Joe DeIorio

Classic cinema is alive and well. 🎬
Last night I attended a screening of The Kid by Charlie Chaplin at the Chatham Hickory Cinema, hosted by film historian and commentator Harry Marks.

Harry’s introduction added wonderful context to the film and made the evening even richer. After the screening, we had a great conversation about classic film, film history, and the many ways these timeless movies continue to connect audiences today.

We also talked about the possibility of collaborating and welcoming Harry as a guest at a future Marquee Classic Movies screening — something Debbie Storz Higgins and I'd love to make happen.

Always inspiring to meet fellow champions of classic cinema.

🎬 Long live the movies that started it all.

🎬 Solo Mio – A Movie That Lets You Feel

★★★★☆ (4 out of 5 Martinis 🍸🍸🍸🍸)

Solo Mio isn’t trying to be an Oscar winner — and that’s exactly why it works.

This is a tastefully made, classy film that breaks away from the Hollywood cookie-cutter, over-the-top formula we see so often from major studios. It’s the kind of movie you can sit back, enjoy, and simply smile.

At one point, I caught myself grinning ear to ear — not because of a big gag or a forced emotional beat, but because the film made me feel so good about Italy: the culture, the landscapes, the sightseeing, the food, and especially the importance of family.

As someone of Italian descent who has traveled to Italy several times to visit family, that connection felt personal. The movie doesn’t just show Italy — it immerses you in it. Italy isn’t just a backdrop here; it’s part of the soul of the story.

Kevin James is perfectly cast. There’s something incredibly warm and approachable about him in this role — you just want to give the guy a big hug. He brings sincerity without overplaying the emotion, and that warmth makes the character instantly easy to root for.

Gia, played by Nicole Grimaudo, was a standout for me — I’m officially a new fan. Her performance felt genuinely authentic, from the mannerisms to the dialogue to her overall presence on screen. This didn’t feel like a big-name actress trying to play Italian; it felt natural, lived-in, and real.

Together, the two of them are well matched. Their chemistry feels earned rather than manufactured, which makes their relationship emotionally engaging — even when the film allows room for a little skepticism along the way.

The film is well cast overall, with a solid storyline that includes twists and surprises I genuinely didn’t see coming. And if you’re a fan of Italian icons, I won’t spoil it — but there is a moment in the film that completely caught me off guard in the best way.

Not every movie has to be “memorable” to be good — and that’s where I push back on some of the criticism. Movies don’t always need to linger in your head for weeks to have value. Sometimes, they just need to let you feel.

This one made me laugh.
It made me feel sad.
It made me feel happy.
And it transported me somewhere else for a little while.

The comedy is light and enjoyable, and you could feel it in the theater. When the movie ended, the audience applauded — and that tells you everything you need to know about the experience.

I’ve consistently enjoyed films from Angel Studios — from Sound of Freedom to Cabrini — and for me, they’re now three for three.

Solo Mio gave me that same warm, emotional back-and-forth feeling I remember from Under the Tuscan Sun.

🍸 Final Rating: 4 out of 5 Martinis

If a movie can be tastefully done, emotionally engaging, and take you away for a moment in time, that’s a win in my book.

Bravo to Angel Studios — and bravo to Solo Mio. Angel Studios