Latest news with #LaDolceVilla
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
7 New Netflix Movies You'll Want to Watch in May
May is that perfect sweet spot where the high (yet breezy) temperatures make you want to sit near the sunlight, cold beverage in hand, and watch a movie. And with so many new releases added to Netflix recently, there will be no shortage of content to stream. Whether you're a fan of romantic comedies, horror, or drama, there's something for everyone in our latest edition of Netflix movies to watch this May. This May, you won't want to sleep on this romantic-horror-comedy. The story follows two coworkers who, by a twisted turn of events, are hunted by a masked killer that specifically targets couples. When they're forced to become allies, they choose to fight back—while welcoming you along for the ride. Plus, it just landed a spot on Netflix this week! This German thriller has been buzzing on Netflix in multiple countries, and it's safe to say it will keep you on the edge of your seat. The story follows a soldier's son who vanishes at a U.S. consulate, forcing his mother to remain on the premises to search for him. Without realizing it, however, she ends up entangling herself in the conflict. Sofia Carson stars in this romantic comedy that's perfect for kickstarting May. When a young woman is sent by her mother on a quest to complete a teenage bucket list, it leads her to discover long-kept family secrets and romance. While the story isn't fictionalized, this documentary will keep you guessing—and watching. It follows a chef whose life is turned upside down when a woman claiming to be his mother appears in his life. What he ends up discovering is more than he signed up for, but his story isn't even close to over. What's better for May than a quick trip to Italy? La Dolce Villa follows an American father who travels to Italy in hopes of keeping his daughter from restoring an old villa. What he ends up finding, however, is beauty, magic, romance, and a deeper understanding of his daughter. Keke Palmer is known for her incomparable talent and unbeatable humor—and in One of Them Days, she gets to show off both. When her boyfriend steals her rent money, Alyssa—played by R&B artist SZA—and her roommate, played by Palmer, scramble to find rent money in hopes of avoiding eviction. One viewer even claimed that "like great wine, this is just going to get better with age." Last but not least, viewers are praising Havoc for its visual and audio effects, making it a piece of cinematography you won't want to miss. Starring Tom Hardy, the story follows a bruised detective who's forced into the criminal underworld in hopes of rescuing one politician's estranged son, leading to a uncontrollable web of lies and deceit. Read the original article on Real Simple
The Independent
28-02-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Is Italy still selling €1 houses? The real story behind Netflix's La Dolce Villa
Italy's one-euro homes have made the headlines with Sicilian Cinderella stories and fixer-upper failures since the scheme's inception in 2017. On paper, the initiative offers those looking for a cheap leg up the property ladder a run-down Italian villa, flat or house for just €1. Sceptical? As is concerned dad Eric Field (Scott Foley) in the new Netflix film La Dolce Villa. In the flick released last month, Eric rushes to Italy to talk his daughter out of buying and restoring a crumbling €1 Tuscan villa. Shot in the fictional village of 'Montazara' – actually the small Tuscan cities of San Quirico d'Orcia and Pienza – La Dolce Villa is a romanticised version of an actual initiative to attract new residents into underpopulated Italian regions. Although an Italian love affair isn't guaranteed, the fictitious Tuscan fixer-upper for 83p is real life for the expats who have bought in over the last eight years. Of course, the Netflix rom-com has a happy ending for the abandoned villas, but can you still buy a €1 house in Italy, and are the crumbling homes all they're cracked up to be? Can you still buy €1 houses in Italy? Yes, so-called 'one euro' towns are currently active in at least 30 municipalities across Sardinia, Sicily, the north and south of the Italian peninsula. The Italy-wide ' Case 1 Euro ' initiative was launched in 2017 and aimed to boost dwindling rural populations, reclaim derelict properties, attract investment and rejuvenate communities. Of the communities involved, most are located in small medieval hilltop towns, away from major business areas. Popular towns with international buyers purchasing the homes include Salemi, Sambuca and Mussomeli in Sicily. How can you buy a €1 home? When purchasing a €1 house, each municipality has its own specific application and process requirements, and interested buyers must contact the area directly. According to the Case 1 Euro website, commitments from buyers include submitted renovation plans within a year of purchase and the payment of notary fees for registration, transfers and land registry. Several municipalities require interested parties to visit before purchasing to prove they are serious about renovating their €1 Italian home. The residency issue is one of the main headaches for Brits looking to buy in Italy. For British citizens or prospective buyers living outside the EU, the properties can be purchased in Italy, but as "non-residents". This status incurs higher taxes compared to local buyers. Non-residents are allowed to spend up to 180 days per year in their Italian homes, but they cannot stay for more than 90 days within any 180-day period. To visit more frequently, you must apply for Italian residency, which requires demonstrating that you have sufficient funds to support yourself without working in Italy. Are they really that cheap? The renovation of your Italian dream home will likely cost a lot more than €1 and comes with several strings attached. Houses selected for the scheme are often in varying states of disrepair, dilapidated and require major structural improvements, and investing in the Italian homes can cost serious savings – in the region of €20,000 to €50,000. Some municipalities also ask for a 'guarantee fee' of up to €10,000, depending on the town, to prove you're committed to improving the property within a set time frame (usually three years) and dedicated to spending time living in the community. As for popular properties, these can become the subject of a bidding war, with several going for €5,000 or even €20,000 rather than their 83p asking price. Is it worth buying a €1 house in Italy? The scheme has received a mixed response from those who have bought into buying and restoring the crumbling Italian homes. Meredith Tabbone turned her abandoned "one euro" (£4,400) Sicilian house into a £384k dream home - with a spa, outdoor kitchen and wine cellar. After also buying the home next door in Sambuca for £27,000, she knocked through to create a four-bedroom, five-bathroom property. A success story of the initiative, Meredith recommends people consider buying a one-euro home but said it's not for the faint-hearted. She said: "I went all in. If you can gather the strength, it is worth it." The house that was bought for €1 and renovated by Amanda Holden and Alan Carr in Salemi was also listed on Rightmove for €145,000 (approximately £128,323) in 2023. However, not everyone who dropped 83p on a property was happy with their bargain building in Italy. Danny McCubbin bought a house in Mussomeli, Sicily, in 2019 - but decided to return it to the authorities after refurbishment proved too much of a challenge. McCubbin told The Independent in 2022: 'When you take on a €1 house, you take on a challenge. 'Saying, 'I'm just going to buy a bargain, renovate it and flip it' - that doesn't work. I would say to anyone who's thinking of doing it - you need to put in effort and time.' He added: 'It's a big decision, not just at €1 - even at €5,000 or €10,000. Get a feel for the place. Don't be bedazzled by the view - even though the surrounding area is absolutely stunning.'
South China Morning Post
20-02-2025
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
Who is La Dolce Villa actor Scott Foley's wife, Marika Domińczyk?
Hollywood actors Marika Domińczyk and Scott Foley have been together for 18 years and have three children together. Photos: @themeanchick/Instagram Fame and celebrity A new Netflix romcom explores what it might be like to buy one of the one Euro (US$1) homes on sale in the Italian countryside – and, perhaps unsurprisingly, it's not as easy as it may seem. La Dolce Villa , directed by Mark Waters ( Mean Girls , Freaky Friday ), follows Eric, a successful businessman played by Scott Foley, as he travels to Italy to stop his daughter from spending all her money on restoring a decaying villa that she bought for one Euro. 'His initial determination – to save his daughter from making what he believes would be a huge mistake in purchasing property in Italy – turns out to be a sort of second chance at happiness for Eric, in so many ways,' Foley, 52, told Tudum. The film has quickly garnered the attention of many, climbing its way up the global charts shortly after its release, per Variety. Foley, who is well known for his roles in TV series such as The Unit , Scrubs and Scandal , and his former marriage to Ben Affleck's ex, Jennifer Garner , is back in the headlines thanks to his role in the hit film. Marika Domińczyk and Scott Foley have been happily married for almost 18 years. Photo: @themeanchick/Instagram So what do we know about his love life IRL? Here's everything we've gathered about his wife, Marika Domińczyk. Where is Marika Domińczyk from? Marika Domińczyk hails from Poland. Photo: @themeanchick/Instagram Marika Domińczyk was born on July 7, 1980, in Kielce, Poland, per her profile on IMDB. Marika Domińczyk lost her beloved father, Mirek Domińczyk, in February 2023. Photo: @themeanchick/Instagram She is one of three daughters born to Aleksandra and Miroslaw 'Mirek' Domińczyk – who was a prominent Polish politician. Marika isn't the only one in her family to marry a famous actor either – her sister, Dagmara, tied the knot with Insidious actor Patrick Wilson in 2005. What does Marika Domińczyk do for work?
Yahoo
19-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Netflix just got an emotional biographical drama movie — and it's already crashed the top 10
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. The Netflix top 10 has shifted quite a bit in recent days. For starters, the original rom-com 'La Dolce Villa' has rocketed straight to No. 1 spot over the Presidents' Day weekend, while action-thriller 'Aftermath' sits in the runners-up spot. However, it's the flick just behind these two that has caught my eye. 'Trial by Fire' was added to Netflix last week (on Thursday, February 13), and while this 2018 biographical drama struggled to gain much traction in theaters, it's finding a whole new audience via the world's most popular streaming service. As of writing, 'Trial by Fire' ranks as the No. 3 most-watched movie on Netflix U.S. charting ahead of Amy Schumer's 'Kinda Pregnant', Sly's curtain-closer 'Rambo: Last Blood' and animated family smash hit 'Sing.' Never heard of 'Trial by Fire'? I'm not super surprised. As noted, the drama made barely a splash upon release (its box office haul was a measly $150K). The largely forgotten drama flick recounts a tragic true story and packs two strong performances from Jack O'Connell and the ever-reliable Laura Dern. So, here's everything you need to know about this new to Netflix movie… 'Trial by Fire' chronicles the true story of Cameron Todd Willingham, a man accused of purposefully setting a deadly house fire that killed his three young daughters. A heavy metal music fan with a violent past, prosecutors are convinced Willingham set the fire to cover up his own domestic abuses. Sentenced to death by the state, Willingham (played by Jack O'Connell) strikes up an unlikely friendship with Elizabeth Gilbert (Laura Dern), a playwright sympathetic to his pleas that he is actually innocent. The two bond over their shared experiences of parenthood, and as Gilbert begins to investigate the case she uncovers some disturbing concerns about the high-profile trial. Gilbert's findings suggest that some of the state's key witnesses aren't as reliable as presented. She also learns that evidence that could raise a reasonable doubt about Willingham's guilt is being suppressed. But as Gilbert pushes for the case to be re-opened, the date of Willingham's execution draws ever closer, and there may not be enough time to save his life. Anyone who has seen the 1990s Oscar winner 'Dead Man Walking' with Susan Sarandon and Sean Penn may feel a sense of déjà vu when watching 'Trial by Fire.' Both movies explore a surprising relationship between a death row inmate and a compassionate stranger sympathetic to their plight. The key difference between the two is the element of doubt. In 'Dead Man Walking,' Matthew Poncelet's (Penn) guilt is never in question. However, 'Trial by Fire' adds an element of mystery with Willingham's denial of starting the fire presented as more open-ended. Or at least, initially, it's presented this way. The movie does eventually come down on a clear side of the debate, but for the first act, you'll be thinking to yourself 'did he do it?' As with many biopic dramas, 'Trial by Fire' lives on the strength of its leading performances, and this movie is blessed with two strong actors. Laura Dern's role is well within her wheelhouse. Playing Gilbert doesn't challenge her, but she's as reliable as ever. Jack O'Connell is given the film's most intense material and thrives on it. Willingham is a complex character. He's a deeply flawed individual, but O'Connell manages to make him equally sympathetic. Plus, the movie's exploration of the morality of the death penalty is engaging. 'Trial by Fire's' biggest flaw is that it leans a little too heavily on emotionally manipulative techniques that have become commonplace in the genre. This is especially apparent in the third act. Rarely are the emotions of a scene left to breathe. Instead, everything is ramped up to ensure maximum melodrama. Director Edward Zwick would have benefited from trusting the viewer more and allowing the emotions to flow naturally instead of trying to force things. Over on Rotten Tomatoes, 'Trial by Fire' has scored a respectable 63% with critics. The performances of Dern and O'Connell were praised by reviewers, with the story also labeled 'heartbreaking' but the aforementioned manipulative approach was seen as the main flaw. Audiences were similarly impressed rating the movie 70% on RT's meter. The most recent user reviews call the movie 'powerful' and 'harrowing' praising its 'emotional depth.' 'Trial by Fire' definitely shouldn't be at the top of your Netflix watchlist if you want something light and breezy to kickstart your week. However, if you want to stream something with a real emotional punch that asks some difficult questions about what is justice and how the system can be rigged against those from disadvantaged backgrounds, 'Trial by Fire' is worth considering. It's by no means an easy watch, but it's got some important things to say. The lead performances from Jack O'Connell and Laura Dern are the biggest draws, and the two have a great on-screen chemistry as well. Just be warned, 'Trial by Fire' isn't afraid of resorting to some cheap tricks in an effort to make you reach for the tissues. Ironically, if the movie was more willing to let emotions flow naturally, it would probably hit even harder. Nevertheless, it's a well-made biographical drama that makes a compelling case for itself. If you're looking for some alternative options, be sure to check out our roundup of everything new added to Netflix in February 2025. Watch "Trial by Fire" on Netflix now New on Prime Video in February 2025 Netflix just got an overlooked sci-fi thriller movie New on Netflix: 5 movies and shows to watch this week
Yahoo
19-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Netflix Making Version Of Hit YouTube Format ‘Blue Therapy'
Netflix has turned to YouTube again by commissioning a version of hit UK format Blue Therapy. Coming a few weeks after taking on the second season of The Sidemen's Inside, the streamer has started casting on the show in which six couples are guided by a seasoned expert in an attempt to tackle ongoing issues in their relationship. At the end of the hard-hitting therapy sessions, the couples are faced with the ultimate question – will they find their way back to each other or end the relationship for good? More from Deadline 'La Dolce Villa' Romances Its Way To Top Of Netflix Charts; 'Cobra Kai' Season 6C Underperforms In Debut Week Ryan Murphy's 'Monster' Adds Suzanna Son As Series Regular In Season 3 'Pulse': Netflix Medical Drama Starring Willa Fitzgerald & Colin Woodell Gets Premiere Date, First-Look Photos The show started life on YouTube three years ago on the Trend Centrl channel and episodes with titles such as 'My Partner Is Taking Fake It Til You Make It To Another Level' have amassed millions of views. Channel 4 has since commissioned a local version produced by Luti Fagbenle's Luti Media titled In Love & Toxic: Blue Therapy, which aired in 2023. The Netflix version, which will air globally, comes from Fagbenle's Osun Group, a new shingle that launched last year. All3Media International sold the Channel 4 version and Osun brokered the Netflix one. Fagbenle said: 'This commission marks a significant milestone for Osun Group as we embark on delivering high-quality, engaging content to a global audience, and we couldn't be more excited to partner with Netflix. Blue Therapy not only provides an intimate look into the lives and relationships of culturally diverse young couples but also offers a compelling perspective on modern dating and matters of the heart that will resonate universally.' Blue Therapy comes from showrunner and creator Andy Amadi. Series producer is Vanessa Van-Yeboah and EPs are Fagbenle and Anna Edwinson. Streamers have been taking greater advantage of the dizzying heights reached by YouTube hits. The Big Brother-esque Inside Season 2 will air later this year on Netflix and The Sidemen were at a recent Next on Netflix event in the UK. Amazon, meanwhile, made the Beast Games reality series with Mr Beast. Best of Deadline 2025 TV Cancellations: Photo Gallery 2025 Awards Season Calendar: Dates For Oscars, Spirits, Tonys, Guilds & More How To Watch Sunday's 'SNL50: The Anniversary Special' Online & On TV
