Ciao Alberto (2021)

Ciao Alberto is a small film with a big, beating heart: a sunlit return to Portorosso that turns a simple workday-and-mentor setup into something quietly profound. It captures the particular comedy of trying too hard to impress someone you admire, then lets the laughter soften into an earned warmth as two guarded souls learn to speak honestly. The vibe is breezy and seaside-sweet, but it’s anchored by a genuinely tender bond between Alberto and Massimo that models patience, accountability, and the kind of support kids actually need. If you loved Luca’s world and want a short, satisfying emotional afterglow rather than a grand new adventure, this one is an easy yes.

Ciao Alberto is a sweet little add-on to Luca that’s clearly trying to give Alberto a heartfelt “found family” moment and deepen his bond with Massimo. The problem is it’s so short and straightforward that the emotional beats can feel a bit pre-programmed, with conflicts that resolve quickly and not much room for the story to breathe. If you’re expecting a big adventure, lots of Luca and Giulia, or the visual ambition of a full Pixar feature, this will likely feel more like a warm epilogue than a must-watch. Still, the voice work is charming, Massimo’s gruff-soft dynamic lands, and for kids or fans who just want a gentle, low-stakes character piece, it does the job.