The cinematic landscape sees a surprising shift today, 06 February 2026, as Kevin James sheds his “bumbling everyman” persona for a more earnest, romantic turn in Solo Mio. Released nationwide by Angel Studios, the film marks a significant departure for the King of Queens star, earning early critical praise for its wholesome approach to the romantic comedy genre.
Directed by Charles and Daniel Kinnane, Solo Mio follows the story of an art teacher (James) who is jilted at the altar during a destination wedding in Rome. Stranded in the “world’s happiest city” with a broken heart, he decides to embark on his honeymoon alone, eventually finding healing and unexpected connection with a local café owner played by Nicole Grimaudo.
Critical Reception and Box Office Outlook
The film has debuted with a surprisingly strong critical consensus. As of its opening morning, Solo Mio holds a 91% score on Rotten Tomatoes from early reviews, with many critics calling it a “late-career pivot” for James. While some outlets, such as Roger Ebert, found the plot “sitcom-shallow,” the majority of reviews praise the film’s “clean” and “heartfelt” nature.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Director | Charles & Daniel Kinnane |
| Starring | Kevin James, Kim Coates, Jonathan Roumie, Nicole Grimaudo |
| Runtime | 96–100 Minutes |
| Rating | PG (Family-Friendly) |
A “Clean” Alternative for Valentine’s Season
Positioned as a prime “date-night” movie ahead of Valentine’s Day, Solo Mio is being championed by its cast as a revival of the classic rom-com. Co-star Jonathan Roumie (The Chosen) stated in recent interviews that the film is “saving the rom-com” by providing a family-friendly alternative to more explicit modern entries in the genre.
The film’s soundtrack, featuring an original score by Joy Ngiaw, was also released digitally today to coincide with the theatrical debut. While the title shares its name with the legendary Neapolitan song “‘O sole mio” (meaning “My Sun”), the film focuses on the literal “Solo” aspect of the protagonist’s journey through Italy.
Availability
Solo Mio is now playing in theatres across Canada and the United States. For those looking to watch from home, the DVD and Blu-ray release is tentatively scheduled for April 2026. Early box office tracking suggests the film will compete strongly over the Super Bowl weekend, particularly with audiences seeking counter-programming to the weekend’s horror releases.