Written by: Jay Heilman (2/5/2026)

Movie Review: Solo Mio is a Heartfelt, Hilarious Win for Kevin James

If you are looking for a reason to head to the cinema this weekend, look no further than Kevin James’ latest outing, Solo Mio. For those of us who have followed James since his days on The King of Queens or laughed through the antics of Paul Blart: Mall Cop and Grown Ups, this film feels like a warm, hilarious homecoming. It’s a romantic comedy that manages to find that rare sweet spot: it is genuinely funny while remaining anchored in a deeply heartfelt story.

Heartbreak and Hilarity

Whether intentional or not, Kevin James manages to play a believable character who endures heartbreak, and while you don’t want to laugh at his misfortune, his familiar antics you have seen him perform in most of his roles will have you both laughing and shedding a tear while at the same time rooting for him. There is a resilience in Matt Taylor that makes you connect with him from the very first frame. He balances the emotional weight of his past with his signature comedic timing, ensuring the story never feels heavy—just honest.

The Chemistry and the Setting

The soul of the movie lies in the chemistry between Matt and Gia, played by the talented Italian actress Nicole Grimaudo. Their connection feels authentic and earned, providing a romantic spark that carries the film from start to finish.

A delightful and unexpected side effect of the film? I felt like I was learning Italian by accident! As certain phrases and words are repeated throughout the story, I found myself looking them up and following along, which added a fun, immersive layer to the viewing experience.

A Powerhouse Supporting Cast

James is backed by a supporting cast that brings a chaotic, “uninvited” camaraderie to the screen. The comedic timing is top-notch, featuring:

  • Jonathan Roumie (The Chosen) and Kim Coates (Sons of Anarchy) provide a hilarious dynamic as the friends who crash the party.

  • Alyson Hannigan (Buffy the Vampire Slayer) and Julee Cerda (Blindspot) play their wives and round out the group with sharp wit and great energy.

Seeing Jonathan Roumie was a particular highlight for me. When an actor plays a role as iconic as Jesus in The Chosen, it’s easy for them to be typecast, but Roumie proves here that he is incredibly funny in his own right. Seeing him lean into a contemporary comedic role alongside veterans like Coates and James is a treat that fans of all three actors will truly appreciate.

The Verdict

While Solo Mio isn’t overtly “Christian” in its messaging, it is somewhat family friendly and serves as a refreshing option for moviegoers tired of the more cynical fare often found in theaters today. It is important to note that while the film is PG, it does contain thematic elements, brief language (such as “kiss my ass” and “what the hell”), and some scenes featuring heavy drinking and its drunken effects. Because of this, it might be better suited for tweens and teenagers rather than children aged 10 and under.

If you’re looking for a great night out at the movies that will leave you smiling and perhaps even knowing a few new words in Italian, make sure to catch Solo Mio during its opening weekend. It’s a heartfelt, funny, and beautifully shot reminder of why we go to the movies in the first place.

4.5/5

Released: 2/6/2026 (Theatrically)

Running Time: 96 Minutes (Angel)

Rated PG for some suggestive material, brief language, violence and smoking

Links for Solo Mio:

Official Site