Christmas in Rome

Ahhhhh .... another notch in the string of Lacey Chabert Christmas themed romances blossoms. Just what we need every year at least twice eh? My header comment is based on how silly Lacey Chabert looked playing a tour guide in Rome, Italy named Angela de Luca who can seemingly get by financially providing a private tour to one young executive named Oliver Martin (Sam Page) who is trying to close a deal with an Italian businessman named Luigi Forlinghetti (Franco Nero). Angela and her client Oliver are seen walking up and down the hilly streets of Rome Italy wearing coats that are always wide opened, and her wearing 3 inch high heel boots instead of running shoes.

If you can get by these two phoney Americans looking totally out of place as if they own the city of Rome and no one is around them doing business or just living in the bustling city of Rome, then maybe the premise of this film will inspire you to also find romance in Rome whilst making a magical fruit cake just like Lacey and Oliver did.

I give it a 6 out of 10 IMDB rating for some level of originality and of course for the beautiful scenic views of Rome, Italy, although some of this picture was filmed in Bucharest, Romania of all places which has some beautiful castles and panoramic views as well. Typical of some Americans not knowing what country there in.

Great fun movie. I was in Rome a year ago and it was wonderful seeing all the beautiful spots again. This movie is visually stunning. Love the actors. I wish Hallmark would keep the tried and true actors in their movies more frequently. Love love Lacey. No matter she's in she rocks it.

6.8 stars.

This one grows on you. My first impression was this is a bit cheesy, there are going to be weird and fake Italian accents, it's not serious. I felt the plot was too intricate and being set in Italy made it that much more difficult to pull off. How are they going to make fake Italian sets and backdrops? Not a chance.

As the movie continues I notice that the setting is real, the people are genuine, and the romance is very gradual and delightful. I was pleasantly surprised by how it blossoms into a very full and authentic Rome experience. Magnifico!

Why only 6.8 stars? There was an imperceptible lack of chemistry between the two leads, and the other cast as well. The dialogue was centered more on the business and career aspects and a bit less on the growth of the romance. I am unable to describe it, only that I did not get the overflowing hint of innocent sensuality that some Hallmark movies express. It felt a bit contrived somehow. I hope I am inaccurate. If you pick up on a more elevated romantic impression, you will love this movie beyond expectation. The setting, scenery, and the background actually taking place in Rome is no meager accomplishment.

Quel bacio è stato molto commovente.

This movie was beautifully filmed and well acted, and I loved seeing Roman sights and learning a little about the culture. I only had two problems with this movie; one small (Angela hoofing it around Rome all day on those heels) and one big (Oliver's deep and abiding focus on only business and profits sure did change quickly, with zero growing pains). That being said, this movie did a pretty good job at making me think such a transformation may be possible with the right person and experiences. Well done!

Christmas in Rome was also filmed in Bucharest, Romania not only in Rome, Italy. I enjoyed the movie, nice sceneries and Lacey is one of my favourite Hallmark actress.