Watch Little Italy

The cute romantic comedy Little Italy, released in 2018, is a perfect choice for audiences who love cheesy love stories with a side of Italian cuisine. Directed by Donald Petrie and starring the talented Emma Roberts and Hayden Christensen, the movie revolves around two childhood friends and next-door neighbors, Nikki and Leo, who reunite after many years in their old neighborhood of Toronto's Little Italy.

Nikki (played by Emma Roberts), a talented chef, comes back to Little Italy after completing her culinary studies in London, while Leo (played by Hayden Christensen) is a former pizza chef now working for his father Sal's pizza restaurant. As their friendship rekindles, the childhood pals soon realize that they both have feelings for each other, which is complicated as Nikki's father is competing with Leo's father in an upcoming pizza competition.

The plot of the movie may sound predictable and clichéd, but what makes Little Italy stand out is the balance of humor and romance alongside an exciting pizza cook-off. Emma Roberts and Hayden Christensen have great chemistry, and their playful banter and romantic moments are charming to watch. Their characters' families add to the comedy, with the fiery Italian rivalries between Nikki's and Leo's fathers and grandparents.

Danny Aiello, an accomplished veteran actor, plays Leo's father, Sal. Aiello's character is full of life, and his performance adds an extra layer of depth to the movie. Sal's love for his son and his family's pizza legacy is evident, and his interactions with Nikki's family make for some hilarious scenes.

The movie's soundtrack features catchy Italian and pop songs that will have you dancing and singing along. The visuals of Little Italy are also a delight to watch, with vibrant colors, cozy pizza shops, and beautiful shots of Toronto's Little Italy.

One of the best aspects of the movie is its strong emphasis on food culture. The pizza competition, in particular, is an exciting and mouth-watering event showcasing the different pizza styles, ingredients, and techniques unique to each competitor. The movie also highlights the essence of Italian culinary traditions, emphasizing the importance of family, community, and using fresh and authentic ingredients.

Overall, Little Italy is an easy-going romantic comedy with a delightful cast, some excellent humor, and a unique pizza angle. It's a perfect movie to sit back, relax, and enjoy with a bowl of popcorn or even a slice of pizza. Little Italy is a feel-good escape from reality, and its predictable storyline is well balanced by its strong themes of food culture and family values.

Little Italy is a 2018 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 42 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.7 and a MetaScore of 28.