The holiday season is welcoming the release of Cortina Express, a new Christmas comedy directed by Eros Puglielli, featuring renowned actors Christian De Sica and Lillo Petrolo. Scheduled to hit theaters on December 23, 2024, this film blends humor and heartfelt moments, offering families enjoyable cinematic experiences.
The film focuses on the picturesque backdrop of Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, known for its breathtaking Dolomite mountains. It tells the story of various main characters who find themselves entangled during the festive season. Notably, Lucio De Roberti, portrayed by Christian De Sica, is depicted as a charming but misguided uncle, attempting to save his nephew from making questionable life choices. With him is Dino Doni, played by Lillo Petrolo, who has his own comical pursuit of rekindling lost relationships.
According to De Sica and Petrolo, Cortina Express is not merely another entry in the long line of cinepanettoni, the Italian holiday film genre usually characterized by over-the-top humor and antics. "Cortina Express is not your typical cinepanettone, but a film for the whole family," they stated, emphasizing the film's approach to comedy and narrative depth, as reported by Fanpage.it.
This film is at its core about various characters trying their best to project different images of themselves, highlighting their contrasting lives and struggles. Lillo Petrolo remarked, "It's slightly different, honoring the classics with modern direction," reflecting on how the film steers clear of cliché tropes often found in holiday cinema.
Cortina Express presents festive themes through the lens of relatable, human stories, offering insight beyond just laughter. Characters find themselves grappling with societal expectations and personal dilemmas, and through their perils, the film reveals how appearances can be deceptively charming. “The film captures the essence of contemporary Italy, where appearance matters, and many pretend to live beyond their means,” noted Francesco Bruni, who plays Andrea, the affluent nephew. This statement resonates with audiences today, acknowledging shifts within society and cultural dynamics.
The stunning visual appeal of Cortina Express is elevated by its filming locations, which include some of the town's most iconic sites. Shot across scenic hubs like Passo Falzarego and Corso Italia, the film also showcases Cortina’s blend of natural beauty and urban elegance. The historic Hotel Cortina, along with local eateries and boutiques, creates not just visual appeal but roots the screenplay deeply within the culture of the area.
During the film, viewers will encounter moments of joy, reflection, and sometimes sorrow, all harmoniously intertwined with the essence of Christmas. It aims to take audiences on not just a comedic ride but through a touching, humanistic exploration of holiday experiences.
Through the use of vibrant backdrops and lively characters, the film successfully evokes the spirit of Christmas and its inherent messages of redemption and familial love—an endeavor which the filmmakers hope will resonate with viewers of all ages.
The film's release coincides perfectly with the holiday season, providing families searching for entertaining options to enjoy together. Fans of Italian cinema are particularly poised for this revival of the genre which seeks to balance heartfelt storytelling with the charm and laughter demanded by holiday audiences.
The directors and actors associated with Cortina Express have expressed excitement about the project, hoping it will draw audiences not only for its comedic value but also for the heartwarming narratives it encapsulates. With its engaging storyline, picturesque settings, and relatable themes, Cortina Express sets out to not only entertain but also to remind audiences of the enriching qualities of human connection during the holidays.
So, as the opening night approaches, all eyes will undoubtedly be on how Cortina Express performs at the box office and if it captures the hearts of families settling down for their festive movie nights.
