As per tradition, a ton of romance films come out on Valentine’s Day every year. I haven’t had the chance to check out Wuthering Heights yet, but since it’s been a pretty chilly Winter here, I chose the beautiful and sunny Rome over the dreary, windy, rugged moors of Yorkshire.

This isn’t Kevin James’s first rodeo in a rom-com; he totally stole the show in Will Smith’s Hitch. But this time, he’s taking on the role of the romantic lead, teaming up again with the Kinnane Brothers, with whom he worked on the hilarious Sound Guy shorts. Actually, Solo Mio is a family affair, directed by Charles and Daniel Kinnane, and written by Patrick and John Kinnane, along with James himself. I think the other four Kinnane brothers are also involved in this production.

The story kicks off with a montage showcasing the romantic journey of Matt Taylor and Heather (Julie Ann Emery). They get engaged, and then we see Matt beaming at the altar, eagerly waiting for his lovely bride. As you might have noticed in the trailer and various promos, Matt ends up heartbroken in the eternal city and has to go on his prearranged honeymoon group tour all alone. Comedy and tragedy often go hand in hand, and poor Matt faces judgmental stares from other couples as he rides solo on a tandem bike, dines alone in fancy date-night restaurants, and so on.

James is such a likable actor, even when he takes on bumbling, goofy roles, but he reveals his softer side here, showcasing a real vulnerability as a guy who wears his heart on his sleeve. It’s an emotional performance filled with genuine pathos that I’ve never witnessed from James before. He still shows off his comedic skills, of course, as Matt is a hapless, clumsy fool wandering around in Rome. I often find myself questioning how Matt managed to pay for such a lavish wedding at a posh hotel and a multi-city honeymoon in Italy on a high school teacher’s salary, but I guess it’s best not to dwell on it.

The film plays on Rome’s infamous reputation for tourist pickpockets, as Matt frequently finds himself surrounded by kids on the streets of the city. That is, until a kind-hearted woman named Gia (Nicole Grimaudo) comes to his rescue. The beautiful café owner brings so much warmth and vibrant energy to the film right from the beginning. It’s adorable to watch her tease Matt about his pathetic attempts at learning Italian with his phone app. Apparently, Grimaudo doesn’t speak much English, which I think makes their interactions feel more genuine.

As the film goes on, we find out that Gia is also unlucky in love and perhaps professionally as well, as she might have to close her café due to a dispute with her landlord. The script is pretty predictable that Matt and Gia will end up together, but you still enjoy watching their chemistry develop because of how well the two actors connect.

Rome is practically a character in the film. Shot on location, the movie makes me want to book a trip to Rome, pronto! DP Jared Fadel did a great job capturing the stunning views of the city of seven hills… the narrow, cobblestone streets and famous landmarks like the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps. It also showcases the ancient city’s beautiful architecture and lively culture, along with some gorgeous scenery in Siena and the Tuscan countryside.

The movie is at its best when it’s focused on Matt and Gia, but like many romantic comedies, it tends to overindulge in side characters. It’s okay if the supporting cast is strong, like in Sleepless in Seattle (which I just caught on the plane this Valentine’s Day) or Notting Hill, but in this case, the characters come off as either awkward or annoying. I’ve never seen Kim Coates before, but he stands out as the most irritating character among the tour group that befriends Matt. This might be the first time I’ve noticed Alyson Hannigan outside of her TV roles in Buffy and How I Met Your Mother, and her part as Coates’ wife feels pretty insignificant. Jonathan Roumie, known for portraying Jesus in the hit series Chosen, is also awkward here as one of Matt’s new friends trying to lift his spirits. Their attempts at humor completely miss the mark, coming off as cartoonish and silly, which is more a reflection of the writing than the actors’ performances.

Solo Mio doesn’t venture into new rom-com territory. The standard rom-com clichés abound, but it serves as a charming feel-good film that leaves you feeling warm and fuzzy. James often embodies the relatable underdog, and while this character doesn’t deviate much from that mold, it offers more depth than his usual goofy roles that lean heavily on physical humor.

At a brisk 96 minutes, it’s a cute little escape that doesn’t drag on. There are some unexpected musical twists, but it’s best that you uncover them yourself as you watch the film. The theme of second chances in love and self-discovery is something we can all relate to. Many of us have experienced the pain of broken connections at some point, but those moments can lead to new beginnings.

Have you seen SOLO MIO? What did you think?