Director: Mark Waters
Starring: Scott Foley, Violante Placido, Maia Reficco
Running Time: 99 minutes
Synopsis: Widowed American restaurant consultant and ex-chef Eric (Scott Foley) rushes to the Italian village of Montezara, where his 24 year-old daughter Olivia (Maia Reficco) has to decided to buy a villa for €1. Eric wants to talk Olivia out of the project, but then meets the town's Mayor Francesca (Violante Placido), who is keen to boost investment and attract newcomers. Olivia selects a villa and Eric hangs around to help in the renovations, allowing time to bond with his daughter and for romance to flourish with Francesca.
What Works Well: This laid back romance is unfailingly pleasant, good natured, and wholesome. The Italian countryside scenery is of course picturesque and populated by quirky locals.
What Does Not Work As Well: Not far removed from a Hallmark movie written by AI, the mind-numbing predictability is beset by cultural stereotypes, plastic dialogue (including remarkably unconvincing father-daughter dynamics), a surrender to coincidences, and cringey moments of contrived cuteness. A television-level cast does not help.
Key Quote:
Eric (surveying a derelict villa): The €1 price tag makes sense now.
Francesca: For €1 you expect the Sistine Chapel?
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