The Wasteland Reviewer

Solo Mio (2026) Written Review

What is one of the worst things that can happen to you on your wedding day? Well…getting left at the altar is quite high up there. One of the worst things to ever happen to you can also open the door to what will eventually be the best thing to ever happen to you. That is certainly the hopeful outcome for a would-be groom. It wouldn’t hurt to be stuck in a beautiful place like Italy when it happens too. That is the story of Matt Taylor who decides to stay for his honeymoon when his would-be bride leaves him, and it soon becomes a life-changing journey for him. 

What do Charles and Daniel Kinnane bring to the table as the co-directors? Solo Mio is quite a charming film. There is a good sense of humor that is not obnoxious (even if they walk that line a few times). There is also a good sense of romance in the air with the atmosphere these filmmaking brothers create. This film is not too long, and it has a good, steady pace that keeps the audience engaged and invested with the budding romance on screen. The music is also a significant piece of the film in context as well as crafting an engaging atmosphere for the film. There are some emotional moments that feel effective without overflowing into melodrama. This is just…a feel-good movie. With a film like Solo Mio, you find plenty of heart and charm that fits perfectly in this Valentine’s season. 

Does the screenplay from Kevin James and a few more Kinnane brothers deliver? First and foremost, this has plenty of the romantic beats you are looking for. This is not the most unique concept, but the charm is in the details. The characters are not the most complex or dynamic but each of them fit nicely into the film that feels like a warm blanket. There are some fun surprises along the way that you certainly would not expect which give the film so added personality. The story also knows how to leverage the gorgeous setting of the film. Things might move a little quick in terms of the budding romance, but it feels charming enough to make you forget about it. The themes focused on romance, relationships, and marriage might be clearly spelled out but the surprising maturity in handling these ideas gives them enough impact to stand out. The journey that Matt goes on is quite affecting and moving with the ending feeling earned and worthwhile. 

What goes a long way in making this experience land? The cast is quite charming. James avoids some of his worst inclinations as a comedian and leans into his affable presence. Matt is empathetic thanks to the reserved and earnest touch that James brings to the character. The biggest selling point of the film must be Nicole Grimaudo. Her portrayal as Gia, the café owner that falls into Matt’s life at the right time, is electric and magnetic. The amount of charisma she brings to this character is delightful. Her energy is quite different from James’, but they mesh well together delivering some effective chemistry. There is a crew of fellow honeymooners that bring some added fun to the film. Kim Coates is a big presence in the film with his forceful dynamic with Matt as he pushes him to live life. Alyson Hannigan and Julee Cerda are fun additions as well. Some of the supporting characters do feel a bit too one note and some of their shenanigans feel a little too far into being over-the-top but they do take too much away from the experience. Julie Ann Emery is not in the film much, portraying Heather (the would-be bride), but Emery and James do have a poignant dynamic when their characters do finally connect. 

Is Solo Mio the go to film for the Valentine’s Day season? This smaller romance from Angel Studios has some stiff competition with Wuthering Heights but this has plenty going for it. A charming central duo goes a long way in overcoming some of the film’s shortcomings. There are some good thoughts about relationships that deepen the experience while the Kannine Brothers have some fun surprises up their sleeves. Sit back. Relax. Get charmed.