Will Packer, the blockbuster producer behind hits like “Girls Trip,” the “Ride Along” franchise, and ten U.S. box office No. 1 debuts — including “Night School,” “This Christmas” and “Think Like a Man” — delivers a charming new rom-com in “You, Me & Tuscany.” This new film features a stellar cast and a stunning Italian villa, as well as the unexpected romantic entanglement of two people caught in love’s whirlwind. The cast and the producer recently launched the first look of the film and spoke about the creative process behind the new romantic comedy. He explained that the Italian vineyards played a major part in the film. “I’ve engaged in various projects in this area, but nothing compares to this experience,” Packer said. “The backdrop and the element of wish fulfillment are unique, you know? “We had so much fun on this set, and I believe you can tell when the energy in a movie is organic and genuine,” he continued. “Surrounded by beautiful vineyards and enjoying plenty of wine and pasta, we managed to create a really fun film.” Halle Bailey, who fans may know from the 2023 live-action “The Little Mermaid” and “The Color Purple,” stars as Anna, a young woman who has given up on her dreams of becoming a chef and is now wandering through her 20s, making a series of poor choices. After Anna unexpectedly loses her house-sitting job and her place to stay, she meets Matteo, a charming Italian who has an empty villa in Tuscany. This chance encounter inspires her to travel to Italy, despite the advice of her always-honest best friend, Claire (played by Aziza Scott from “Home Before Dark” fame). Anna’s plan to crash at Matteo’s villa for one night, without permission, falls apart when Matteo’s mother, Gabriella (played by Italian film icon Isabella Ferrari), unexpectedly arrives at the house. In a state of panic, Anna gives Gabriella the impression that she is Matteo’s fiancée. “I was genuinely excited to be a part of this project because, when I read the script, I thought, ‘This is a movie I want to watch with my sister.’ This is the kind of film I want to enjoy with my friends,” Bailey said. “This is a movie that makes me feel positive. It’s joyful. “I was also truly inspired to portray Anna’s character,” she continued. “Her journey of exploring her passions and rediscovering what she wants for herself resonated with me, especially the self-doubt that can creep in and how she ultimately regains her power. Additionally, I found her inspiration from Regé’s character to be compelling.” However, Anna’s little lie turns into a significant problem when Matteo’s cousin, Michael (Regé-Jean Page; known for “Bridgerton” and “Black Bag”), shows up. Anna soon realizes that the chemistry between her and Michael could spark a change that transforms her life. Page, who established himself as a romantic leading man with his breakout role in “Bridgerton,” shared his thoughts on the experience of filming and working with Bailey. “I think people sometimes underestimate rom-coms, but what happens when you start telling love stories?” he said. “One reason for the hype is that it’s incredibly easy to fall in love with Halle Bailey. There’s something about the energy she brings to the set that is so light, so full of love and completely lacking in cynicism in any way, shape or form.” The film features an international cast, including Lorenzo de Moor (“The Legend Hunters”) as Matteo, Marco Calvani (“The Four Seasons”) as an Italian taxi driver who befriends Anna, and Academy Award-nominee Nia Vardalos (“My Big Fat Greek Wedding”) as Anna’s house-sitting client, Mrs. Dunn. Acclaimed filmmaker Kat Coiro, known for “Marry Me” and “Matlock,” directed “You, Me & Tuscany.” The screenplay was written by Ryan Engle (“Rampage,” “Beast”), adapting an original idea developed by Ryan and Kristin Engle. Will Packer (“Girls Trip,” “Ride Along”) and Johanna Byer (“Point Blank,” executive producer of “Praise This”) produced the film through Will Packer Productions. Ryan Engle and Kristin Engle served as executive producers. “You, Me & Tuscany” comes to theaters worldwide on April 10, 2026. Stay informed and connected — subscribe to The Philadelphia Tribune NOW! Click Here Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. Don’t Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated. Be Truthful. Don’t knowingly lie about anyone or anything. Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism that is degrading to another person. Be Proactive. Use the ‘Report’ link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts. Share with Us. We’d love to hear eyewitness accounts, the history behind an article.
https://www.phillytrib.com/entertainment/movies/you-me-tuscany-takes-black-rom-coms-to-italy/article_707144f4-d593-47b4-aed7-6ca6bd12c154.html
Tag: italy
Italy beats Australia for second time in a row with 26-19 victory
**Italy Secures Back-to-Back Rugby Wins Over Australia with Help from Australian-Born Players**
*UDINE, Italy (AP)* — Italy had never beaten Australia in rugby until 2022. Now, the Azzurri have made it two wins in a row, thanks in part to two players with Australian ties who played key roles in their memorable 26-19 victory on Saturday.
Louis Lynagh and Monty Ioane were the try-scorers for Italy. Lynagh, born in Italy, is the son of Wallabies great Michael Lynagh, while Melbourne-born Ioane is the nephew of former Wallabies winger Digby Ioane. Their tries came after Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii received a yellow card for the visitors.
Before their first win three years ago, Italy had lost 20 matches against Australia. This recent victory cements Italy’s rising prowess in the sport.
The Wallabies kicked off their overseas tour with a gritty 19-15 win over Japan, followed by a 25-7 loss to England at Twickenham last weekend.
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The match began with Italy taking an early lead. Paolo Garbisi opened the scoring in the sixth minute with a penalty after an Australian infringement. He quickly extended the lead four minutes later with another successful kick from a scrum penalty.
Australia improved after a sluggish start and was eventually rewarded in the 21st minute when Matt Faessler powered over the try line from a driving maul. However, Andrew Kellaway missed the conversion, his attempt going wide of the right post.
Australia took the lead in the 31st minute after sustained pressure, with Angus Bell forcing his way over the line just to the left of the posts. Kellaway successfully added the extras.
Italy stayed close, with Garbisi kicking a penalty just before halftime after the Wallabies were penalized inside their half, narrowing the gap to three points.
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Just after the break, Garbisi leveled the score again with another penalty following another Australian infringement. Shortly afterward, Carter Gordon marked his first Wallabies appearance in two years by scoring a try. He capitalized on a loose ball after Harry Wilson lost it in a tackle, evading defenders before grounding the ball. The TMO reviewed the play and confirmed there was no handling error. Kellaway converted the try.
However, the match’s momentum shifted in the 58th minute. Lynagh scored a crucial try in the right corner following sustained pressure by Italy. Suaalii’s yellow card for a high tackle on Garbisi during the buildup put Australia at a disadvantage, and Garbisi confidently added the extras.
Italy capitalized on the numerical advantage. They worked their way into the corner before passing the ball to Australian-born winger Monty Ioane, who scored by grounding the ball decisively. Garbisi converted once again, sealing Italy’s victory.
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Italy’s back-to-back victories over Australia mark a significant milestone and highlight the impact of players with Australian heritage on their success.