Common Sense Media Review
By Barbara Shulgasser-Parker
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Italian beach tale sequel has drinking and language.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Under the Amalfi Sun
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In UNDER THE AMALFI SUN, Vincenzo (Lorenzo Zurzolo), a secondary character in the first movie, is the focus as he reunites for another summer in Amalfi with girlfriend Camilla (Ludovica Martino) after her school year in Canada. He's blind and madly in love. At 20, he's found a job and an apartment and wants Cami to move in with him. She can't bring herself to tell him she's gotten an academic job offer back in Canada that will keep them apart for another year. Her friend Nathalie (Kyshan Wilson) is struggling with self-esteem since her major weight loss has left her with stretch marks (close-ups are provided!) she's hiding. Although she likes Hans (Nicolas Maupas), Vincenzo's childhood friend, she won't wear a bathing suit and join in the fun until she's able to regain her confidence. Vincenzo's mother Irene (Isabella Ferraro), always nervous when Vincenzo is out of her sight, follows him to Amalfi, where he expected to have his first unchaperoned vacation. Mom's anxiety crowds Vincenzo, who is struggling to gain independence, and it jeopardizes her relationship with her boyfriend Lucio (Luca Ward). The wisdom of youth saves the day for all.
Is It Any Good?
Under the Amalfi Sun is shot like a happy music video-postcard sent from a beautiful Italian resort. The emphasis is less on sex than in the previous title in the franchise and more on love. And as in the earlier film, this ultimately promotes love over sex as well as fidelity over unfaithfulness, sensible things that kids partying on the beach probably aren't prioritizing in real life. The characters are mostly well-meaning and, when they falter, they're mostly able to correct mistakes and make appropriate apologies.
Plus, they are vacationing in a beautiful seaside Italian palazzo. None of this makes for an unusual cinematic experience, nor does it provide anything more substantial than an amusing, inoffensive 90 minutes, but there's nothing wrong with that.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Vincenzo's need to be independent is understandable, while his mother's anxieties about his safety are, too.
What does Vincenzo learn about the role freedom can play in a romantic relationship?
Couples here struggle with the importance of being honest. Is there lesson to be learned?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : July 13, 2022
- Cast : Lorenzo Zurzolo , Isabella Ferrari , Ludovica Martino
- Director : Martina Pastori
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Romance
- Run time : 90 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : July 27, 2022
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