon alone.
That’s what happens with Matt Taylor, portrayed admirably by former stand-up comic Kevin James (“The King of Queens”) in the forthcoming romantic comedy drama “Solo Mio.”
In his most compelling role to date, the 60-year-old actor finds himself left at the altar in romantic Rome when his would-be bride unexpectedly sends him her engagement ring and a terse note that opens with, “By the time you read this, I will be gone.” (She needs time to “find herself.”) Not only is Matt humiliated—he has flown his American family over for the ceremony—but he’s now left adrift with plans for a pre-paid honeymoon that will never take place. Or so he thinks.
A sympathetic hotel clerk advises Taylor to go on his honeymoon alone, and Matt decides that’s maybe not such a bad idea. He sets off on his journey through scenic Italy, and we see him rent a rowboat, ride a bike, eat ice cream, and enjoy fine meals. All alone. Of course, what he’d really like to do is meet a suitable replacement for the once-anticipated Mrs. Taylor.
During his wanderings, Matt meets a café waitress named Gia, who takes Taylor under her wing. “I can’t start over again,” he tells her. She says, a warm smile lighting up her face, “You have to try. Don’t be afraid.”
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Is Gia the woman sent to lift Matt from his malaise, dust him off, and return hope—and perhaps even love—to his aching soul? As his trip inevitably winds down, Taylor must face his ultimate decision—to return to his old life or start one anew?
Jonathan Roumie, Alyson Hannigan, Kim Coates, Julee Cerda, Julie Ann Emery, and Alessandro Carbonara round out the supporting cast, with writing and directing chores handled by The Kinnane Brothers, the filmmaking collective of eight (!) male Rhode Island siblings.
Mark Fasano and Jeffrey Greenstein of Nickle City Pictures head the production team. It is Fasano who enthuses, “’Solo Mio’ is an incredible project that shows audiences it’s never too late to reinvent your life.”
Openings everywhere February 6.
