+++ Under the Tuscan Sun +++ Movie: Under the Tuscan Sun Cast:Diane Lane, Vincent Riotta, Sandra Oh, Lindsay Duncan, Raoul Bova Rating: 4 of 5 Reviewer: Lilly Frost Under the Tuscan Sun is loosely based on the book of the same name by Frances Mayes, and I stress the word ‘loosely.’ In the movie, Frances(Diane Lane) is recently divorced and has sunk in to a deep depression. Her pregnant best friend, Patti(Sandra Oh), sends her on a trip to Italy with a gay tour group because she and her partner cannot use the tickets due to her pregnancy. On a whim, Frances deserts the tour group and decides to buy a rundown Tuscan villa using the money she has left from her divorce. Frances hires four Polish men to help fix up the place and make it livable. The revival of the villa throughout the movie correlates with the revitalization of Frances’ life. She begins to find herself again. Slowly, she begins to find love again even with a failed romance. Frances eventually learns to let love find her instead of constantly searching for a man. In addition to romance, she begins to build strong friendships and family. When Patti’s partner leaves her, she flies to Tuscany to have her baby and live with Frances. What Frances doesn’t realize, until it is staring her in the face, is that the men that are helping her, her neighbors, and Patti have in a sense become her family. Then and only then can she begin to focus on romance. This movie is amazingly heartwarming in every way. Yes, some of the characters and scenarios are predictable, but that doesn’t seem to take away from the joy of watching the events unfold on the screen. Even if you aren’t one for a ‘chick flick’ per say, you will be able to enjoy the exquisite scenery throughout the movie. So girls, don’t hesitate to drag your dates to this one. You just might look over and see a smile on his face out of the corner of your eye. Click here for the Official Movie website Click here to read other reviews

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