Amor & Gelato

The "love" portion of this film turns out to be self-love, valuable but not as romantic as I was hoping for. The backdrop of both Rome and Florence is spectacular and truly the best part of the film...the location cinematography.

This is the story of Lena Emerson, who was raised without a father in New York. Her single mother, who is her whole world, dies of cancer just as Lena is graduating from high school. Lena's mom made her promise to take the mother daughter trip to Italy for the Summer before college that they had planned. Lena's mom set up a few surprises for Lena on this trip...starting with her staying with her mom's best friend and her Italian godmother...who gives Lena her mother's journal from her time in Italy. She also is gifted her mom's camera and pushed out of her comfort zone...by just about everyone including to contradictory boys who she meets one a wealthy heir and the other an aspiring cook.

The bigger relationship is discovering herself and who her father is.

Again this was about self-love, the film was beautiful visually, but seemed choppy. I know this is based on a book, maybe there was a lot of material that they had to leave out? The film left me wanting. Howard was probably my favorite character along with Lena's crazy best friend Addie. Not a recommendation...unless you are craving some beautiful shots around Rome and Florence...although you might be able to find a better film for that, a few come to mind.

Didn't hate it, but didn't love it.

This is for young ones but it's also for those who were young once. It's light entertainment yet it drives home the point that your mom could be your best friend.

Susanna Skaggs as Lina is completely relatable. One could feel the emotions she's going through as she learns more about her mom and herself. Some scenes might feel cliche but it doesn't mean the film isn't worth your time.

Older people will find this film as enjoyable as they reminisce their young life with all its promise and disappointment.

Rome will always be romantic; and a cultural gem. Watching this film reminds me of a vibrant, pulsating city that I once called home.

Zero chemistry between the young leads, terrible lead actress, total snooze-fest, very forced. I couldn't get past the first 20 minutes.

An American in Italy is so cliché.

The leading actress reminds me a lot of the actress in Emily goes to Paris. Not bad, but not ready for the big screen, needs a little more training in order to fully engage the audience. The cinematography was a big part of my reason for not turning it off after that ridiculous scene in the restaurant. The script was about a teen & could have been written by my granddaughter, who I was reminded of throughout the movie. But do I want to watch an hour & 1/2 of a high-strung teen? No. But the supporting cast - all of them - saved the show. I haven't read the book, but I do understand that producers & directors will change a book based on what they want. The only time I felt connected to the lead character however, was when she was in the gallery & actually acted normal. Normal may be boring, but it doesn't have to be if the actor can pull it off. This could be a nice series wirh a little work.

Terrible acting for the lead actress, she makes me want to puke. I mean, she was overacting, it was too much! Predictable storyline. I just watched it coz I was bored.. I'm at the part where she's drunk and asking for pastry. Maybe I'll continue watching in the next days, if I get bored again. I gave it a 3 for everyone's effort.