Movie Review: Only You (1994)

Genre: Romantic Comedy

Director: Norman Jewison

Starring: Marisa Tomei, Robert Downey Jr., Bonnie Hunt

Running Time: 109 minutes

Synopsis: Since she was a child, Faith (Marisa Tomei) has believed her destiny is to meet and marry a man called Damon Bradley. Instead she is 10 days away from marrying boring podiatrist Dwayne. When she receives a chance phone call from someone called Damon Bradley who is traveling to Venice, Faith immediately sets off to Italy accompanied by her best friend and sister-in-law Kate (Bonnie Hunt), who has her own marriage problems. In Rome Faith bumps into an American (Robert Downey Jr.) who may just be the man of her dreams, while Kate is pursued by suave Italian shop owner Giovanni (Joaquim de Almeida).

What Works Well: Marisa Tomei and Robert Downey Jr. are an attractive couple and share an effortless chemistry. Director Norman Jewison surrounds them with scenic Italian locations, including Venice, Rome, and the picturesque seaside village of Positano. Some of Tomei's gowns are stellar, while Bonnie Hunt injects the typical sidekick role with more-than-usual substance.

What Does Not Work As Well: The premise is ridiculous, even for a rom-com, resulting in Faith acting like a nitwit. But Robert Downey Jr.'s character is an unreliable serial liar, so maybe they are a perfect match. 

Conclusion: The alluring stars and Mediterranean backdrops are easy to enjoy, just as the entire movie is easy to forget.



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