Watch A Little Italian Vacation

A Little Italian Vacation is a 2021 romantic comedy directed by Elisa Amoruso. The film stars Karen Maruyama, Hannah van der Westhuysen, and James Tarpey in lead roles. It follows the story of four American tourists who win a trip to a Tuscan villa and embark on a journey that will change their lives forever. The film opens with the introduction of four unlikely friends, former high school classmates who are now in their 20s and living separate lives. There's Nick (Tarpey), a struggling musician, Ross (Joe Pantoliano), a successful businessman, Olivia (van der Westhuysen), a medical student, and Grace (Emma Curtis), a social media influencer. Despite their differences, the friends long for an escape from their mundane lives and decide to enter a competition to win a trip to a luxurious villa in Italy. To their surprise, they win, and embark on an Italian adventure that will test their strength, relationships, and perspective on life.

Once they arrive at the villa, the four friends are greeted by the eccentric owner, Stella (Maruyama), who welcomes them with open arms and shows them all the wonderful sights Tuscany has to offer. The friends are in awe of the beautiful scenery, delicious food, and of course, the Italian men. However, the trip soon becomes complicated when they learn that the villa is up for sale, and Stella is desperately trying to convince Ross to buy it.

As the group's true colors begin to shine, the trip becomes less about their prize and more about the bonds they build with each other. Nick forms a romance with a local singer, while Ross and Olivia are forced to confront their feelings for each other. Grace learns to embrace her natural self and leave the social media persona behind. Through all of this, Stella's fiery personality pushes them to be happy in their individual lives and to not take their relationships for granted.

The movie's strongest asset lies in the dynamics between the characters. Each actor delivers a convincing and heartfelt performance, and their chemistry is undeniably palpable. Karen Maruyama's performance as Stella is charismatic, and her eccentricity adds much-needed humor to the film. Hannah van der Westhuysen and James Tarpey perfectly portray the teenage angst that still lingers in their adult lives.

A Little Italian Vacation's cinematography is a feast for the eyes. The Tuscan countryside is breathtakingly beautiful, and each shot is picturesque. The vibrancy of the colors only enhance the magic of Italy, and as the characters explore the country, it is easy to feel their sense of wonder.

The movie is well-written, and it does an excellent job of balancing humor and heart. The script is relatable, and the character arcs feel authentic. The film is a perfect example of a rom-com that avoids clichés and offers a fresh take on a familiar genre. The story is uplifting, and it is sure to leave you with a smile on your face.

In conclusion, A Little Italian Vacation is a must-watch film for its delightful characters, stunning visuals, and heartwarming story. It is a movie that will make you laugh, cry, and ultimately, it will make you appreciate the friendships in your life. The film offers an escape from reality, and it reminds us to enjoy the small moments in life that make it worth living.

A Little Italian Vacation is a 2021 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 17 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 3.9.