Film In Review: "You, Me, & Tuscany"

Hi there, Beautiful People!

In April, I went to see the Black-led romantic comedy titled "You, Me, and Tuscany". I was excited to check it out because we haven't had a movie theater debut rom-com starring Black characters in far too long. It's a shame, absolute shame -- one that the industry bears full responsibility for perpetuating. Anyways, back to my excitement...I have followed both Halle Bailey and Regé-Jean Page's careers individually; thus, the two of them starring together was an immediate YES PLEASE from me! Plus, I'm a romantic at heart so this genre tends to be one of my favorites, especially when I get to see myself reflected on-screen. Below, I'll provide a synopsis of the film (no spoilers yet); and then, I'll detail my personal thoughts and reactions (a spoilers notice will precede this section). Let's dive in, shall we...

SYNOPSIS:

"The producer of Girls Trip serves up a delicious romantic comedy about one little lie, one large Italian villa, and two people getting lost in the sauce of love. Impersonating a man's fiancée while crashing at his home in Italy becomes a big problem for Anna when she falls for the man's cousin, and the heat between them ignites a fire that will transform her life."

-Courtesy of Universal Pictures Website

CC's Official Review:

*Spoilers Below*

If you want to see my immediate post-movie review (less than a minute long video), you can watch it here. As you can tell from the video, I was still in my post-movie glow. It's that blissful feeling that settles over me right after I watch an enjoyable (particularly if it's romantic or meaningful) movie or TV show. I can't be the only one who experiences that, right?! Anyways, I did enjoy the movie and enjoy myself during the movie. I was connected to the characters because they did feel real. Regardless of the unrealistic plot, I could see the two main characters as relatable.

Speaking of main characters, let's talk about the two leads. Anna was played by Halle Bailey (you know her from "The Little Mermaid" and her music career) & Michael was played by Regé-Jean Page (you know him from "Bridgerton" and being the finest man in the room). I squealed when my cousin first sent me the IG post that this movie was in production because the thought of these two together was thoroughly intriguing! Their chemistry on-screen was hot when it needed to be (the scene of them making out in the rain was fiery); but otherwise, it fell a little flat. I don't know if one of them was responsible for that or if that spark just wasn't there. Regardless, they made such a beautiful couple that I was happy watching their love story unfold. Seeing them in the lush, luxurious setting of Italy made their romance journey all the more decadent to behold.

Focusing on the Female Lead:

Halle portrayed the experience of an adult daughter grieving her mother with believable compassion and humor. However, while watching, there were a few moments that I saw Halle and not her character. At times, she seemed uncomfortable on-screen. I would think this had more to do with outside factors since she delivered a flawless performance as Ariel. Maybe the production schedule was rushed or the set didn't make her feel safe; but whatever it was, it did come through to the audience. On the whole though, she did very well and looked gorgeous doing it! Her locs are always EVERYTHING; and she brings a unique flavor to her roles that is personal to her which is why I look forward to supporting her blossoming movie/TV career. Her career is just beginning; and I anticipate Halle becoming a powerful movie star who will influence Hollywood for the better.

Focusing on the Male Lead:

Regé's portrayal felt natural and rooted. You can't watch him as the Duke of Hastings in "Bridgerton" and not be impressed. This role was no different. He made me sigh with a smile each time he appeared on-screen. Talk about fiiiiine!! Incredibly, his acting chops are just as impressive as his beautiful face. He anchored the movie and made you root for his character even when, at first, he seemed to be rude and dismissive to his love-interest (you later learn he was enamored from the start). It's a pleasure to watch him as a romantic lead because he's just so damn charismatic and entrancing. Unless it's horror or suspense, I say an immediate yes to ANYTHING he is starring in! Like Halle, I anticipate Regé's rise to the top is imminent and unstoppable.

Focusing on what I would have done different:

As much as I enjoyed seeing Black Love on the big screen and enjoyed the typical rom-com tropes, I do have some critiques. The first being that there was no Black representation behind the camera apart from Will Packer (which is probably why they mentioned him in the official synopsis). From my research, the screenplay was written by a white man and directed by a white woman. This comes through clearly to the audience. It's not a story specific to the Black experience, it's a story featuring two people who happen to be Black. Mind you, there's space for those stories; but when we only get rare opportunities to tell our stories, it's ultimately disappointing. Note- Contrast this movie with "Belle" which was written and directed by two Black women; and you'll understand my point all the more.

My second critique connects to my first...the two leads and the best friend character (who provided comedic relief but was primarily featured via voice notes, texts, or FaceTime) were the only Black characters. I understand the movie took place in the backdrop of a European country but come on now. The beautiful Italian culture still could have shown through prominently with a more diverse array of ethnic representation. Michael's family could have featured a blend of African immigrants and generational Italians. It would have brought even more creativity and flavor to the script. I understand one movie can't hold the burden for generations of under-representation: but I can't help feeling that it was a missed opportunity.

My final critique focuses on the plot of the film. The crux of the movie's conflict is that Anna is lying about being engaged to Michael's cousin Matteo. She's actually single so her inward feelings for Michael are open to develop despite her outward lie. Michael though stifles his growing feelings for Anna out of respect to what he thinks is her impending marriage to his cousin. Regarding this matter, I would have liked Michael to find out about Anna's lie halfway through the film instead of in the final minutes. This way, there would have been more time to see their love blossom on screen instead of cramming it all in at the end. We, the audience, would have been treated to stolen kisses, a secret rendez-vous, and more one-on-one scenes between the two leads. They could have brainstormed together about how to confess the truth. Plus, Michael and Matteo still could have gotten into that fist fight; but it would have solely been about their long-standing rivalry.

Closing Thoughts:

As you can tell, I am passionate about this movie because it blends two of my favorite things - romantic comedies and Black people (HA!). If you've made it to the end of this review, I suspect you feel the same or simply enjoy my writing (huge thanks). What I would have changed doesn't neutralize my enjoyment of the film. There's space for criticism and support. I hope I did a good job of balancing them both. Please let me know your thoughts about the film and whether you'll watch it if you haven't already.

Stay ColorFull,

CC

Here are some photos of Halle and Regé from their Essence photoshoot. Why? Just Because!

You're Welcome!