La Dolce Villa the new Netflix romantic comedy is here and it stars Scott Foley. Some initial reactions and reviews are out and they are well not exactly glowing. While the movie aims for a lighthearted Italian escape is Scott Foley 's performance enough to make it worth watching or is he just caught in a cinematic misfire?
The movie directed by Mark Waters sets its scene in Italy and follows Eric played by Scott Foley. Eric is a widower with a history he calls "cursed" with Italy. He travels back to find his daughter Liv. Liv plans to use her inheritance to buy a villa for one Euro part of a scheme to revitalize small Italian towns. In Montezara Eric meets Mayor Francesca and together they devise a plan. They want to turn Liv's villa into a cooking school thinking it could boost the local economy.
'La Dolce Villa' A Quick Overview and Mixed Reception
Is This Italian Rom-Com Serving Up Cardboard Characters?
Critics have quickly pointed out similarities to the movie Under The Tuscan Sun a film starring Diane Lane. That movie is often praised for its detail and authentic feel. La Dolce Villa however seems to miss this mark. One review from rogerebert.com calls La Dolce Villa a movie that feels like "vapid background noise". It suggests a lack of depth in characterizations and a sterile production. The review argues that the film fails to capture the essence of Italian village life. It mentions missing flavors for both newcomers and long-time residents.
The characters in La Dolce Villa are described as shallow. They are either clichés or simply tools for moving the plot through exposition. Liv's character journey is particularly criticized. Her motivations and actions like her sudden interest in interior design feel underdeveloped and disconnected from the main narrative. The film seemingly prioritizes the romance between Eric and Francesca but even this relationship is described as lacking genuine spark and feeling "overly orchestrated".
Scott Foley as Eric Playing the Fish Out of Water
Can Foley Bring Charm to a Bland Italian Setting?
Scott Foley takes on the role of Eric the American dad trying to navigate Italian village life and his daughter's impulsive decisions. The premise puts Foley in a classic fish-out-of-water scenario. He is meant to be a somewhat bewildered American encountering the Italian way of life and love. But does Foley's performance elevate the material?
Reviews don't specifically target Foley's acting as the primary issue. The criticism appears to be more focused on the script and direction. The Roger Ebert review suggests that every choice from casting to design feels "designed to be vapid". This might imply that while Foley is part of the cast the problems run deeper than just his performance. He may be doing what he can with the material provided but the overall direction of the movie is lacking.
Reviewers Critique 'La Dolce Villa's' Authenticity and Depth
More Olive Garden Than Authentic Italian Experience?
A major point of criticism is the movie's portrayal of Italy. The rogerebert.com review bluntly states “La Dolce Villa” is about as authentic an Italian experience as a night at the Olive Garden.”. This is a strong statement highlighting a perceived lack of genuine Italian flavor in the film. Despite filming on location in Tuscany and Lazio the reviewer argues that the movie feels sterile and inauthentic.
The direction is described as creating "postcard" scenes perfectly staged but devoid of "messy sensuality of life." Even the cinematography is criticized for using "hard bright sunlight" that flattens the beauty of the Italian countryside. This creates a sense of a "cardboard land" populated by "cardboard characters" suggesting a complete disconnect from a real and engaging Italian setting.
Foley's Performance Guts Out a Clumsy Rom-Com or Part of the Problem?
Is Foley a Victim or Contributor to 'La Dolce Villa's' Shortcomings?
Decider.com's review uses the phrase "Scott Foley Guts Out a Clumsy Italian-vacay Rom-com.". This implies Foley is trying his best in a movie that is inherently flawed. "Guts out" suggests effort and perseverance in a difficult situation. It could be interpreted as Foley delivering a committed performance despite the weaknesses of the script and direction. However it is also worth noting "clumsy Italian-vacay Rom-com" is still the description used.
Mark Waters the director himself joked about being responsible for "killing people’s rom-com career" in an interview with TheWrap . He humorously mentions Mark Ruffalo and Matthew McConaughey as examples. This self-deprecating humor could be a way of acknowledging the potential pitfalls of the genre and perhaps hinting at the movie's possible missteps. Whether Foley's career will suffer a similar fate remains to be seen but Water's comment adds another layer to the film's reception.
'La Dolce Villa' in the Context of Foley's Rom-Com Career
Does This Movie Fit or Detract From Foley's Romantic Roles?
Scott Foley is known for his roles in romantic comedies and dramas. He has a certain charm and screen presence that often suits these genres. La Dolce Villa is another entry in this filmography. But does it enhance or detract from his image as a romantic lead?
It's too early to say definitively how La Dolce Villa will impact Foley's career. If the reviews are any indication it's unlikely to be a career highlight. However actors often navigate projects that are not critically acclaimed. Foley's existing fanbase may still find enjoyment in seeing him in an Italian setting even if the movie itself is not groundbreaking. The movie might simply be a blip in his larger filmography a project that doesn't significantly harm or greatly boost his standing. He will likely move on to other roles and projects.
Italy Was Indeed the Backdrop
Filming Locations Add a Touch of Realism
Interestingly while critics question the authenticity of the Italian experience La Dolce Villa was indeed filmed in Italy. Decider.com confirms filming took place in Rome Eastern Lazio and Tuscany. Scott Foley himself in a Netflix Tudum report stated “I’d go back to Italy this afternoon to shoot another project,”. This suggests that the cast did experience the actual Italian locations even if the movie fails to fully translate that experience to the screen.
Interior scenes were filmed at Cinecittá Studios in Rome a famous studio with a rich history. Outdoor scenes utilized locations like Torrino del Gelsi a farmhouse in the Roman countryside described as idyllic and scenic. So the backdrop is real. The disconnect seems to be in how these locations are presented and integrated into the narrative. A beautiful setting alone does not guarantee a compelling or authentic movie.
In conclusion La Dolce Villa starring Scott Foley is receiving less than favorable reviews. Critics point to issues with script character development and authenticity. While Scott Foley's performance isn't singled out for blame the movie overall seems to be falling short of its romantic comedy aspirations. Whether it's a movie to "skip it" or just "stream it" for a glimpse of Scott Foley in Italy is perhaps a matter of personal viewing preference.