You, Me & Tuscany
You, Me & Tuscany is playing in theaters at the time of review. Rated PG-13. Common Sense says 13+
When Anna (Halle Bailey) crashes at an empty Italian villa posing as the owner's fiancée, she discovers an unexpected romance (Rege-Jean Page) that may transform her life.
STORY: B+
This light, adorable rom-com delivers exactly what it promises.
PEOPLE: A-
Halle Bailey may be the next rom-com queen.
FILM NERD STUFF: C+
Nothing fancy. Nothing wrong with that.
ONE BIG LESSON: B+
Life is like buying clothes: you may have to try a few on before finding the perfect fit.
FINAL COMMENTS:
Some may say the plot’s formulaic (they’re not wrong). Some may say the situations are cheesy and far-fetched (also, not wrong). And haven’t we seen this type of movie hundreds of times already? (we have)
This film shouldn’t be absolutely delightful, thoroughly enjoyable, and utterly entertaining. But it is.
One big reason it succeeds so well is that the filmmakers have the self-awareness and confidence to let the movie be what it wants to be. It’s not high-browed cinema. There’s no need to add wild camera moves, precise match cuts, or any other artistic flourishes. Every decision serves the story. There’s a confidence and humility coursing through the filmmaking that makes the film glow.
The cast is absolutely wonderful. Bailey is surrounded by a troop of perfectly sketched, reliably portrayed secondary characters. The taxi driver, a surrogate for the audience, is a flat-out riot. Their presence creates a village that feels like a fully realized universe, allowing the story of Anna’s transformation to flourish.
The people, the food, the chemistry, and the obligatory hi-jinks make You, Me & Tuscany a can’t-miss for rom-com lovers.