Finding Florence
Whilst on a romantic vacation to Italy with his girlfriend, Colleen (Emily Atack - Almost Married), Eric (Brett Dalton) decides to propose only to be rejected with Colleen returning to America to think things over. Meanwhile Eric stays in Florence to lick his wounds which is where he makes a whole host of new friends and is introduced to the no rules sport of Calcio Storico; a mix of football, rugby and all out fighting. Having played American Football back in the States Eric finds himself quite adept at the sport and he also finds himself becoming close to the attractive Stefania (Alessandra Mastronardi - Life). Trouble is that Stefania's boyfriend of sorts happens to be Paolo (Alessandro Preziosi - Beauty and the Beast) who is the captain of the team which Eric joins.
Whilst maybe it was never the intention "Lost in Florence" works reasonably well as a tourist movie as we get various shots of Florence, a glimpse at its beautiful old buildings as well as seeing some of the local traditions. I wouldn't say it felt like this movie took me there; I didn't feel the warmth of the sun or felt like I could smell the wonderful food but it still made it look an attractive place to visit. In fact the glimpses of Florence are simply the best thing about "Lost in Florence" with the brutality of Calcio Storico also quite intriguing and entertaining.
But truth is that beyond the tourist side of "Lost in Florence" the actual storyline which sees Eric the lost soul dealing with rejection from a girlfriend who wants him to get a good job as a lawyer is not that interesting. The whole storyline which sees him becoming close to Stefania which causes conflict as she is the girlfriend of the captain of the team he plays for is as cliche as it comes and when you have a movie which has a sport as a major part of it you know that there has got to be some important game towards the end where either issues have to be placed to one side or someone has to be a hero.
What this all boils down to is that "Lost in Florence" isn't a bad movie but it is an ordinary one which reworks some cliches. If it wasn't for it working as a reasonable tourist piece for Florence there wouldn't be much else to say.
