A Very Venice Romance

I've been to Venice so, I was really keen on watching this movie. As luck would have it, the show aired tonight. The scenery of Venice is stunning and I enjoyed the cooking romantic angle. It was fun to see the Bridge of Sighs and St. Mark's Square, and the Murano glass blowing, though I wish they would have shown the inside of the Doge's palace as the great hall is stunning yet intimidating with it's wall-size paintings by Titian. So I was really wanting this to be a great movie. Just like one of my other favorities: A Christmas in Rome with Lacey Chabert and Samuel Paige. But somehow I found the two leads Amy (Stephanie Leonidas) and Marcello (Raniero Monaco Di Lapio) lacking the chemistry. Their interaction seemed stiff and any conversation seemed scripted. I have to say though, I hope to see Raniero in more movies, as he is a top grade "A" hunk. Like I said, the story angle is all about cooking, and it was nice to see that whole cooking school top chef sort of thing, but Italian style. And - we even get to see the culinary creations after each lesson. I liked the effort that the production crew put in to making this part believable, though they really need to tone down the background music, which at times was a tad cheesy with its obvious nod to all things Italy, but also very loud, often drowning out the dialogue. Good music is essential but not when it becomes the "star" of the show. Of course there is always a bit of drama and the big misunderstanding (or in this case a career-driven Amy chooses her job in NY over Amore in Italia). Overall it was a nice trip down memory lane and everyone will enjoy the magic of Venice as the backdrop. I recommend it as a pretty good romantic escape.

Amy works at a food/wellness company that preps healthy fast meals for people who are very busy. After their French chef quits they have to get a new one. So, she goes to Venice to convince Marcello to come work for them.

I mean, it's a nice movie. Predictable plot. We have seen it a dozen times by now. But it's not bad. The actors are okay, they have chemistry. There barely is any secondary plot. Yes, three weeks seems like a short time to say those three little words, but it's a Hallmark movie, I will just ignore it.

The real star is Venice. The movies that take place in Italy do a great job of convincing you to go and spend your money there. (So do the handsome Italian men, but that's another conversation.) To be honest, I'm convinced.

Anyway, just an okay movie. If you are a romance fan like me, you should watch it.

Amy (Stephanie Leonidas) works for a food supplement company. They are trying to turn their non-tasty supplements into tasty meal kits. Their snotty French chef quits when Amy tries to brings up issues with the food. She has to find a new chef. She targets Italian chef Marcello Favero in Venice who promptly turns her down. She heads to Venice to convince him in person.

I love the exterior shots of Venice. There is some fine food porn. Everything else is less lovely. First, the story doesn't make sense unless he is the last chef on Earth. He is cute, but let's not be ridiculous. After he refuses so quickly, I would move on to the next person on the list. I would first make a list. Anyways, a famous name is more important in her case. There are ways around this problem. This movie isn't even trying.

Yet another storyline of a "strong" woman aka trying to get the man to do what she wants - for her company. Lots on here have outlined the story very well, but for me the storyline was irrelevant as Venice is my favourite city, so I revelled in the film shots. I couldn't understand why Frances Barber had to play an American, why not just employ an American. She could have just played a Brit ! Who would have cared ? I didn't think the storyline was that great but the food aspect was good. Continuity alert ! ...... in the final scene there was no indication of any luggage in the taxi to the airport !

I knew the general script, but it is a nice and kind movie. The scenery and cooking make me want to go back to beautiful Venice. The department of Venice tourism could not have done a better job. I am now inspired to cook these dishes. The movie could have been shorter. My wife and I love food movies. The scenes of the city remind me of our trip a few years ago. We would like to find the hotel in the movie. If you are looking for an action packed movie, this is not it. If you are looking for a free, cozy under a blanket movie, with your gog on your lap, then this could be your choice. I actually liked the characters and it is better than paying for 99% of the junk that is on Netflix.