Review

"Rome in Love: When in Rome, Do as the Hallmark Movies Do"

Ah, Rome in Love (2019), the cinematic equivalent of a gelato on a hot summer day—sweet, predictable, and just a little bit messy. If you’ve ever wondered what would happen if you took a Hallmark movie, sprinkled it with Italian clichés, and set it against the backdrop of the Eternal City, well, wonder no more. This film is here to deliver all the cheese, both literal (thanks to the pizza scenes) and figurative (thanks to the dialogue).

The plot is as familiar as your grandma’s holiday fruitcake: a young American woman (because of course she’s American) jets off to Rome for work, only to find herself falling in love with a charming local (because of course he’s charming) and rediscovering her zest for life. Spoiler alert: there’s a fountain involved, and yes, she throws a coin in it. I won’t spoil whether or not her wish comes true, but let’s just say this movie follows the Hallmark holiday movies playbook to a T.

The acting is… well, let’s call it “enthusiastic.” The leads have chemistry, but it’s the kind of chemistry you’d expect from two people who just met at a wine tasting and are trying really hard to impress each other. The supporting cast is delightful, though, especially the sassy Italian grandmother who exists solely to deliver life lessons and pasta.

Visually, the movie is a postcard come to life. Rome has never looked more picturesque, and if you’re not Googling “flights to Italy” by the halfway point, you’re lying. But let’s be real: the real star of this movie isn’t the romance or the scenery—it’s the sheer audacity of how many Hallmark movie tropes they managed to cram into 90 minutes. Secret identities? Check. Misunderstandings that could be solved with a single conversation? Check. A climactic chase through the streets of Rome? You betcha.

In conclusion, Rome in Love is the cinematic equivalent of a cozy blanket and a cup of hot cocoa. It’s not going to win any Oscars, but it’s perfect for when you’re in the mood for something light, fluffy, and utterly predictable. If you’re a fan of Hallmark movies or Hallmark holiday movies, this one’s right up your cobblestone alley. Just don’t forget the wine and tiramisu—you’ll need them to fully embrace the experience.

Final rating: 3.5 out of 5 gelato scoops. 🍦🍦🍦✨