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Nobody Wanted This: Samsung Fridges Are Getting Ads

Nobody Wanted This: Samsung Fridges Are Getting Ads

If your home is your temple—the last place where you can escape the blasted outside landscape of billboards, screen ads, bus ads, train ads, and TV ads—know that the Mongol horde of advertising is looking to break down your fortress walls. Samsung’s new agenda for its smart home includes sticking ads into its ultra-expensive refrigerators with screens. Don’t worry, you can dismiss some of those ads, but the only way to get rid of them completely is to disconnect your fridge from the internet.

Android Authority first spotted changes in the latest firmware update that is pushing ads to some users as part of a “pilot program.” Samsung told the site that ads would appear on “certain Family Hub refrigerator cover screens” when the fridge is idle. Users will be able to dismiss the ads, and they won’t appear again while the ad campaign is ongoing.

Ads won’t appear when users have the screens set to show the weather or photo albums. These Family Hub refrigerators with screens start at $1,800 (on sale versus $2,332 MSRP) and only get more expensive from there. Earlier this year, Samsung showed me several of its major appliances it was pushing for 2025, including a four-door model with a much smaller 9-inch screen that sports “AI Home” rather than the full Family Hub suite. There’s no reason why Samsung couldn’t update its appliances with screens to display ads, from its latest $1,100 Bespoke AI Jet Ultra vacuum to its $2,300 Bespoke AI Oven.

I reached out to Samsung to learn if the company had any plans for ads on more appliances, and we will update this story if we hear more. The possibility of OTA updates showing ads has kept me from embracing any kind of screen-based smart home technology. If I can’t stand the endless parade of low-quality ads on YouTube, how could I stand to be at home if my oven shows me commercials for hair loss supplements? I enjoy cooking whenever I have a spare moment, and I use that time to break away from the ever-present glow of screens.

The future of smart home is all about ads

As smart home appliances grow more sophisticated, they will inevitably start to push you into buying things. Initial demos of Amazon’s updated Alexa+—a beefed-up smart home AI—showed how the more intelligent assistant could fill a shopping cart for you just by describing what you wanted to cook. Which ingredients get top billing? While Amazon has not revealed its formula for which groceries go in your cart, you only have to look at the current state of Amazon.com to know it will likely be whichever company is willing to pay for a “sponsored” position.

I can’t help but imagine how ads will be inextricably linked to the future of smart homes. Google is currently working with TCL to stick its Gemini AI directly inside TVs, letting users ask questions of their screen beyond what to watch next. Samsung is working on similar home-based AI that it showed off at IFA 2025. The Korean tech giant’s Vision AI Companion provides “personalized recommendations” for TVs, but the end goal is to stick AI-enabled smart home speakers everywhere in the home. The AI will talk to you and set up calendar events on your behalf. It doesn’t seem too far a stretch to see how it might try to advertise to you as well.

 

You can witness this best with fellow appliance maker LG. At IFA, I stuck around for an extremely long demo that could only be described as a demented Leave It to Beaver fever dream about the benefits of living in a fully interconnected home. Before you ask, yes, LG had an actor stick several plastic vegetables into a fake fridge. The number of screens LG would stick in your kitchen is already gauche, but add in AI, which will decide what meals you should cook and what ingredients you need to buy. With new smart home tech, there are even more opportunities for companies to stick ads in your face, even if we don’t know they are ads.

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#Wanted #Samsung #Fridges #Ads

This winter, Heated Rivalry helped audiences get hot and bothered at home. But with cherry blossom season upon us, dare to embrace a romance set under the Tuscan sun. If you need some sunshine, yearning, and romance, go see You, Me & Tuscany, the latest gem from director Kat Coiro.

In 2022, Coiro showed her sincere appreciation for classic romantic comedy with the sublimely satisfying Marry Me, which starred Jennifer Lopez and Owen Wilson in a Notting Hill-like narrative about an average bookish man who woos an international famous woman. Now, Coiro’s back to help us fall in love again with another story that pulls heavily from ’90s rom-com inspiration. This time, her leading lovers are The Little Mermaid‘s Halle Bailey and Bridgerton‘s Regé-Jean Page, who are surrounded by a gaggle of charming, colorful characters.

What’s not to love?

You, Me & Tuscany is basically While You Were Sleeping in Italy.

‘You, Me and Tuscany’ review: Halle Bailey and Regé-Jean Page deliver a radiant, feel-good rom-com
                                                            This winter, Heated Rivalry helped audiences get hot and bothered at home. But with cherry blossom season upon us, dare to embrace a romance set under the Tuscan sun. If you need some sunshine, yearning, and romance, go see You, Me & Tuscany, the latest gem from director Kat Coiro.In 2022, Coiro showed her sincere appreciation for classic romantic comedy with the sublimely satisfying Marry Me, which starred Jennifer Lopez and Owen Wilson in a Notting Hill-like narrative about an average bookish man who woos an international famous woman. Now, Coiro’s back to help us fall in love again with another story that pulls heavily from ’90s rom-com inspiration. This time, her leading lovers are The Little Mermaid‘s Halle Bailey and Bridgerton‘s Regé-Jean Page, who are surrounded by a gaggle of charming, colorful characters. What’s not to love?
You, Me & Tuscany is basically While You Were Sleeping in Italy. 
    
                    


            
            
            Regé-Jean Page, Halle Bailey, and Lorenzo de Moor in “You, Me & Tuscany.”
            Credit: Universal Pictures
        
    
Bear with me. Screenwriter Ryan Engle (Rampage, Beast) and his wife, Kristin Engle, are credited with the story for You, Me & Tuscany, with the former credited as its sole screenwriter. You, Me & Tuscany‘s credits do not cite the 1995 Sandra Bullock rom-com written by Daniel G. Sullivan and Fredric Lebow as an inspiration. But if you look past the superficial, the comparison between While You Were Sleeping and You, Me & Tuscany is undeniable. Each film begins with a lonely young woman who dreams of a bigger life. Chicago transit worker Lucy (Bullock), who has no family, dreams of the dashing stranger in the tailored suit who comes to her station every morning and brightens her day by just existing. Aspiring chef Anna (Bailey) once dreamed of traveling to Italy and starting a restaurant with her mom. But the unexpected death of her mother derailed her culinary school education, leaving her scraping by on housesitting gigs in Manhattan. That is, until she meets a “spicy white boy” (as her bestie Claire calls him) named Matteo (Lorenzo de Moor). Over a sexy night together, Anna learns that Lorenzo owns a Tuscan villa that is “just sitting there.” And look, when she decides to use the last of her savings to finally see Tuscany, it’s not with the plan of squatting in his abandoned villa. But much like Lucy never imagined her meet-cute with her crush would be on the tracks of a subway as the train came barreling in, life (in rom-coms) comes at you fast. Just go with it. 
    
                    


            
            
            Luca Setaccioli, Stella Pecollo, Agazio Olanda, Tommaso Cassissa, Beatrice Skyler Rigel, Giacomo Giacopini, and Halle Bailey in “You, Me & Tuscany.”
            Credit: Giulia Parmigiani / Universal Pictures
        
    
Naturally, Anna finds a diamond ring in the house, tries it on, and as fate would have, she can’t get it off before Matteo’s family finds her in his house. So, much like Lucy, she is at the center of a marital misunderstanding: the family of the absent (or comatose) man believes this charming, lonely girl is his fiancée. But the similarities don’t stop there! I could run you through the whole plot of both films, to point to how clearly the Engles pulled from Sullivan and Lebow’s framework. But crucial to the plot is the brother complication. 
        
            Mashable Top Stories
        
        
    
In While You Were Sleeping, the comatose crush played by Peter Gallagher begins as the dream, but Lucy soon falls for his slightly cranky, blue-collar brother (Bill Pullman), creating an unusual love triangle. Because how can she be with the man she’s actually falling for when he and all his family believes she’s engaged to his brother?! Anna ends up in this same tricky predicament, falling for Matteo’s “brother/cousin” Michael (Page). The specifics of that relationship will be explained by the pair’s TMI-obsessed sister Francesca (a splendidly funny Stella Pecollo). But the key problem is the same: The rom-com heroine’s interest shifts from the white-collar, vaguely fuckboy-esque brother to the more gruff and rugged brother with a heart of gold. Mashable 101 Fan Fave: Nominate your favorite creators todayIt’s a terrific plot that, while seemingly stolen, is gussied up with gorgeous Italian settings of rolling vineyards, rapturous close-ups of delicious local food, and elements of Black culture shared between the leading onscreen lovers. Awe-striking establishing shots of Tuscany prove a perfect backdrop for these beguiling performers to paint their romance, scored by swoony R&B tracks like Mario’s “Let Me Love You” and Ari Lennox’s “Soft Girl Era.” Halle Bailey and Regé-Jean Page lead a divine ensemble. 
    
                    


            
            
            Regé-Jean Page and Halle Bailey in “You, Me & Tuscany.”
            Credit: Giulia Parmigiani / Universal Pictures
        
    
Bailey is bubbly and pitch-perfect as a rom-com heroine, exuding the kind of chaotic gumption that could be disastrous in the real world, but is an unlikely path to adventure in this tender genre. In the opening sequence, she’s able to strut like a confident fashion icon, only to stumble into physical comedy when the rug of a seemingly perfect life is pulled out from under her by another rom-com diva, My Big Fat Greek Wedding‘s Nia Vardalos. For his part, Page cozies back into the enemies-to-lovers dynamic that had Bridgerton fans going mad. As “handsome winemaker” Michael, he is initially brusque and distrustful of the outspoken American, who assumes they have commonality because of their skin color. After a bumpy beginning though, Michael learns they do have a lot in common, like heartache, ambition, and a love of good wine and yearning R&B. Naturally, Anna gushes to her bestie (Aziza Scott) back in New York about this, texting, “Spicy White has a brother that’s a BROTHA with a six-pack!” 
From a distance, Claire tries to be the real-talking voice of reason, and Scott is lively fun in this small part. In Italy, Anna first befriends a garrulous taxi driver named Lorenzo (Marco Calvani), who, beyond offering good advice, is also always ready with a gourmet Italian sandwich. (Squad goals.) De Moor smoothly shoulders the role of the sexy Italian who could be only a plot device by bringing a spicy mischievousness to Matteo. And the rest of the family are a joy, much like in While You Were Sleeping and My Big Fat Greek Wedding. Matteo and Michael not only have their bawdy, chatty sister, but a chipper cousin (Emanuele Pacca) who loves opera, a hovering mother (Isabella Ferrari), a stern father (Paolo Sassanelli), a pair of serenading uncles, a duo of excitable nieces, and a glaring nonna (Stefania Casini). While each is a sketch of a character, they all bring verve and joy to this mirthful medley. 
    
                    


            
            
            Marco Calvani and Halle Bailey in “You, Me & Tuscany.”
            Credit: Universal Pictures
        
    
Coiro’s rom-com doesn’t just satisfy on the swoon. Sure, she knows how to dress the heroine in chic, fantasy fashion fits, and how to shoot Page for maximum sexual appeal (slo-mo, wet, and shirtless). But beyond that, she fills every role with a dynamic performer who adds flavor to her Italian feast of yearning and love. For instance, Cora (Cocoa Brown) and Prisilla (Vanessa Fraction), a pair of Black friends on a vineyard tour, prove spectacular comic relief in an emotional moment as they riff about edge maintenance and Michael’s level of sexiness. Coiro herself gets in on this fun too, offering a cameo where she’s a silly tourist absolutely flushed by the undeniable sexual chemistry between Anna and Michael. And, fair. Which is all to say, You, Me & Tuscany will be loved by rom-com fans for its sincere appreciation of the subgenre. From a familiar framework and a traditionally romantic Tuscan setting, Engle creates a vivid world of love and family that is absolutely enchanting. Coiro brings this fantasy romance to life with a crackling cast and a keen eye for both whimsy and comedy. And Bailey and Page are a sensational match, spinning an enemies-to-lovers tale with passion and panache. All this makes You, Me & Tuscany a marvelous movie, so beautiful and fun that it demands to be seen in theaters. But hey, sneak in a sandwich, a fancy Italian one if you can. It’ll make a perfect pairing. You, Me & Tuscany opens in theaters April 10. 

                    
                                            
                            
                        
                                    #Tuscany #review #Halle #Bailey #RegéJean #Page #deliver #radiant #feelgood #romcom

Regé-Jean Page, Halle Bailey, and Lorenzo de Moor in “You, Me & Tuscany.” Credit: Universal Pictures

Bear with me. Screenwriter Ryan Engle (Rampage, Beast) and his wife, Kristin Engle, are credited with the story for You, Me & Tuscany, with the former credited as its sole screenwriter. You, Me & Tuscany‘s credits do not cite the 1995 Sandra Bullock rom-com written by Daniel G. Sullivan and Fredric Lebow as an inspiration. But if you look past the superficial, the comparison between While You Were Sleeping and You, Me & Tuscany is undeniable.

Each film begins with a lonely young woman who dreams of a bigger life. Chicago transit worker Lucy (Bullock), who has no family, dreams of the dashing stranger in the tailored suit who comes to her station every morning and brightens her day by just existing. Aspiring chef Anna (Bailey) once dreamed of traveling to Italy and starting a restaurant with her mom. But the unexpected death of her mother derailed her culinary school education, leaving her scraping by on housesitting gigs in Manhattan. That is, until she meets a “spicy white boy” (as her bestie Claire calls him) named Matteo (Lorenzo de Moor).

Over a sexy night together, Anna learns that Lorenzo owns a Tuscan villa that is “just sitting there.” And look, when she decides to use the last of her savings to finally see Tuscany, it’s not with the plan of squatting in his abandoned villa. But much like Lucy never imagined her meet-cute with her crush would be on the tracks of a subway as the train came barreling in, life (in rom-coms) comes at you fast. Just go with it.

Luca Setaccioli, Stella Pecollo, Agazio Olanda, Tommaso Cassissa, Beatrice Skyler Rigel, Giacomo Giacopini, and Halle Bailey in

Luca Setaccioli, Stella Pecollo, Agazio Olanda, Tommaso Cassissa, Beatrice Skyler Rigel, Giacomo Giacopini, and Halle Bailey in “You, Me & Tuscany.” Credit: Giulia Parmigiani / Universal Pictures

Naturally, Anna finds a diamond ring in the house, tries it on, and as fate would have, she can’t get it off before Matteo’s family finds her in his house. So, much like Lucy, she is at the center of a marital misunderstanding: the family of the absent (or comatose) man believes this charming, lonely girl is his fiancée. But the similarities don’t stop there! I could run you through the whole plot of both films, to point to how clearly the Engles pulled from Sullivan and Lebow’s framework. But crucial to the plot is the brother complication.

In While You Were Sleeping, the comatose crush played by Peter Gallagher begins as the dream, but Lucy soon falls for his slightly cranky, blue-collar brother (Bill Pullman), creating an unusual love triangle. Because how can she be with the man she’s actually falling for when he and all his family believes she’s engaged to his brother?! Anna ends up in this same tricky predicament, falling for Matteo’s “brother/cousin” Michael (Page). The specifics of that relationship will be explained by the pair’s TMI-obsessed sister Francesca (a splendidly funny Stella Pecollo). But the key problem is the same: The rom-com heroine’s interest shifts from the white-collar, vaguely fuckboy-esque brother to the more gruff and rugged brother with a heart of gold.

Mashable 101 Fan Fave: Nominate your favorite creators today

It’s a terrific plot that, while seemingly stolen, is gussied up with gorgeous Italian settings of rolling vineyards, rapturous close-ups of delicious local food, and elements of Black culture shared between the leading onscreen lovers. Awe-striking establishing shots of Tuscany prove a perfect backdrop for these beguiling performers to paint their romance, scored by swoony R&B tracks like Mario’s Let Me Love You” and Ari Lennox’s “Soft Girl Era.”

Halle Bailey and Regé-Jean Page lead a divine ensemble.

Regé-Jean Page and Halle Bailey in

Regé-Jean Page and Halle Bailey in “You, Me & Tuscany.” Credit: Giulia Parmigiani / Universal Pictures

Bailey is bubbly and pitch-perfect as a rom-com heroine, exuding the kind of chaotic gumption that could be disastrous in the real world, but is an unlikely path to adventure in this tender genre. In the opening sequence, she’s able to strut like a confident fashion icon, only to stumble into physical comedy when the rug of a seemingly perfect life is pulled out from under her by another rom-com diva, My Big Fat Greek Wedding‘s Nia Vardalos.

For his part, Page cozies back into the enemies-to-lovers dynamic that had Bridgerton fans going mad. As “handsome winemaker” Michael, he is initially brusque and distrustful of the outspoken American, who assumes they have commonality because of their skin color. After a bumpy beginning though, Michael learns they do have a lot in common, like heartache, ambition, and a love of good wine and yearning R&B. Naturally, Anna gushes to her bestie (Aziza Scott) back in New York about this, texting, “Spicy White has a brother that’s a BROTHA with a six-pack!”

From a distance, Claire tries to be the real-talking voice of reason, and Scott is lively fun in this small part. In Italy, Anna first befriends a garrulous taxi driver named Lorenzo (Marco Calvani), who, beyond offering good advice, is also always ready with a gourmet Italian sandwich. (Squad goals.) De Moor smoothly shoulders the role of the sexy Italian who could be only a plot device by bringing a spicy mischievousness to Matteo. And the rest of the family are a joy, much like in While You Were Sleeping and My Big Fat Greek Wedding. Matteo and Michael not only have their bawdy, chatty sister, but a chipper cousin (Emanuele Pacca) who loves opera, a hovering mother (Isabella Ferrari), a stern father (Paolo Sassanelli), a pair of serenading uncles, a duo of excitable nieces, and a glaring nonna (Stefania Casini). While each is a sketch of a character, they all bring verve and joy to this mirthful medley.

Marco Calvani and Halle Bailey in

Marco Calvani and Halle Bailey in “You, Me & Tuscany.” Credit: Universal Pictures

Coiro’s rom-com doesn’t just satisfy on the swoon. Sure, she knows how to dress the heroine in chic, fantasy fashion fits, and how to shoot Page for maximum sexual appeal (slo-mo, wet, and shirtless). But beyond that, she fills every role with a dynamic performer who adds flavor to her Italian feast of yearning and love. For instance, Cora (Cocoa Brown) and Prisilla (Vanessa Fraction), a pair of Black friends on a vineyard tour, prove spectacular comic relief in an emotional moment as they riff about edge maintenance and Michael’s level of sexiness. Coiro herself gets in on this fun too, offering a cameo where she’s a silly tourist absolutely flushed by the undeniable sexual chemistry between Anna and Michael. And, fair.

Which is all to say, You, Me & Tuscany will be loved by rom-com fans for its sincere appreciation of the subgenre. From a familiar framework and a traditionally romantic Tuscan setting, Engle creates a vivid world of love and family that is absolutely enchanting. Coiro brings this fantasy romance to life with a crackling cast and a keen eye for both whimsy and comedy. And Bailey and Page are a sensational match, spinning an enemies-to-lovers tale with passion and panache.

All this makes You, Me & Tuscany a marvelous movie, so beautiful and fun that it demands to be seen in theaters. But hey, sneak in a sandwich, a fancy Italian one if you can. It’ll make a perfect pairing.

You, Me & Tuscany opens in theaters April 10.

#Tuscany #review #Halle #Bailey #RegéJean #Page #deliver #radiant #feelgood #romcom">‘You, Me and Tuscany’ review: Halle Bailey and Regé-Jean Page deliver a radiant, feel-good rom-com
                                                            This winter, Heated Rivalry helped audiences get hot and bothered at home. But with cherry blossom season upon us, dare to embrace a romance set under the Tuscan sun. If you need some sunshine, yearning, and romance, go see You, Me & Tuscany, the latest gem from director Kat Coiro.In 2022, Coiro showed her sincere appreciation for classic romantic comedy with the sublimely satisfying Marry Me, which starred Jennifer Lopez and Owen Wilson in a Notting Hill-like narrative about an average bookish man who woos an international famous woman. Now, Coiro’s back to help us fall in love again with another story that pulls heavily from ’90s rom-com inspiration. This time, her leading lovers are The Little Mermaid‘s Halle Bailey and Bridgerton‘s Regé-Jean Page, who are surrounded by a gaggle of charming, colorful characters. What’s not to love?
You, Me & Tuscany is basically While You Were Sleeping in Italy. 
    
                    


            
            
            Regé-Jean Page, Halle Bailey, and Lorenzo de Moor in “You, Me & Tuscany.”
            Credit: Universal Pictures
        
    
Bear with me. Screenwriter Ryan Engle (Rampage, Beast) and his wife, Kristin Engle, are credited with the story for You, Me & Tuscany, with the former credited as its sole screenwriter. You, Me & Tuscany‘s credits do not cite the 1995 Sandra Bullock rom-com written by Daniel G. Sullivan and Fredric Lebow as an inspiration. But if you look past the superficial, the comparison between While You Were Sleeping and You, Me & Tuscany is undeniable. Each film begins with a lonely young woman who dreams of a bigger life. Chicago transit worker Lucy (Bullock), who has no family, dreams of the dashing stranger in the tailored suit who comes to her station every morning and brightens her day by just existing. Aspiring chef Anna (Bailey) once dreamed of traveling to Italy and starting a restaurant with her mom. But the unexpected death of her mother derailed her culinary school education, leaving her scraping by on housesitting gigs in Manhattan. That is, until she meets a “spicy white boy” (as her bestie Claire calls him) named Matteo (Lorenzo de Moor). Over a sexy night together, Anna learns that Lorenzo owns a Tuscan villa that is “just sitting there.” And look, when she decides to use the last of her savings to finally see Tuscany, it’s not with the plan of squatting in his abandoned villa. But much like Lucy never imagined her meet-cute with her crush would be on the tracks of a subway as the train came barreling in, life (in rom-coms) comes at you fast. Just go with it. 
    
                    


            
            
            Luca Setaccioli, Stella Pecollo, Agazio Olanda, Tommaso Cassissa, Beatrice Skyler Rigel, Giacomo Giacopini, and Halle Bailey in “You, Me & Tuscany.”
            Credit: Giulia Parmigiani / Universal Pictures
        
    
Naturally, Anna finds a diamond ring in the house, tries it on, and as fate would have, she can’t get it off before Matteo’s family finds her in his house. So, much like Lucy, she is at the center of a marital misunderstanding: the family of the absent (or comatose) man believes this charming, lonely girl is his fiancée. But the similarities don’t stop there! I could run you through the whole plot of both films, to point to how clearly the Engles pulled from Sullivan and Lebow’s framework. But crucial to the plot is the brother complication. 
        
            Mashable Top Stories
        
        
    
In While You Were Sleeping, the comatose crush played by Peter Gallagher begins as the dream, but Lucy soon falls for his slightly cranky, blue-collar brother (Bill Pullman), creating an unusual love triangle. Because how can she be with the man she’s actually falling for when he and all his family believes she’s engaged to his brother?! Anna ends up in this same tricky predicament, falling for Matteo’s “brother/cousin” Michael (Page). The specifics of that relationship will be explained by the pair’s TMI-obsessed sister Francesca (a splendidly funny Stella Pecollo). But the key problem is the same: The rom-com heroine’s interest shifts from the white-collar, vaguely fuckboy-esque brother to the more gruff and rugged brother with a heart of gold. Mashable 101 Fan Fave: Nominate your favorite creators todayIt’s a terrific plot that, while seemingly stolen, is gussied up with gorgeous Italian settings of rolling vineyards, rapturous close-ups of delicious local food, and elements of Black culture shared between the leading onscreen lovers. Awe-striking establishing shots of Tuscany prove a perfect backdrop for these beguiling performers to paint their romance, scored by swoony R&B tracks like Mario’s “Let Me Love You” and Ari Lennox’s “Soft Girl Era.” Halle Bailey and Regé-Jean Page lead a divine ensemble. 
    
                    


            
            
            Regé-Jean Page and Halle Bailey in “You, Me & Tuscany.”
            Credit: Giulia Parmigiani / Universal Pictures
        
    
Bailey is bubbly and pitch-perfect as a rom-com heroine, exuding the kind of chaotic gumption that could be disastrous in the real world, but is an unlikely path to adventure in this tender genre. In the opening sequence, she’s able to strut like a confident fashion icon, only to stumble into physical comedy when the rug of a seemingly perfect life is pulled out from under her by another rom-com diva, My Big Fat Greek Wedding‘s Nia Vardalos. For his part, Page cozies back into the enemies-to-lovers dynamic that had Bridgerton fans going mad. As “handsome winemaker” Michael, he is initially brusque and distrustful of the outspoken American, who assumes they have commonality because of their skin color. After a bumpy beginning though, Michael learns they do have a lot in common, like heartache, ambition, and a love of good wine and yearning R&B. Naturally, Anna gushes to her bestie (Aziza Scott) back in New York about this, texting, “Spicy White has a brother that’s a BROTHA with a six-pack!” 
From a distance, Claire tries to be the real-talking voice of reason, and Scott is lively fun in this small part. In Italy, Anna first befriends a garrulous taxi driver named Lorenzo (Marco Calvani), who, beyond offering good advice, is also always ready with a gourmet Italian sandwich. (Squad goals.) De Moor smoothly shoulders the role of the sexy Italian who could be only a plot device by bringing a spicy mischievousness to Matteo. And the rest of the family are a joy, much like in While You Were Sleeping and My Big Fat Greek Wedding. Matteo and Michael not only have their bawdy, chatty sister, but a chipper cousin (Emanuele Pacca) who loves opera, a hovering mother (Isabella Ferrari), a stern father (Paolo Sassanelli), a pair of serenading uncles, a duo of excitable nieces, and a glaring nonna (Stefania Casini). While each is a sketch of a character, they all bring verve and joy to this mirthful medley. 
    
                    


            
            
            Marco Calvani and Halle Bailey in “You, Me & Tuscany.”
            Credit: Universal Pictures
        
    
Coiro’s rom-com doesn’t just satisfy on the swoon. Sure, she knows how to dress the heroine in chic, fantasy fashion fits, and how to shoot Page for maximum sexual appeal (slo-mo, wet, and shirtless). But beyond that, she fills every role with a dynamic performer who adds flavor to her Italian feast of yearning and love. For instance, Cora (Cocoa Brown) and Prisilla (Vanessa Fraction), a pair of Black friends on a vineyard tour, prove spectacular comic relief in an emotional moment as they riff about edge maintenance and Michael’s level of sexiness. Coiro herself gets in on this fun too, offering a cameo where she’s a silly tourist absolutely flushed by the undeniable sexual chemistry between Anna and Michael. And, fair. Which is all to say, You, Me & Tuscany will be loved by rom-com fans for its sincere appreciation of the subgenre. From a familiar framework and a traditionally romantic Tuscan setting, Engle creates a vivid world of love and family that is absolutely enchanting. Coiro brings this fantasy romance to life with a crackling cast and a keen eye for both whimsy and comedy. And Bailey and Page are a sensational match, spinning an enemies-to-lovers tale with passion and panache. All this makes You, Me & Tuscany a marvelous movie, so beautiful and fun that it demands to be seen in theaters. But hey, sneak in a sandwich, a fancy Italian one if you can. It’ll make a perfect pairing. You, Me & Tuscany opens in theaters April 10. 

                    
                                            
                            
                        
                                    #Tuscany #review #Halle #Bailey #RegéJean #Page #deliver #radiant #feelgood #romcom

Heated Rivalry helped audiences get hot and bothered at home. But with cherry blossom season upon us, dare to embrace a romance set under the Tuscan sun. If you need some sunshine, yearning, and romance, go see You, Me & Tuscany, the latest gem from director Kat Coiro.

In 2022, Coiro showed her sincere appreciation for classic romantic comedy with the sublimely satisfying Marry Me, which starred Jennifer Lopez and Owen Wilson in a Notting Hill-like narrative about an average bookish man who woos an international famous woman. Now, Coiro’s back to help us fall in love again with another story that pulls heavily from ’90s rom-com inspiration. This time, her leading lovers are The Little Mermaid‘s Halle Bailey and Bridgerton‘s Regé-Jean Page, who are surrounded by a gaggle of charming, colorful characters.

What’s not to love?

You, Me & Tuscany is basically While You Were Sleeping in Italy.

‘You, Me and Tuscany’ review: Halle Bailey and Regé-Jean Page deliver a radiant, feel-good rom-com
                                                            This winter, Heated Rivalry helped audiences get hot and bothered at home. But with cherry blossom season upon us, dare to embrace a romance set under the Tuscan sun. If you need some sunshine, yearning, and romance, go see You, Me & Tuscany, the latest gem from director Kat Coiro.In 2022, Coiro showed her sincere appreciation for classic romantic comedy with the sublimely satisfying Marry Me, which starred Jennifer Lopez and Owen Wilson in a Notting Hill-like narrative about an average bookish man who woos an international famous woman. Now, Coiro’s back to help us fall in love again with another story that pulls heavily from ’90s rom-com inspiration. This time, her leading lovers are The Little Mermaid‘s Halle Bailey and Bridgerton‘s Regé-Jean Page, who are surrounded by a gaggle of charming, colorful characters. What’s not to love?
You, Me & Tuscany is basically While You Were Sleeping in Italy. 
    
                    


            
            
            Regé-Jean Page, Halle Bailey, and Lorenzo de Moor in “You, Me & Tuscany.”
            Credit: Universal Pictures
        
    
Bear with me. Screenwriter Ryan Engle (Rampage, Beast) and his wife, Kristin Engle, are credited with the story for You, Me & Tuscany, with the former credited as its sole screenwriter. You, Me & Tuscany‘s credits do not cite the 1995 Sandra Bullock rom-com written by Daniel G. Sullivan and Fredric Lebow as an inspiration. But if you look past the superficial, the comparison between While You Were Sleeping and You, Me & Tuscany is undeniable. Each film begins with a lonely young woman who dreams of a bigger life. Chicago transit worker Lucy (Bullock), who has no family, dreams of the dashing stranger in the tailored suit who comes to her station every morning and brightens her day by just existing. Aspiring chef Anna (Bailey) once dreamed of traveling to Italy and starting a restaurant with her mom. But the unexpected death of her mother derailed her culinary school education, leaving her scraping by on housesitting gigs in Manhattan. That is, until she meets a “spicy white boy” (as her bestie Claire calls him) named Matteo (Lorenzo de Moor). Over a sexy night together, Anna learns that Lorenzo owns a Tuscan villa that is “just sitting there.” And look, when she decides to use the last of her savings to finally see Tuscany, it’s not with the plan of squatting in his abandoned villa. But much like Lucy never imagined her meet-cute with her crush would be on the tracks of a subway as the train came barreling in, life (in rom-coms) comes at you fast. Just go with it. 
    
                    


            
            
            Luca Setaccioli, Stella Pecollo, Agazio Olanda, Tommaso Cassissa, Beatrice Skyler Rigel, Giacomo Giacopini, and Halle Bailey in “You, Me & Tuscany.”
            Credit: Giulia Parmigiani / Universal Pictures
        
    
Naturally, Anna finds a diamond ring in the house, tries it on, and as fate would have, she can’t get it off before Matteo’s family finds her in his house. So, much like Lucy, she is at the center of a marital misunderstanding: the family of the absent (or comatose) man believes this charming, lonely girl is his fiancée. But the similarities don’t stop there! I could run you through the whole plot of both films, to point to how clearly the Engles pulled from Sullivan and Lebow’s framework. But crucial to the plot is the brother complication. 
        
            Mashable Top Stories
        
        
    
In While You Were Sleeping, the comatose crush played by Peter Gallagher begins as the dream, but Lucy soon falls for his slightly cranky, blue-collar brother (Bill Pullman), creating an unusual love triangle. Because how can she be with the man she’s actually falling for when he and all his family believes she’s engaged to his brother?! Anna ends up in this same tricky predicament, falling for Matteo’s “brother/cousin” Michael (Page). The specifics of that relationship will be explained by the pair’s TMI-obsessed sister Francesca (a splendidly funny Stella Pecollo). But the key problem is the same: The rom-com heroine’s interest shifts from the white-collar, vaguely fuckboy-esque brother to the more gruff and rugged brother with a heart of gold. Mashable 101 Fan Fave: Nominate your favorite creators todayIt’s a terrific plot that, while seemingly stolen, is gussied up with gorgeous Italian settings of rolling vineyards, rapturous close-ups of delicious local food, and elements of Black culture shared between the leading onscreen lovers. Awe-striking establishing shots of Tuscany prove a perfect backdrop for these beguiling performers to paint their romance, scored by swoony R&B tracks like Mario’s “Let Me Love You” and Ari Lennox’s “Soft Girl Era.” Halle Bailey and Regé-Jean Page lead a divine ensemble. 
    
                    


            
            
            Regé-Jean Page and Halle Bailey in “You, Me & Tuscany.”
            Credit: Giulia Parmigiani / Universal Pictures
        
    
Bailey is bubbly and pitch-perfect as a rom-com heroine, exuding the kind of chaotic gumption that could be disastrous in the real world, but is an unlikely path to adventure in this tender genre. In the opening sequence, she’s able to strut like a confident fashion icon, only to stumble into physical comedy when the rug of a seemingly perfect life is pulled out from under her by another rom-com diva, My Big Fat Greek Wedding‘s Nia Vardalos. For his part, Page cozies back into the enemies-to-lovers dynamic that had Bridgerton fans going mad. As “handsome winemaker” Michael, he is initially brusque and distrustful of the outspoken American, who assumes they have commonality because of their skin color. After a bumpy beginning though, Michael learns they do have a lot in common, like heartache, ambition, and a love of good wine and yearning R&B. Naturally, Anna gushes to her bestie (Aziza Scott) back in New York about this, texting, “Spicy White has a brother that’s a BROTHA with a six-pack!” 
From a distance, Claire tries to be the real-talking voice of reason, and Scott is lively fun in this small part. In Italy, Anna first befriends a garrulous taxi driver named Lorenzo (Marco Calvani), who, beyond offering good advice, is also always ready with a gourmet Italian sandwich. (Squad goals.) De Moor smoothly shoulders the role of the sexy Italian who could be only a plot device by bringing a spicy mischievousness to Matteo. And the rest of the family are a joy, much like in While You Were Sleeping and My Big Fat Greek Wedding. Matteo and Michael not only have their bawdy, chatty sister, but a chipper cousin (Emanuele Pacca) who loves opera, a hovering mother (Isabella Ferrari), a stern father (Paolo Sassanelli), a pair of serenading uncles, a duo of excitable nieces, and a glaring nonna (Stefania Casini). While each is a sketch of a character, they all bring verve and joy to this mirthful medley. 
    
                    


            
            
            Marco Calvani and Halle Bailey in “You, Me & Tuscany.”
            Credit: Universal Pictures
        
    
Coiro’s rom-com doesn’t just satisfy on the swoon. Sure, she knows how to dress the heroine in chic, fantasy fashion fits, and how to shoot Page for maximum sexual appeal (slo-mo, wet, and shirtless). But beyond that, she fills every role with a dynamic performer who adds flavor to her Italian feast of yearning and love. For instance, Cora (Cocoa Brown) and Prisilla (Vanessa Fraction), a pair of Black friends on a vineyard tour, prove spectacular comic relief in an emotional moment as they riff about edge maintenance and Michael’s level of sexiness. Coiro herself gets in on this fun too, offering a cameo where she’s a silly tourist absolutely flushed by the undeniable sexual chemistry between Anna and Michael. And, fair. Which is all to say, You, Me & Tuscany will be loved by rom-com fans for its sincere appreciation of the subgenre. From a familiar framework and a traditionally romantic Tuscan setting, Engle creates a vivid world of love and family that is absolutely enchanting. Coiro brings this fantasy romance to life with a crackling cast and a keen eye for both whimsy and comedy. And Bailey and Page are a sensational match, spinning an enemies-to-lovers tale with passion and panache. All this makes You, Me & Tuscany a marvelous movie, so beautiful and fun that it demands to be seen in theaters. But hey, sneak in a sandwich, a fancy Italian one if you can. It’ll make a perfect pairing. You, Me & Tuscany opens in theaters April 10. 

                    
                                            
                            
                        
                                    #Tuscany #review #Halle #Bailey #RegéJean #Page #deliver #radiant #feelgood #romcom

Regé-Jean Page, Halle Bailey, and Lorenzo de Moor in “You, Me & Tuscany.” Credit: Universal Pictures

Bear with me. Screenwriter Ryan Engle (Rampage, Beast) and his wife, Kristin Engle, are credited with the story for You, Me & Tuscany, with the former credited as its sole screenwriter. You, Me & Tuscany‘s credits do not cite the 1995 Sandra Bullock rom-com written by Daniel G. Sullivan and Fredric Lebow as an inspiration. But if you look past the superficial, the comparison between While You Were Sleeping and You, Me & Tuscany is undeniable.

Each film begins with a lonely young woman who dreams of a bigger life. Chicago transit worker Lucy (Bullock), who has no family, dreams of the dashing stranger in the tailored suit who comes to her station every morning and brightens her day by just existing. Aspiring chef Anna (Bailey) once dreamed of traveling to Italy and starting a restaurant with her mom. But the unexpected death of her mother derailed her culinary school education, leaving her scraping by on housesitting gigs in Manhattan. That is, until she meets a “spicy white boy” (as her bestie Claire calls him) named Matteo (Lorenzo de Moor).

Over a sexy night together, Anna learns that Lorenzo owns a Tuscan villa that is “just sitting there.” And look, when she decides to use the last of her savings to finally see Tuscany, it’s not with the plan of squatting in his abandoned villa. But much like Lucy never imagined her meet-cute with her crush would be on the tracks of a subway as the train came barreling in, life (in rom-coms) comes at you fast. Just go with it.

Luca Setaccioli, Stella Pecollo, Agazio Olanda, Tommaso Cassissa, Beatrice Skyler Rigel, Giacomo Giacopini, and Halle Bailey in

Luca Setaccioli, Stella Pecollo, Agazio Olanda, Tommaso Cassissa, Beatrice Skyler Rigel, Giacomo Giacopini, and Halle Bailey in “You, Me & Tuscany.” Credit: Giulia Parmigiani / Universal Pictures

Naturally, Anna finds a diamond ring in the house, tries it on, and as fate would have, she can’t get it off before Matteo’s family finds her in his house. So, much like Lucy, she is at the center of a marital misunderstanding: the family of the absent (or comatose) man believes this charming, lonely girl is his fiancée. But the similarities don’t stop there! I could run you through the whole plot of both films, to point to how clearly the Engles pulled from Sullivan and Lebow’s framework. But crucial to the plot is the brother complication.

In While You Were Sleeping, the comatose crush played by Peter Gallagher begins as the dream, but Lucy soon falls for his slightly cranky, blue-collar brother (Bill Pullman), creating an unusual love triangle. Because how can she be with the man she’s actually falling for when he and all his family believes she’s engaged to his brother?! Anna ends up in this same tricky predicament, falling for Matteo’s “brother/cousin” Michael (Page). The specifics of that relationship will be explained by the pair’s TMI-obsessed sister Francesca (a splendidly funny Stella Pecollo). But the key problem is the same: The rom-com heroine’s interest shifts from the white-collar, vaguely fuckboy-esque brother to the more gruff and rugged brother with a heart of gold.

Mashable 101 Fan Fave: Nominate your favorite creators today

It’s a terrific plot that, while seemingly stolen, is gussied up with gorgeous Italian settings of rolling vineyards, rapturous close-ups of delicious local food, and elements of Black culture shared between the leading onscreen lovers. Awe-striking establishing shots of Tuscany prove a perfect backdrop for these beguiling performers to paint their romance, scored by swoony R&B tracks like Mario’s Let Me Love You” and Ari Lennox’s “Soft Girl Era.”

Halle Bailey and Regé-Jean Page lead a divine ensemble.

Regé-Jean Page and Halle Bailey in

Regé-Jean Page and Halle Bailey in “You, Me & Tuscany.” Credit: Giulia Parmigiani / Universal Pictures

Bailey is bubbly and pitch-perfect as a rom-com heroine, exuding the kind of chaotic gumption that could be disastrous in the real world, but is an unlikely path to adventure in this tender genre. In the opening sequence, she’s able to strut like a confident fashion icon, only to stumble into physical comedy when the rug of a seemingly perfect life is pulled out from under her by another rom-com diva, My Big Fat Greek Wedding‘s Nia Vardalos.

For his part, Page cozies back into the enemies-to-lovers dynamic that had Bridgerton fans going mad. As “handsome winemaker” Michael, he is initially brusque and distrustful of the outspoken American, who assumes they have commonality because of their skin color. After a bumpy beginning though, Michael learns they do have a lot in common, like heartache, ambition, and a love of good wine and yearning R&B. Naturally, Anna gushes to her bestie (Aziza Scott) back in New York about this, texting, “Spicy White has a brother that’s a BROTHA with a six-pack!”

From a distance, Claire tries to be the real-talking voice of reason, and Scott is lively fun in this small part. In Italy, Anna first befriends a garrulous taxi driver named Lorenzo (Marco Calvani), who, beyond offering good advice, is also always ready with a gourmet Italian sandwich. (Squad goals.) De Moor smoothly shoulders the role of the sexy Italian who could be only a plot device by bringing a spicy mischievousness to Matteo. And the rest of the family are a joy, much like in While You Were Sleeping and My Big Fat Greek Wedding. Matteo and Michael not only have their bawdy, chatty sister, but a chipper cousin (Emanuele Pacca) who loves opera, a hovering mother (Isabella Ferrari), a stern father (Paolo Sassanelli), a pair of serenading uncles, a duo of excitable nieces, and a glaring nonna (Stefania Casini). While each is a sketch of a character, they all bring verve and joy to this mirthful medley.

Marco Calvani and Halle Bailey in

Marco Calvani and Halle Bailey in “You, Me & Tuscany.” Credit: Universal Pictures

Coiro’s rom-com doesn’t just satisfy on the swoon. Sure, she knows how to dress the heroine in chic, fantasy fashion fits, and how to shoot Page for maximum sexual appeal (slo-mo, wet, and shirtless). But beyond that, she fills every role with a dynamic performer who adds flavor to her Italian feast of yearning and love. For instance, Cora (Cocoa Brown) and Prisilla (Vanessa Fraction), a pair of Black friends on a vineyard tour, prove spectacular comic relief in an emotional moment as they riff about edge maintenance and Michael’s level of sexiness. Coiro herself gets in on this fun too, offering a cameo where she’s a silly tourist absolutely flushed by the undeniable sexual chemistry between Anna and Michael. And, fair.

Which is all to say, You, Me & Tuscany will be loved by rom-com fans for its sincere appreciation of the subgenre. From a familiar framework and a traditionally romantic Tuscan setting, Engle creates a vivid world of love and family that is absolutely enchanting. Coiro brings this fantasy romance to life with a crackling cast and a keen eye for both whimsy and comedy. And Bailey and Page are a sensational match, spinning an enemies-to-lovers tale with passion and panache.

All this makes You, Me & Tuscany a marvelous movie, so beautiful and fun that it demands to be seen in theaters. But hey, sneak in a sandwich, a fancy Italian one if you can. It’ll make a perfect pairing.

You, Me & Tuscany opens in theaters April 10.

#Tuscany #review #Halle #Bailey #RegéJean #Page #deliver #radiant #feelgood #romcom">‘You, Me and Tuscany’ review: Halle Bailey and Regé-Jean Page deliver a radiant, feel-good rom-com

This winter, Heated Rivalry helped audiences get hot and bothered at home. But with cherry blossom season upon us, dare to embrace a romance set under the Tuscan sun. If you need some sunshine, yearning, and romance, go see You, Me & Tuscany, the latest gem from director Kat Coiro.

In 2022, Coiro showed her sincere appreciation for classic romantic comedy with the sublimely satisfying Marry Me, which starred Jennifer Lopez and Owen Wilson in a Notting Hill-like narrative about an average bookish man who woos an international famous woman. Now, Coiro’s back to help us fall in love again with another story that pulls heavily from ’90s rom-com inspiration. This time, her leading lovers are The Little Mermaid‘s Halle Bailey and Bridgerton‘s Regé-Jean Page, who are surrounded by a gaggle of charming, colorful characters.

What’s not to love?

You, Me & Tuscany is basically While You Were Sleeping in Italy.

‘You, Me and Tuscany’ review: Halle Bailey and Regé-Jean Page deliver a radiant, feel-good rom-com
                                                            This winter, Heated Rivalry helped audiences get hot and bothered at home. But with cherry blossom season upon us, dare to embrace a romance set under the Tuscan sun. If you need some sunshine, yearning, and romance, go see You, Me & Tuscany, the latest gem from director Kat Coiro.In 2022, Coiro showed her sincere appreciation for classic romantic comedy with the sublimely satisfying Marry Me, which starred Jennifer Lopez and Owen Wilson in a Notting Hill-like narrative about an average bookish man who woos an international famous woman. Now, Coiro’s back to help us fall in love again with another story that pulls heavily from ’90s rom-com inspiration. This time, her leading lovers are The Little Mermaid‘s Halle Bailey and Bridgerton‘s Regé-Jean Page, who are surrounded by a gaggle of charming, colorful characters. What’s not to love?
You, Me & Tuscany is basically While You Were Sleeping in Italy. 
    
                    


            
            
            Regé-Jean Page, Halle Bailey, and Lorenzo de Moor in “You, Me & Tuscany.”
            Credit: Universal Pictures
        
    
Bear with me. Screenwriter Ryan Engle (Rampage, Beast) and his wife, Kristin Engle, are credited with the story for You, Me & Tuscany, with the former credited as its sole screenwriter. You, Me & Tuscany‘s credits do not cite the 1995 Sandra Bullock rom-com written by Daniel G. Sullivan and Fredric Lebow as an inspiration. But if you look past the superficial, the comparison between While You Were Sleeping and You, Me & Tuscany is undeniable. Each film begins with a lonely young woman who dreams of a bigger life. Chicago transit worker Lucy (Bullock), who has no family, dreams of the dashing stranger in the tailored suit who comes to her station every morning and brightens her day by just existing. Aspiring chef Anna (Bailey) once dreamed of traveling to Italy and starting a restaurant with her mom. But the unexpected death of her mother derailed her culinary school education, leaving her scraping by on housesitting gigs in Manhattan. That is, until she meets a “spicy white boy” (as her bestie Claire calls him) named Matteo (Lorenzo de Moor). Over a sexy night together, Anna learns that Lorenzo owns a Tuscan villa that is “just sitting there.” And look, when she decides to use the last of her savings to finally see Tuscany, it’s not with the plan of squatting in his abandoned villa. But much like Lucy never imagined her meet-cute with her crush would be on the tracks of a subway as the train came barreling in, life (in rom-coms) comes at you fast. Just go with it. 
    
                    


            
            
            Luca Setaccioli, Stella Pecollo, Agazio Olanda, Tommaso Cassissa, Beatrice Skyler Rigel, Giacomo Giacopini, and Halle Bailey in “You, Me & Tuscany.”
            Credit: Giulia Parmigiani / Universal Pictures
        
    
Naturally, Anna finds a diamond ring in the house, tries it on, and as fate would have, she can’t get it off before Matteo’s family finds her in his house. So, much like Lucy, she is at the center of a marital misunderstanding: the family of the absent (or comatose) man believes this charming, lonely girl is his fiancée. But the similarities don’t stop there! I could run you through the whole plot of both films, to point to how clearly the Engles pulled from Sullivan and Lebow’s framework. But crucial to the plot is the brother complication. 
        
            Mashable Top Stories
        
        
    
In While You Were Sleeping, the comatose crush played by Peter Gallagher begins as the dream, but Lucy soon falls for his slightly cranky, blue-collar brother (Bill Pullman), creating an unusual love triangle. Because how can she be with the man she’s actually falling for when he and all his family believes she’s engaged to his brother?! Anna ends up in this same tricky predicament, falling for Matteo’s “brother/cousin” Michael (Page). The specifics of that relationship will be explained by the pair’s TMI-obsessed sister Francesca (a splendidly funny Stella Pecollo). But the key problem is the same: The rom-com heroine’s interest shifts from the white-collar, vaguely fuckboy-esque brother to the more gruff and rugged brother with a heart of gold. Mashable 101 Fan Fave: Nominate your favorite creators todayIt’s a terrific plot that, while seemingly stolen, is gussied up with gorgeous Italian settings of rolling vineyards, rapturous close-ups of delicious local food, and elements of Black culture shared between the leading onscreen lovers. Awe-striking establishing shots of Tuscany prove a perfect backdrop for these beguiling performers to paint their romance, scored by swoony R&B tracks like Mario’s “Let Me Love You” and Ari Lennox’s “Soft Girl Era.” Halle Bailey and Regé-Jean Page lead a divine ensemble. 
    
                    


            
            
            Regé-Jean Page and Halle Bailey in “You, Me & Tuscany.”
            Credit: Giulia Parmigiani / Universal Pictures
        
    
Bailey is bubbly and pitch-perfect as a rom-com heroine, exuding the kind of chaotic gumption that could be disastrous in the real world, but is an unlikely path to adventure in this tender genre. In the opening sequence, she’s able to strut like a confident fashion icon, only to stumble into physical comedy when the rug of a seemingly perfect life is pulled out from under her by another rom-com diva, My Big Fat Greek Wedding‘s Nia Vardalos. For his part, Page cozies back into the enemies-to-lovers dynamic that had Bridgerton fans going mad. As “handsome winemaker” Michael, he is initially brusque and distrustful of the outspoken American, who assumes they have commonality because of their skin color. After a bumpy beginning though, Michael learns they do have a lot in common, like heartache, ambition, and a love of good wine and yearning R&B. Naturally, Anna gushes to her bestie (Aziza Scott) back in New York about this, texting, “Spicy White has a brother that’s a BROTHA with a six-pack!” 
From a distance, Claire tries to be the real-talking voice of reason, and Scott is lively fun in this small part. In Italy, Anna first befriends a garrulous taxi driver named Lorenzo (Marco Calvani), who, beyond offering good advice, is also always ready with a gourmet Italian sandwich. (Squad goals.) De Moor smoothly shoulders the role of the sexy Italian who could be only a plot device by bringing a spicy mischievousness to Matteo. And the rest of the family are a joy, much like in While You Were Sleeping and My Big Fat Greek Wedding. Matteo and Michael not only have their bawdy, chatty sister, but a chipper cousin (Emanuele Pacca) who loves opera, a hovering mother (Isabella Ferrari), a stern father (Paolo Sassanelli), a pair of serenading uncles, a duo of excitable nieces, and a glaring nonna (Stefania Casini). While each is a sketch of a character, they all bring verve and joy to this mirthful medley. 
    
                    


            
            
            Marco Calvani and Halle Bailey in “You, Me & Tuscany.”
            Credit: Universal Pictures
        
    
Coiro’s rom-com doesn’t just satisfy on the swoon. Sure, she knows how to dress the heroine in chic, fantasy fashion fits, and how to shoot Page for maximum sexual appeal (slo-mo, wet, and shirtless). But beyond that, she fills every role with a dynamic performer who adds flavor to her Italian feast of yearning and love. For instance, Cora (Cocoa Brown) and Prisilla (Vanessa Fraction), a pair of Black friends on a vineyard tour, prove spectacular comic relief in an emotional moment as they riff about edge maintenance and Michael’s level of sexiness. Coiro herself gets in on this fun too, offering a cameo where she’s a silly tourist absolutely flushed by the undeniable sexual chemistry between Anna and Michael. And, fair. Which is all to say, You, Me & Tuscany will be loved by rom-com fans for its sincere appreciation of the subgenre. From a familiar framework and a traditionally romantic Tuscan setting, Engle creates a vivid world of love and family that is absolutely enchanting. Coiro brings this fantasy romance to life with a crackling cast and a keen eye for both whimsy and comedy. And Bailey and Page are a sensational match, spinning an enemies-to-lovers tale with passion and panache. All this makes You, Me & Tuscany a marvelous movie, so beautiful and fun that it demands to be seen in theaters. But hey, sneak in a sandwich, a fancy Italian one if you can. It’ll make a perfect pairing. You, Me & Tuscany opens in theaters April 10. 

                    
                                            
                            
                        
                                    #Tuscany #review #Halle #Bailey #RegéJean #Page #deliver #radiant #feelgood #romcom

Regé-Jean Page, Halle Bailey, and Lorenzo de Moor in “You, Me & Tuscany.” Credit: Universal Pictures

Bear with me. Screenwriter Ryan Engle (Rampage, Beast) and his wife, Kristin Engle, are credited with the story for You, Me & Tuscany, with the former credited as its sole screenwriter. You, Me & Tuscany‘s credits do not cite the 1995 Sandra Bullock rom-com written by Daniel G. Sullivan and Fredric Lebow as an inspiration. But if you look past the superficial, the comparison between While You Were Sleeping and You, Me & Tuscany is undeniable.

Each film begins with a lonely young woman who dreams of a bigger life. Chicago transit worker Lucy (Bullock), who has no family, dreams of the dashing stranger in the tailored suit who comes to her station every morning and brightens her day by just existing. Aspiring chef Anna (Bailey) once dreamed of traveling to Italy and starting a restaurant with her mom. But the unexpected death of her mother derailed her culinary school education, leaving her scraping by on housesitting gigs in Manhattan. That is, until she meets a “spicy white boy” (as her bestie Claire calls him) named Matteo (Lorenzo de Moor).

Over a sexy night together, Anna learns that Lorenzo owns a Tuscan villa that is “just sitting there.” And look, when she decides to use the last of her savings to finally see Tuscany, it’s not with the plan of squatting in his abandoned villa. But much like Lucy never imagined her meet-cute with her crush would be on the tracks of a subway as the train came barreling in, life (in rom-coms) comes at you fast. Just go with it.

Luca Setaccioli, Stella Pecollo, Agazio Olanda, Tommaso Cassissa, Beatrice Skyler Rigel, Giacomo Giacopini, and Halle Bailey in

Luca Setaccioli, Stella Pecollo, Agazio Olanda, Tommaso Cassissa, Beatrice Skyler Rigel, Giacomo Giacopini, and Halle Bailey in “You, Me & Tuscany.” Credit: Giulia Parmigiani / Universal Pictures

Naturally, Anna finds a diamond ring in the house, tries it on, and as fate would have, she can’t get it off before Matteo’s family finds her in his house. So, much like Lucy, she is at the center of a marital misunderstanding: the family of the absent (or comatose) man believes this charming, lonely girl is his fiancée. But the similarities don’t stop there! I could run you through the whole plot of both films, to point to how clearly the Engles pulled from Sullivan and Lebow’s framework. But crucial to the plot is the brother complication.

In While You Were Sleeping, the comatose crush played by Peter Gallagher begins as the dream, but Lucy soon falls for his slightly cranky, blue-collar brother (Bill Pullman), creating an unusual love triangle. Because how can she be with the man she’s actually falling for when he and all his family believes she’s engaged to his brother?! Anna ends up in this same tricky predicament, falling for Matteo’s “brother/cousin” Michael (Page). The specifics of that relationship will be explained by the pair’s TMI-obsessed sister Francesca (a splendidly funny Stella Pecollo). But the key problem is the same: The rom-com heroine’s interest shifts from the white-collar, vaguely fuckboy-esque brother to the more gruff and rugged brother with a heart of gold.

Mashable 101 Fan Fave: Nominate your favorite creators today

It’s a terrific plot that, while seemingly stolen, is gussied up with gorgeous Italian settings of rolling vineyards, rapturous close-ups of delicious local food, and elements of Black culture shared between the leading onscreen lovers. Awe-striking establishing shots of Tuscany prove a perfect backdrop for these beguiling performers to paint their romance, scored by swoony R&B tracks like Mario’s Let Me Love You” and Ari Lennox’s “Soft Girl Era.”

Halle Bailey and Regé-Jean Page lead a divine ensemble.

Regé-Jean Page and Halle Bailey in

Regé-Jean Page and Halle Bailey in “You, Me & Tuscany.” Credit: Giulia Parmigiani / Universal Pictures

Bailey is bubbly and pitch-perfect as a rom-com heroine, exuding the kind of chaotic gumption that could be disastrous in the real world, but is an unlikely path to adventure in this tender genre. In the opening sequence, she’s able to strut like a confident fashion icon, only to stumble into physical comedy when the rug of a seemingly perfect life is pulled out from under her by another rom-com diva, My Big Fat Greek Wedding‘s Nia Vardalos.

For his part, Page cozies back into the enemies-to-lovers dynamic that had Bridgerton fans going mad. As “handsome winemaker” Michael, he is initially brusque and distrustful of the outspoken American, who assumes they have commonality because of their skin color. After a bumpy beginning though, Michael learns they do have a lot in common, like heartache, ambition, and a love of good wine and yearning R&B. Naturally, Anna gushes to her bestie (Aziza Scott) back in New York about this, texting, “Spicy White has a brother that’s a BROTHA with a six-pack!”

From a distance, Claire tries to be the real-talking voice of reason, and Scott is lively fun in this small part. In Italy, Anna first befriends a garrulous taxi driver named Lorenzo (Marco Calvani), who, beyond offering good advice, is also always ready with a gourmet Italian sandwich. (Squad goals.) De Moor smoothly shoulders the role of the sexy Italian who could be only a plot device by bringing a spicy mischievousness to Matteo. And the rest of the family are a joy, much like in While You Were Sleeping and My Big Fat Greek Wedding. Matteo and Michael not only have their bawdy, chatty sister, but a chipper cousin (Emanuele Pacca) who loves opera, a hovering mother (Isabella Ferrari), a stern father (Paolo Sassanelli), a pair of serenading uncles, a duo of excitable nieces, and a glaring nonna (Stefania Casini). While each is a sketch of a character, they all bring verve and joy to this mirthful medley.

Marco Calvani and Halle Bailey in

Marco Calvani and Halle Bailey in “You, Me & Tuscany.” Credit: Universal Pictures

Coiro’s rom-com doesn’t just satisfy on the swoon. Sure, she knows how to dress the heroine in chic, fantasy fashion fits, and how to shoot Page for maximum sexual appeal (slo-mo, wet, and shirtless). But beyond that, she fills every role with a dynamic performer who adds flavor to her Italian feast of yearning and love. For instance, Cora (Cocoa Brown) and Prisilla (Vanessa Fraction), a pair of Black friends on a vineyard tour, prove spectacular comic relief in an emotional moment as they riff about edge maintenance and Michael’s level of sexiness. Coiro herself gets in on this fun too, offering a cameo where she’s a silly tourist absolutely flushed by the undeniable sexual chemistry between Anna and Michael. And, fair.

Which is all to say, You, Me & Tuscany will be loved by rom-com fans for its sincere appreciation of the subgenre. From a familiar framework and a traditionally romantic Tuscan setting, Engle creates a vivid world of love and family that is absolutely enchanting. Coiro brings this fantasy romance to life with a crackling cast and a keen eye for both whimsy and comedy. And Bailey and Page are a sensational match, spinning an enemies-to-lovers tale with passion and panache.

All this makes You, Me & Tuscany a marvelous movie, so beautiful and fun that it demands to be seen in theaters. But hey, sneak in a sandwich, a fancy Italian one if you can. It’ll make a perfect pairing.

You, Me & Tuscany opens in theaters April 10.

#Tuscany #review #Halle #Bailey #RegéJean #Page #deliver #radiant #feelgood #romcom

Notebooks sound a lot like ChatGPT’s Projects feature, which launched in 2024 and similarly lets users store things about a certain topic in one spot. Google says to “think of notebooks as personal knowledge bases shared across Google products, starting in Gemini.” Gemini’s Notebooks also sync with Google’s NotebookLM AI research tool, meaning sources you add while using one of the apps will show up in both.

Gemini’s notebooks are rolling out this week on the web for subscribers of Google’s AI Ultra, Pro, and Plus plans, according to Google. The feature will come to mobile and to free users in the “coming weeks.”

#Gemini #notebooks #organize #projectsAI,Google,News,Tech">Gemini gets notebooks to help you organize projectsGoogle’s Gemini is getting a feature called “notebooks” to help you organize things about certain topics in a single place while using the AI chatbot, the company announced on Wednesday. You can pull in things like files, past conversations, and custom instructions into notebooks that Gemini can then use as context while you’re talking with it.Notebooks sound a lot like ChatGPT’s Projects feature, which launched in 2024 and similarly lets users store things about a certain topic in one spot. Google says to “think of notebooks as personal knowledge bases shared across Google products, starting in Gemini.” Gemini’s Notebooks also sync with Google’s NotebookLM AI research tool, meaning sources you add while using one of the apps will show up in both.Gemini’s notebooks are rolling out this week on the web for subscribers of Google’s AI Ultra, Pro, and Plus plans, according to Google. The feature will come to mobile and to free users in the “coming weeks.”#Gemini #notebooks #organize #projectsAI,Google,News,Tech

the company announced on Wednesday. You can pull in things like files, past conversations, and custom instructions into notebooks that Gemini can then use as context while you’re talking with it.

Notebooks sound a lot like ChatGPT’s Projects feature, which launched in 2024 and similarly lets users store things about a certain topic in one spot. Google says to “think of notebooks as personal knowledge bases shared across Google products, starting in Gemini.” Gemini’s Notebooks also sync with Google’s NotebookLM AI research tool, meaning sources you add while using one of the apps will show up in both.

Gemini’s notebooks are rolling out this week on the web for subscribers of Google’s AI Ultra, Pro, and Plus plans, according to Google. The feature will come to mobile and to free users in the “coming weeks.”

#Gemini #notebooks #organize #projectsAI,Google,News,Tech">Gemini gets notebooks to help you organize projects

Google’s Gemini is getting a feature called “notebooks” to help you organize things about certain topics in a single place while using the AI chatbot, the company announced on Wednesday. You can pull in things like files, past conversations, and custom instructions into notebooks that Gemini can then use as context while you’re talking with it.

Notebooks sound a lot like ChatGPT’s Projects feature, which launched in 2024 and similarly lets users store things about a certain topic in one spot. Google says to “think of notebooks as personal knowledge bases shared across Google products, starting in Gemini.” Gemini’s Notebooks also sync with Google’s NotebookLM AI research tool, meaning sources you add while using one of the apps will show up in both.

Gemini’s notebooks are rolling out this week on the web for subscribers of Google’s AI Ultra, Pro, and Plus plans, according to Google. The feature will come to mobile and to free users in the “coming weeks.”

#Gemini #notebooks #organize #projectsAI,Google,News,Tech

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