Experience the romance and breathtaking scenery of Italy in Kevin James’ latest film, Solo Mio, a classic rom-com with a surprising twist.
Solo Mio is a beautifully crafted classic romantic comedy that doubles as a cinematic love letter to Italy. The film follows Matt (Kevin James), a man who finds himself navigating a devastating event alone in Rome, forcing him to take his journey one day at a time. As he explores the stunning backdrops of Tuscany and Rome, the audience is taken on an emotional rollercoaster filled with laughter, tears, and unexpected surprises that subvert typical genre tropes. Ultimately, the film delivers a heartfelt message that it is never too late to find love, success, or adventure, regardless of your age.
Mama’s Geeky sat down with the cast and creatives to discuss the camaraderie on set, the magic of filming on location, and why this is a story that demands to be seen on the big screen. We spoke with star/writer/producer Kevin James, co-stars Kim Coates and Jonathan Roumie, and directors Chuck and Daniel Kinnane to get the behind-the-scenes scoop on this Italian adventure.
“Every Frame Is A Painting”
Tessa Smith: Kevin, congratulations on the film. It really captures the beauty of Italy. What was the inspiration behind setting the story there?
Kevin James: “I went on a vacation there with my family and it is… you can’t even describe it to people. It’s like, you have to go. If you can, it’s an incredible experience. We wanted to create a romantic comedy and a classic one. We thought this was going to be the greatest backdrop. If we can do it there and do it right, make it beautiful, make it a love letter to Italy and every frame a painting.”
Tessa Smith: Chuck, as a director, does filming on location in Italy make the job easier or more difficult?
Chuck Kinnane: “We just we point the camera and every every place is more beautiful than the next. A little bit more than that went into that… but honestly, the freedom. We just set up the cameras and let you guys go. And we would just kind of play every day. It was really like going to play.”
“An Instant Family”
Tessa Smith: Kim, you and Kevin have such a natural rapport. How did that translate to working with Jonathan, who was new to the group?
Kim Coates: “Kevin and I have known each other for probably 30 years now. This is our sixth or seventh project together. So our chemistry has already been built in from a lifelong friendship… Jonathan and I had not known each other… we didn’t meet till we got to Italy. But man, yeah, did we have fun figuring out those scenes.”
Tessa Smith: Jonathan, what was that dynamic like from your perspective, playing off these two?
Jonathan Roumie: “We would have dinners after we wrapped and just spend time with each other whenever we could. And it was sort of an instant family that happened. I mean, it started with eight brothers who make this film and we kind of became an extension of their family. It was a beautiful experience.”
“A Different Experience On The Huge Screen”
Tessa Smith: Daniel, you’ve mentioned that this movie is a “must-see” in theaters. Why is that theatrical experience so important for this specific story?
Daniel Kinnane: “It’s a different experience seeing it on this huge screen with the music and the sound… you’re hearing gasps and people crying and laughing and you’re just never going to get that looking at your phone. You’re never going to get that. And that’s, that is why movies are meant to be seen in the theater. People are meant to be together and they do that together in this theater.”
Tessa Smith: Kevin, the character Matt has to find himself while vacationing alone. Could you ever see yourself doing that in real life?
Kevin James: “I literally couldn’t do it. This is why I love this character because, I mean, to be in Rome and to have this happen… this devastating event and to not have your friends and everybody or your family with you… he’s got to carry on each step. This guy’s just taking it one day at a time and he’s just kind of like, I’ve lost everything.”
Be sure to watch our full interviews to learn more about the making of this beautiful film.
About Solo Mio
A wedding disaster leaves the groom stranded in Rome, heartbroken in the world’s happiest city. But with one determined local – and a few meddling vacation couples – in his corner, his ruined honeymoon becomes an adventure he never expected. Because sometimes heartbreak is just the first chapter of a better story.
Solo Mio comes to theaters on February 6.