Acting has long been a dream for Amelia Tate (Italia Ricci). But when her family needed her most, she walked away and returned home to focus on what’s most important. Now, with a bit of prodding from her sister, Amelia impulsively tries out for the leading role in a Roman Holiday re-make. Much to her surprise, she gets the part!
Whisked away to Rome to shoot on location, and be put through a press tour. A press event during which the secrecy surrounding Amelia’s new star will be revealed, for now Amelia enjoys her anonymity she has to explore Rome. What she doesn’t anticipate is that her tour guide will be Philip Hamilton (Peter Porte), an American journalist to whom she’s supposed to share her life’s story…
Rome in Love (2019) Hallmark TV Review
When it comes to the settings of sweet romances, anytime they visit overseas or interesting locales means the film is more interesting. That is certainly what’s going on with Rome in Love. Set in Rome (this is obvious, I know), the story has a colorful vibrancy that the more familiar small town stories just don’t. I love that Hallmark is taking us on so many adventures in the past year and a half (or so) with beach side resorts (set in Fiji or the like) and now to Rome, they’ve certainly upped their location game.
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The story too is charming and old fashioned, which is why we like these romances so very much. Italia Ricci hasn’t been in one of these before, but she plays leading lady very well. I enjoyed her vulnerable, likable Amelia Tate, and her ideals on the character she’s been tasked to play. From Love at the Shore (part of last year’s ‘Summer Nights’) to Rome, Peter Porte returns to the new ‘Summer Nights’ campaign in a role that he, again, plays well. I feel like his character here is quite different than the last time we saw him, which is always fun (to see actors take on new personalities).
The romance between Amelia and Phillip is, as always, simple, sweet and of course, we root for it without question. All of their scenes together lead up to a cute end that gives us a “what-may-come” over a “what-will-be” scenario, but again, this is something I respect since the these scripts don’t usually allow for three little word declarations. Or they don’t usually (with few exceptions) feel authentic (because of a limited timeline) if they do opt for one.
Rome in Love is cuteness personified. If you want something to stay in with, Hallmark has another little piece of summer escapism for you to enjoy.
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Photos: Hallmark Channel / Crown Media Press
I am surprised I hadn’t heard of this one yet because I love Italia Ricci! And this sounds like my cup of tea, for sure. I can already tell I’m going to be charmed by this. Plus, I’m all for new settings and locations and the gorgeous views that come with it. Swoon. I’m in.