Molto Bella

Andrea von Kampen's songs & performances create the soul of this film, and she and her co-lead Paul Peterson deftly let the story breathe and blossom. Ironically, my initial reaction was how it was unfortunate that the lead actress's singing had to be dubbed in. It took a minute to realize von Kampen is the real deal - singing, playing, and writing her own stuff - not at all a stand-in.

Gorgeous Italian backdrops frame the actors and color their conversations as they playfully tease their way towards a relationship. The poetry of the screenplay is lovely. I'd prefer an engaging little story like this one, bathed in music, scenery, and smart dialogue, to 1000 CGI blockbusters.

While on a late night flight home after visiting family, I scrolled through Delta's inflight film options really expecting to fall asleep halfway through whatever I picked. Having seen most of their offerings, I came upon this film with a short cast of names unknown to me and a budget of just $250,000 (yes I check IMDB before making a selection). I started to pass on it but then decided "why not?" The simple cast was perfect. They sparkled from the start: two artists (one a musician and the other a writer) seeking inspiration in a little town in Sicily where Michael Corleone got married.

The music is both meaningful and beautiful (think Joni Mitchell although Josie (von Kampen) suggests Dylan. The story is very believable, and told very simply. There are no chases, no shootouts, no spies, no superheroes, no magical special effects. There is just a simple story of life, love, and taking chances. Hopefully this can remind movie-makers that more is not necessarily better. Watch it, you'll be glad you did. And then go checkout all von Kampen's music.

I watched this movie on a flight and the story was so sweet, it made me feel all warm and fuzzy. Definitely heartwarming. The lead actors are so endearing and carry this sweet tale beautifully. The characters they play are as intriguing as the amazing setting, the writing just as wonderful as the pasta looks, and you can tell the director put his heart and soul into this cinematic piece of art.

I am craving a big dish of pasta -- with a side of an intriguing/inspiring conversation with a fellow artist -- right now, as I reflect on this beautiful film. If you're looking to have a nice, relaxing, romantic movie night, I recommend this "A Chance Encounter"; I also recommend cooking some pasta, snuggling with your loved one, and being ready for your heart to flutter with joy from start to finish.

My wife and I really loved this small lovely movie. The music, the poetry, the acting, the scenery. Pulls at the heartstrings. So nice to see a love begin in friendship and emotional/intellectual connection rather than sex. Some of the professional reviewers who gave it so-so ratings don't get it. Had to watch it a second time to catch more details and be certain of the ending. Thanks to those who created this. PS It only added to my pleasure, after reading about the movie, to learn that the key actors/producers were originally from Nebraska and became friends at the U if Nebraska. I was born and grew up in Nebraska before moving for college and my career. Perhaps it's a Nebraska thing. :)

A wonderful story of finding love, inspiration, and yourself, this is the kind of romance Hollywood used to make. Director Alexander Jeffery avoided making the usual paint-by-numbers romcom, and instead made an original film starring two talented newcomers in a beautiful location. The male lead (and co-writer of the film) is especially charming, and he's got a bright future ahead. The female lead has an effortless charm and some lovely songs, and their chemistry seems genuine. Do yourself a favor and check this film out, and you get the double win of supporting indie films and letting the market know these films are in demand.