Wednesday, 18 March 2026

March 19th 2026

Iron Winter
Proclivitas
Mr Nobody Against Putin (streaming on DocPlay)
The Secret Garden (1993- streaming on Netflix) 

Four worthy recommendations this week. But if icy Mongolian winters, guilt-driven horrors, and Russian propaganda in schools are too much for you, check out a gorgeous old film to cheer yourself up. 

Iron Winter
Dir: Kasimir Burgess
© Bonsai Films - a lifestyle and ancient
tradition which we know little of
The director of the fabulous doco about cartoonist Michael Leunig, The Leunig Fragments, takes on a completely different subject matter, in this unusual doco about Mongolian horse herders. In a bittterly cold winter, and following a centuries old tradition, two young horse herders, Batbold and Tsagana, are tasked with gathering up a herd of 2000 horses, and protecting them from the deadly Arctic blasts. The young men must forge bonds of friendship, and summon all their resilience to go on the journey and keep this tradition alive. Visually this film is a stunner, and one can almost feel the bleak icy conditions, so powerful is the cinematography. It's all very slow-moving and not a great deal happens, but for those willing to be patient, you'll get a deep insight into a totally different culture, and see how modern life and climate change is affecting even the far-flung icy reaches of this fascinating land.
3.5 - well recommended

Proclivitas
Dir: Miley Tunnecliffe
© Icon - ex-sweethearts battle shared guilt
and demons that may be internal (or not?)
Aussie film-makers are churning out the horror films at a rate of knots of late. This latest offering deals more with psychological dramas, with external horror elements acting as a metaphor for internal trauma. Clare (Rose Riley), a recovering substance abuse addict and flunked-out medical student, returns to her home town to sort out and sell the family house after her mother's death. She reconnects with her teenage sweetheart Jerry (George Mason), who shares with her the history of a tragic accident which caused them to part. But ghosts of the past resurface, threatening Clare's sanity and sobriety. The line starts to blur between what is in her head and what is real. This is a very impressive debut feature, with a couple of reservations. The slow-burn atmosphere of menace, with shadowy figures appearing, strange noises, and Clare's increasing agitation works really well. When the threat emerges as an "actual" monster, things feel a bit clunky and overblown (as is so often the case in this type of film). Guilt and the ongoing ruination of lives is a central theme, which is handled really well, with the gradual reveal of what happened in the past building both suspense and clarity. Riley and Mason work really well together as a pair wanting a chance at redemption and happiness, but brought undone by overwhelming internal demonic forces (or are they all internal?) While not being totally satisfactory as either a straight horror, or a psychological drama, this should please fans of both genres, and it sure knows how to bring the scariness with evocative cinematography, music and strong performances.
3.5 - well recommended

Mr Nobody Against Putin
Dir: David Borenstein & Pavel Talankin
Length: 90 mins
Streaming on DocPlay
© Madman/DocPlay - a teacher with the guts
to stand up for what he believes
And the Oscar goes to . . . this film, for Best Documentary Feature! A teacher in the poor mining town of Karabash, high up in the Ural mountains of Russia, coordinates school events and videos them, as instructed by "the regime". When Putin invaded Ukraine in 2022, schools were used to progressively indoctrinate kids about the merits of the war, and patriotic displays were compulsory. Under the cover of officially filming all this, Talankin managed to get a more authentic picture of  the effects on the lives of those caught up in this war, with many of his former students now being conscripted to fight. It's a really smart doco which doesn't proselytise, simply speaks for itself, with student opinions, familial grief, and regime-loyal teachers all reflecting differing perspectives. Talankin's situation becomes progressively more precarious, with his obvious anti-regime stance, but he still manages to inject his film with the odd moment of wry humor. A film of this nature is obviously so critically incisive in this war-torn world, showing us that what we see in the media is not always how it really is. (PS This brave director has, fortunately, escaped Russia and been granted asylum in the Czech Republic.) 
4 - highly recommended

The Secret Garden - 1993
Dir: Agnieszka Holland
Length: 101 mins
Streaming on Netflix
More recent fanmade trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUT9EkbzH_s
© let youself chill out and indulge in
a beautiful, uplifting, timeless story
Here is a gorgeous film from the vault, based upon a much-loved children's book. With awards for the score, nominations for the young lead actors, as well as for the legendary Maggie Smith, this is a total delight. Orphaned Mary (Kate Maberly) is sent to live with her Uncle (John Lynch) in the English countryside. He's mainly absent, mourning the death of his wife, and Mary is left to the mercy of ill-tempered, strict housekeeper Mrs Medlock (Maggie Smith). Then she meets Dickon (Andrew Knott), brother to Mary's maid - a boy with a near-magical connection to nature and animals. Mary makes two major discoveries - a hidden neglected garden that has been locked up for years, and the existence of cousin Colin (Heydon Prowse), hidden away, bed-ridden and predicted to die soon - and life transforms for the three kids. Holland's direction is superb; she extracts stunning performances from her young actors, and creates a world which, although semi-fantastical, also contains the real-world reality of grief, loss, friendship, and learning the lessons of growing up. It's a visual treat, a story for all age-groups, at times a tear-jerker, and a true heart-warming antidote to the woes of the world. 
4 - highly recommended
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Wednesday, 11 March 2026

 March 12th 2026

Anemone
Arco
The Plague
More from the Alliance Francaise French Film Festival
Skyscraper Live (streaming on Netflix)

This week's films are all wonderful, albeit very intense! Teen trauma features large in Alpha and The Plague. The two light and bright spots are the doco on Michel Legrand, playing at the French Film Festival, and the Oscar-nominated animation Arco. 

Anemone
Dir: Ronan Day Lewis
© Universal - the return of acting legend,
Daniel Day-Lewis
The sins of the fathers . . . here they are again in this rather austere drama, marking the comeback of iconic actor Daniel Day-Lewis after an 18-year absence from the screen. Ray (DDL) is a veteran of the Irish "troubles". After returning from the wars, he had left his wife Nessa (Samantha Morton), and in-utero son Brian (Samuel Bottomley) and has lived ever since as a recluse in the forest. Brian, now 20, has gone AWOL from the British army after severely bashing a fellow soldier. Jem, (Sean Bean), Ray's estranged brother has been with Nessa ever since and has raised Brian as his own. He and Nessa believe Brian needs to meet his biological father, so Jem heads off to try to convince Ray to meet his son.  Most of the film takes place in Ray's rough and gloomy shack, as the two brothers hash over the past. Scenes of the brothers' intense conversations are interspersed with Nessa trying to handle Brian and run her daily life. A couple of memorable monologues remind us of the acting prowess of Day-Lewis, whose Ray spans an emotional arc running from toxic masculinity through to extreme vulnerability. We see how the cycle of violence is passed through the generations and how war trauma shapes lives. Bean, though quieter in his role, is also very impressive. Despite not a lot happening, important themes are raised, and as an actors' piece, there is much to be admired. 
3.5 - well recommended

Arco
Dir: Ugo Bienvenue & Gilles Cazeaux
© Madman - gorgeous on every level
Another film with many awards and nominations to its name, plus the big one: nominated for Best Animation at this year's Oscars. The year is 2075, and a little girl called Iris witnesses a boy in a rainbow suit plummet out of the sky to the earth. We've already met Arco in the opening sequences - his life in the far future is a peaceful one, where people live in homes up among the clouds, and can time travel in their rainbow suits. But Arco has defied his parents' rule that kids under twelve must not fly, hence he's now in a precarious situation, having lost a vital lost gemstone needed to operate his flying suit.  Iris lives in a world beset by raging fires and violent storms, where only a protective bubble can ensure safety. Iris' parents work far away and visit her by hologram, so she is cared for by a kindly robot called Mikki.  Like so many good animations, this one has plenty of worthwhile themes relevant to issues today - environmental degradation, climate change, technological innovations and more. But the basic human touchstone of friendship anchors the tale, with the tender, moving friendship forged between Iris and Arco, along with Mikki's self-sacrificial care for his two young charges.  The music is glorious, and the animation itself is varied and lovely, at times a little Miyaki-esque, and at other times totally original.
4 - highly recommended

The Plague
Dir: Charlie Polinger
© Rialto - an ineffectual adult can't keep
bullying boys under control
Boys in their early teens can be horrifically cruel. In this unsettling story they make life hell for two outsiders at a water polo camp. Ben (Everett Blunck) is a seemingly confident boy, a good natured vegan with a friendly and compassionate nature. He feels for Eli (Kenny Rasmusen), who is ostracised by the other boys because he has a body rash, which they all refer to as "the plague".  Ben is desperate to fit in, and he soon finds himself caught up in a web of bullying and divided loyalties. From the opening scene of bodies moving like seals through the shimmering swimming pool, through to the distressing final scenes, the prowling cinematography evokes the nightmare of adolescent trauma and embryonic masculine toxicity, which is the true plague of the story. All the young actors are brilliant, with Kayo Martin especially wonderful as tousle-headed Jake, a boy whose cherubic looks belie his nasty character. Joel Edgerton as polo coach Daddy Waggs embodies an ineffectual adult unable to curb the increasingly threatening behaviour of the boys. In today's world, where bullying is an existential threat to youngsters, this impressive film is important, (and much awarded) even if it is diffcult to watch.
4 - highly recommended

More from Alliance Francaise French Film Festival
Melbourne now on  until April 8
Palace Cinemas
For all dates in regional cities and other states, along with synopses, ticketing etc visit: 
https://www.affrenchfilmfestival.org/melbourne/ and use the drop down box to select your city
Still plenty of time to catch the films in this popular festival. I promised you some more recommendations, and here they are, with the first being a stand-out:

Once Upon a Time: Michel Legrand
Music lovers should not miss this stunning tribute to the legendary musician, who, in a career that spanned over half a century,  composed more than 200 scores for film and television, creating some of the most memorable film music out. Director David Dessites has assembled previously unseen archival footage, along with interviews with many directors, musicians and actors who have worked with Legrand over the years. The doco traces Michel's passion for music which started with a love of jazz when he was a boy, and then follows his collaboration with iconic French directors, and on to Hollywood. He is revealed as a multi-talented musician, who could play jazz and classical piano, was a consummate conductor and could even sing. The film focuses on Legrand as a very old, sometimes irascible man, still composing, playing fluidly, and giving his all to rapturous concert audiences. It constantly toggles between his final years, and the chronological development of his career, including interviews with such music legends as Barbra Streisand, Quincy Jones, Sting, Catherine Deneuve and so many more. This captivating doco fills me with a sense of awe, at a man's talent and the love the world has for him and his enduring legacy. 

Guru
Matt Vasseur (Pierre Niney) is a charismatic motivational speaker and personal coach who leads rapturous followers at almost cultish meetings. But when the government decides to enforce strict regulations around the industry, demanding formal qualifications, Matt's lucrative career is under threat. This psychological thriller looks at the shady world of these type of leaders, and examines where the fine line lies between motivation and control. Niney gives an electric performance, bringing an intense power to his character, along with the narcissim that often goes with this personality type. The plot exposes the leader's hypocrisy, purporting to care deeply for his followers, but having a self-protective instinct that will stop at little to preserve his empire. 

Alpha
Young teen, Alpha, (Melissa Boros) returns home with an amateur tattoo, causing her mother, a doctor, to become paranoid that she might have contracted a blood-borne disease that turns people progressively into stone. The film has parable-like resonance for societal fear that surrounded HIV and Covid, but also explores family dynamics, as Alpha's drug-addicted uncle moves in with them. Boros powerfully conveys the challenging teen years, rebellious yet still needing her mother, and  distraught at her ostracism by the other kids, who fear her bleeding arm. Tahar Rahim as Uncle Amin is memorable, and despite moments that feel discordant, this is a gripping exploration of family, fear, illness and body trauma from Palme d'Or-winnning director Julia Ducourneau (Titane).

Skyscraper Live
Dir: Joe DeMaio
Length: 120 mins
Streaming on Netflix
© Netflix - don't try this at home!
Did you see the 2018 documentary Free Solo, in which climber Alex Honnold climbs El Capitan in Yosemite National Park without any safety ropes?  Well, the nail-biting intensity of that one is outdone in this Netflix special, which was broadcast live, and is now edited into a rivetting doco. Daredevil Alex now decides to scale Tapei 101, one of the world tallest buildings . . . without any safety equipment. Agonising minute by minute we watch him do seemingly impossible feats, using finger grips, shoes soles, and unimaginably strong leg muscles to ascend like a mountain goat this building of steel, glass and overhanging sections that defy logic. Those with fear of heights had better not watch, but if you want a suspenseful two hours of watching a brave (and foolhardy?) athlete, this is for you.
3.5 - well recommended




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Wednesday, 4 March 2026

March 5th 2026

The Bride!
The Voice of Hind Rajab
Plainclothes
Alliance Francaise French Film Festival

Once again it's a splendid week for going to the movies! The latest film in the Frankenstein collection is an absolute winner.  Trauma in the Gaza war, and personal drama for an undercover cop make for two more strong features, while the ever popular French Film Festival is here.  

The Bride!
Dir: Maggie Gyllenhaal 
© Universal - everyone needs a mate!
Just as Guillermo del Toro made a stunning new version of Frankenstein, so Maggie G has just come up with a winner,  reimagining the classic1935 film Bride of Frankenstein. It is set in 1930s Chicago, a world of mobsters, and fancy women working as police informants. Loud, outspoken Ida (Jessie Buckley) is murdered by the mob. At the same time Frank (Christian Bale), a sorry creature created decades earlier out of dead bodies by Dr Frankenstein, wanders into the laboratory of Doctor Euphronius (Annette Bening), lamenting his loneliness and begging her to create a companion for him. Together they exhume Ida's body and "reinvigorate" her. Unexpectedly, she falls wildly in love with Frank, and the two embark upon a Bonnie and Clyde like spree, which involves a fair bit of killing (all in self-defence!) Police officers Jake (Peter Sarsgaard) and his offsider Myrna (a wonderful Penelope Cruz) are on the trail of the now infamous pair, while concurrently a feminist movement grows, sparked by The Bride's refusal to be oppressed by any man. I love the wild energy of this film. Everything from the period settings, to the steampunk aesthetic and the larger-than-life characters, leaps off the screen. Despite the traditional horror themes, it is also surprisingly moving and compassionate; a story of loneliness and the need for connection. Maggie G's emphasis upon feminism and women rising up brings much unexpected delight, while having the character of Mary Shelley (also played by Buckley) inside Ida's head is an original touch, given Shelley had to write under a man's name.  Jake Gyllenhaal makes a small but welcome appearance as movie star/dancer Ronnie Reed, who Frank adores, secretly fantasising he could aslo be a dancer (a lovely nod to Mel Brooks' film Young Frankenstein). All in all, this is a beautifully made film, with spectacular performances by Buckley and Bale, and leaving the viewer thoroughly entertained.
4.5 - wholeheartedly recommended

The Voice of Hind Rajab
Dir: Kaouther Ben Hania
© Madman - the rescuers as well as the
victims suffer in a war
Gaza has been at the forefront of tumultuous news for a couple of years now. The Red Crescent (equivalent to the Red Cross in Muslim-majority countries) has been working overtime, and this docu-drama, based upon an actual event, takes us into the heart of their mission. In January 2024 a little girl was trapped in a car that had been under fire. She somehow rings the Red Crescent and is pleading for them to get her out. The film uses the actual voice recordings of the child, along with actors playing the staff in the control room. Omar (Motaz Malhees), Nisreen (Clara Khoury), Mahdi (Amer Hlehel) and Rana (Saja Kilani) have their own stresses and internal power struggles, but the child's rescue remains their focus. There is probably no more powerful way to get the message across that it is often innocent civilians who are the victims in such a war. To listen to the pleas of the tiny child, surrounded by the dead bodies of her relatives who've been killed by Israeli tank fire, is  heart-breaking. The stress of the workers is also powerfully portrayed, as they grapple bureaucratic hurdles preventing the despatch of an ambulance rescue team. It's a harrowing watch, but an important one, making the film a worthy nominee for this year's Oscars. It also won the Silver Lion at Venice.
4 - highly recommended

Plainclothes
Dir: Carmen Emmi
© Icon - a policeman faces a personal crisis
in entrappping gay men
Lucas (Tom Blyth) is a plainsclothes police officer, working in 1990s New York. His unit is tasked with entrapping gay men in public toilets, then arresting them for lewd behaviour. When Lucas spots Andrew (Russell Tovey) for a potential sting, he is attracted to him and becomes involved. The conflict between his duty as a policeman, his attraction to Andrew, and his own repressed sexuality causes Lucas great grief. This is a small film that definitely punches above its weight, both script-wise and with its strong performances. The narrative has an interwoven structure, that moves between a New Year's party Lucas is attending at his mother's, following the death of his father. A lost letter is crucial to the suspense of the plot, and gives rise to some big reveals towards the end. This is another fine addition to the queer genre, throwing light on dark times of persecution, intolerance, and personal turmoil.
4 - highly recommended

Alliance Francaise French Film Festival
Melbourne Now on  until April 8
Palace Cinemas
For all dates in regional cities and other states, along with synopses, ticketing etc visit: 
https://www.affrenchfilmfestival.org/melbourne/ and use the drop down box to select your city
It's the biggest festival of French cinema outside of France, right here Downunder. With 38 fantastic films, including Cannes award winners, as well as a real treat with the screening of the iconic Oscar-winning 1966 film from Claude Lelouch, A Man and a Woman. With so many wonderful films from every genre, there is something for everyone. Here are three I've previewed and recommend for this week, with more to come next week. 

The Party's Over
The Trousselard family are rich and entitled. Their daughter's boyfriend Mehdi comes to stay at their fancy villa for a few days. Soon a dispute breaks out between the family and long-term caretakers Tony and Nadine, who threaten a lawsuit after a series of humiliations and underpayments. Top comedienne Laura Calamy is terrific as Nadine, while the satire and pointed commentary on class division runs relentlessly throughout the story. A fun watch.

Dog 51
Adapted from a sci-fi novel, this fast-paced, dystopian thriller takes us into a Paris of the future, where society is divided into three distinct zones, based upon class. Everything in life is now overseen by an AI system called Alma. When the inventor of Alma is murdered, policeman Zem (Gilles Lellouche) is called in to investigate. Teaming up with Salia (Adele Exarcholpouolos), he makes startling discoveries about the true nature of the system that underpins the new society. The action is unrelenting, and settings are disturbingly atmospheric. But you'll need to concentrate to grasp all the intricacies of this frightening plot. With current discussions on the benefits and dangers of AI, this is a very timely film.

A Man and a Woman
It won Oscars in 1967 for Best Screenplay and also Best Foreign Language Film, along with the Palme d'Or at Cannes. Starring Jean Louis Trintignant as racing driver Louis and Anouk Aimee as Anne, this beautiful film by Claude Lelouch is about as romantic as you could hope to get. Both are single parents who meet through their children who are at the same boarding school. The film unreservedly stands the test of time, with its memorable soundtrack, its elegant story telling, and its lovely cinematography, moving between sepia and colour. There is such gentleness and depth of emotion conveyed through two memorable performances. (The kids are pretty wonderful too!) I saw this movie when I was a teen, and, revisiting it now, say here's a classic, not to be missed.   
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Thursday, 26 February 2026

February 26th 2026

EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert
Sirat
The Testament of Ann Lee
Floodland
Solo Mio

It's yet another week of terrific films, with several being right up there in my estimation. Three features, and two docos give you plenty to choose from. 

EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert
Dir: Baz Luhrmann
© Universal - the next best thing to
having been in the audience at Vegas
While Luhrmann was doing his research for his 2022 biopic Elvis, he heard rumour of some unseen footage deep in the MGM vaults in Kansas City. He unearthed an incredible 65 reels of negative film, then acquired some Super 8 movies from the Graceland archive, followed by the discovery of several audio tapes, never before heard, in which Elvis speaks openly about his life. Luhrmann knew he had to put it all together in one fantastic documentary. There is no voice-over in this doco; it consists of The King talking about himself, and large slabs from several concerts and rehearsals, especially the 1970  record-breaking Vegas show.  It's all put together to make you feel like you are there in person, at a concert, or hanging out with Elvis and the band at rehearsals. In the show scenes, the glittering jumpsuits are memorable, but it is the electrifying energy and sheer likeability of the man himself that swept me away in this film. Whether he's singing gospel, rockabilly, or schmaltzy love songs, Elvis is a force of nature, oozing sensuality, rhythm and a honeyed voice. Peter Jackson's film company has restored the original footage to amazing clarity, and to the credit of the early cinematographers, there are so many intense close-ups of Elvis' face, you feel like he's right there.  The editing of this film, with, for example, one seamlessly performed song in three differing venues, is mind-boggling, and some of the rare footage, such as baby Lisa Marie, is so touching. To think that a performer, dead nearly 50 years, can stir up such adulation and excitement, is a thing of wonder, and even if you think you're not a fan, you will be after seeing this film!
5 - unmissable

Sirat
Dir: Oliver Laxe
© Madman - unforgettably disturbing
One of this year's Oscar nominees for Best International Feature Film (as well as umpteen other awards and nominations), Sirat is not for the faint-hearted or those needing a happy ending. The word sirat in Arabic means path, way or road, and also has theological meanings. But this is no religious film; rather it tells of a father Luis (Sergi Lopez) and his young son Estefan (Bruno Nunez Arjona), who are searching for their missing daughter/sister. They believe she may be at a techno-rave in Morocco.  Having no luck, they follow a group of party-goers who are headed to another rave. Their trek takes them deep into the montainous and desert regions of Morocco. I have not been so traumatised by a film in some time. The arduousness of the journey the oddly-matched group of people take is breathlessly terrifying, and certain things that happen along the way are unexpectedly shocking. The characters who Luis follows are all damaged in some way and seem to be seeking something through drugs and overpowering music, yet they all have a compassion and unexpected depth to them. All are played by non-professional, real-life ravers. They play their parts perfectly, as do Lopez and Arjona.  Small references to a third world war lend a deeper context to the narrative, but there is also an overwhelming sense of nihilism, along with elements of stark beauty. Stunningly shot evoking heat, loneliness, sorrow, fear, futility, death, and human connection, this is an experience like few other films I've seen. It may not be for everyone, but I'm left the whole day after seeing it mulling over many philosophical questions, a good sign of a truly affecting film.
4 - highly recommended

The Testament of Ann Lee
Dir: Mona Fastvold
© Searchlight Pictures - revelatory portrayal of a
religious group, and one woman's deep faith
Amanda Seyfried has just won a Golden Globe for her performance as Ann Lee in this strikingly unusual film, which introduces us to a religious movement known as the Shakers. The group was an offshoot of the Quakers, originating in England in the late 1700s. Led by Ann Lee, known to her followers as Mother, the group headed to the United States, where it founded its first community. The Shakers had many hymns and rhythmic dances that are portrayed repetitively and almost hypnotically throughout the film. Ann's early life with husband Abraham (Christopher Abbott) may explain how she came to espouse celibacy as a requirement for her followers, and the decidely unerotic sexual scenes are a stark contrast to the faith-driven ecstasy of the worshippers. The film looks great, and its many award nominations for music, costumes and editing are testament to the quality of the direction. This is a hard film to relate to if you don't really understand deep faith. Despite finding it all "a bit odd", I was intrigued to gain insight into what makes such communities tick, and impressed to see there was once a cult with a strong woman, who believed in the gender-neutrality of God, at its helm. 
3.5 - well recommended

Floodland
Dir: Jordan Giusti
© Bonsai - moving doco highlighting the personal
cost of climate change, and natural disaster
Winner of the Sustainable Future Award at the Sydney Film Festival, this is an important documentary that is personally heart-rending, and environmentally super-relevant. Eli has lived in Lismore all his life, and is delighted to buy his first home. But Lismore is the most flood-prone town in Australia, and soon Eli's property is ruined by rising water, with each successive flood being higher than the last. After teaming up with Jess and her little son Jensen, Eli undergoes more devastating dramas and must decide whether to leave his town. Meanwhile his pal Harper, sick to death of government procrastination on promised solutions, goes into grass-roots activism. This is powerful film-making on several levels. It gives a deeply personal insight into people's lives, while at the same time highlighting the escalating catastrophes that climate change is causing, along with the initial stupidity of white settlers building a town on a flood plain. Indigenous practitioner Dr Carlie Atkinson creates a centre for trauma healing, and outlines how traditional wisdom can help communities cope with nature's challenges. Bonita Carzino's exquisite cinematography showcases the beauty of the area, along with nature's fierce power.
4 - highly recommended

Solo Mio
Dir: Charles Kinnane & Daniel Kinnane
© Rialto - conventional but sweet rom-com
in a lovely Italian setting
Matt (Kevin James) proposes to Meghan, suggesting they marry in Rome. She accepts but then gets cold feet and ditches him at the altar. The hotel manager suggests that, since he's in the Eternal City, Matt may as well do all the activities he had planned for his honeymoon, but as a single. Two other couples on the same honeymoon tourist package befriend him, and help him get over his grief. But at the same time, Matt meets local cafe owner Gia (Nicole Grimaudo) who decides to show him another side of Italy. And since she is related to Andrea Boccelli, when she takes Matt to the famous singer's estate, things really look up. The film breaks no new ground, tends to stretch credibility, but certainly shows a lovely side of Rome and the gorgeous countryside of Tuscany. The characters are all amiable enough, and the film has some quite sweet and funny moments. And of course having the real Boccelli playing himself is a major drawcard. Could be good for a date night. 
3 - recommended (just!)

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