This comedy is totally far-fetched and definitely not to be taken seriously. There’s a nod to a few mob-related films, especially in the final scene, which I found quite amusing. Toni Collette appears to be having lots of fun starring as Kristin, a writer in her middle age, who is grappling with the challenges of her son leaving for college, a chauvinistic boss, and her husband’s recent infidelity. Amidst this turmoil, Bianca, a trusted advisor to Kristin’s estranged grandfather, informs her of his passing and insists she attend his funeral in Italy. Kristin discovers that her grandfather intended for her, the only living heir, to take on the mantle of leader for Calabria’s most formidable Mafia family. As I said it’s all a bit of Mafia inspired hilarity, with violence, of course, and romance… it is in Italy, after all. The scenery is gorgeous as one would expect. So, grab your Italian vino and a plate of pasta, sit back, relax and enjoy.

American Pie… countless romances would have blossomed whilst listening to this song, and the songs of those associated with “that day.” Don McLean says in this documentary that within the verses of his song American Pie, there is a personal connection for many. Mine would be that as an 8-year-old, I grew up with the music of Buddy Holly and the Big Bopper as I had teenage sisters, and the first movie I took my son to see was La Bamba. I enjoyed this one immensely as it delves into how McLean came to write the song, the difficulty he had getting anyone to produce it or play it on radio, especially at eight minutes, and the affect it had on people back in 1971 and has to this day. Pilgrimages are still made to the cornfield in Clear Lake, Iowa, which is the site of the Buddy Holly plane crash.

This film captured everyone’s heart, and so did Patrick Swayze… oh yeah, and Demi Moore also starred. In 1991 the film won Oscars for Best Supporting Actress for Whoopi Goldberg and Best Screenplay. Swayze’s Sam is madly in love with his girlfriend Molly. Sadly, Sam is   lover of impending danger. Sam turns to the spiritual medium, Oda Mae Brown, to go to Molly to let her know what Sam has said from the other side, and to protect her. The story has romance, fantasy and crime, backed up by the Righteous Brothers’ wonderful Unchained Melody. If you’re a hopeless romantic, this one’s for you.

Way back in the foggy ruins of time, as a teenager, this film we all rushed to see at the movie theatre. The much loved and admired Audrey Hepburn appeared in the lead role as the mysterious. Holly Golightly in this delightful romance, directed by Blake Edwards and written by Truman Capote and George Axelrod. George Peppard stars as writer Paul who resists Holly’s charms, but it isn’t long before his heart is captured. It was considered risqué back in 1961 as the two lovers were said to work as escorts for wealthy clients, buy that went right over the head of this 11-year-old, but I did glean some information from my older sisters and mother whispering in the kitchen. And Moon River is still one of the best songs ever written, winning Henri Mancini an Oscar, and it’s such a romantic dancing tune… I presume lovers still do that.

So many romantic tunes to dance to with your partner of choice in this wonderful documentary of the two concerts that Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett did at Radio City Music Hall in August, billed as Bennett’s final public performances, the first night of which coincided with his 95th birthday. This concert special honours the musical legacy and the warm friendship of Bennett and Gaga. So, sit back, put your feet up and prepare to be enthralled, or do some slow dancing around the lounge, or indeed all over the place.