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Summary: The best food film ever!
Review: Makes you want to go out and cook!
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Summary: A Tale of Two Brothers
Review: There are many angles to this film, but I was especially drawn to the relationship between the brothers. One is a purist, the other pragmatic. One flirtatious, the other shy. There are some truly inspired moments in this film - an opening scene when the only paying customers demand a side of pasta to go along with a dish of risotto is unforgettable. And there are a wealth of minor scenes and images, some of which are never explained, that add to the richness of the film. Regrettably, the penultimate scene is awkward, but on balance it is a delight. And, odds are, it will make you hungry. Probably for Italian cuisine.
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Summary: A Night to Remember with Primo and Secondo
Review: No matter who we are or where we go, one of the common threads that binds us together as a species is the fact that our lives, in one way or another, are filled with hopes and dreams. The aspirations may vary, and of course change from individual to individual according to wants and needs, but irrefutably it is there, and more often than not has a significant bearing on who we are and what we become. And it is that kind of ambition and the need to succeed that generates the impetus in "Big Night," a drama set to the tune of real life, directed by Stanley Tucci and Campbell Scott; a film that explores what it means to follow your heart and hold on to that dream, even in the face of adversity. Finally, it's a story about love, trust, truth and betrayal, all of the things that make up what we fondly, and often exasperatingly, call "life."It's the 1950s; two brothers, Primo (Tony Shalhoub) and Secondo (Stanley Tucci) have recently emigrated from Italy and landed on the Jersey shore where they are trying to make a go of their Italian restaurant, the "Paradise." Business, however, is not good; Primo is a genius chef, but insists on preparing meals fit for the gods (like his exquisite risotto) rather than the mere mortals who only occasionally stop in to sample the elegant offerings of their board of fare. Secondo, the businessman of the two and the visible presence in the restaurant, has tried time and again to reason with Primo in regards to the menu, but to no avail. And now, the Paradise is on the verge of going broke; the bank is about to foreclose. Help often comes from the least likely quarter, however, and so it is here, when Pascal (Ian Holm), the owner of a rival (and quite successful) restaurant offers to do them a favor. He offers to call his friend, the famous jazz musician Louis Prima, to invite him and his entire band and entourage to dinner at the Paradise, which just may provide the shot in the arm the restaurant needs to stay afloat. And so Primo and Secondo prepare for the biggest night of their lives, the one "big night" that is going to save them and keep their dream of making it to the top-- "their" way-- alive. Working from a screenplay written by Tucci and Joseph Tropiano (Tucci's cousin), directors Tucci and Scott deliver a thoroughly engaging and entertaining film, a little gem that is worth any number of Hollywood blockbusters put together. The characters are sharply drawn and presented with humor and poignancy that resonates with honesty and realism. It's the kind of film that opens itself up and invites you in with the promise of a sumptuous feast awaiting between the opening and closing frames, then makes good on that promise. Collectively, the filmmakers have a studied and subtle touch that makes this film appealing and accessible to everyone and anyone who has ever aspired to something better. And they make it very clear that theirs is a pursuit of the heart, rather than the cold comfort of a viable bottom line. They actively seek out the humanity that resides at the center of their story, and finding it, they convey it to their audience with a sure hand devoid of any pretensions or undo sentimentality. There is, without question, sensitivity in their approach, but it is restrained and effective and allows the drama to play out in very real terms. The characters are people you quickly grow to like, similar in nature to those who populate Bonnie Hunt's wonderful "Return To Me" (which starred Minnie Driver, who is also featured in this one). One of the elements that sells a film, even one which seemingly has everything going for it to begin with, is the performances; and the ones here are first rate all around. As the brothers, Shalhoub and Tucci each take an understated approach that makes their characters convincing and real. Tucci, especially, lends incredible nuance to his portrayal of Secondo. Watching him perform a basic task like preparing food in the kitchen becomes spellbinding; the way he approaches the counter, scrapes a knife on the cutting board before he begins chopping and slicing, the second nature of the way he wipes his hands on his apron or removes a skillet hanging overhead and places it on the stove. It's all SO real that it puts you right there in the kitchen with him. And it makes you a part of the experience rather than merely an observer. The same can be said for Shalhoub. His portrayal of Primo is a study in precision, and the mannerisms shared by Primo and Secondo and the way they connect with one another makes the casting of them as brothers entirely believable. Their relationship has that necessary sense of lifelong history about it that makes it genuine. As Pascal, Ian Holm gives an energetic and larger-than-life performance that makes his character a decided presence in the film, and it makes his pivotal role in the story convincing. And as Pascal's girl, Gabriella, Isabella Rossellini leaves a lasting impression, as well, with a performance that is discriminatingly seductive. As Secondo's romantic interest, Phyllis, Minnie Driver is charming and irresistible. Her screen time is comparatively limited, but Driver makes what she has significant, with an expressiveness that makes Phyllis endearing. And with her eyes and facial expressions, Driver speaks volumes. It's a winning performance that makes Phyllis an unforgettable character. Also effective in smaller roles are Allison Janney as Ann; Campbell Scott as Bob, the most convincing car salesman to grace the screen since Kurt Russell's Rudy Russo in "Used Cars;" and Liev Schreiber as Leo. The ending of "Big Night" is somewhat ambiguous; but staying true to the story, it is the ambiguity of "life" itself. And a more perfect ending there could not possibly be.
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Summary: Quality and brotherhood
Review: This movie take's its time like a fine Italian meal so loosen the belt, settle in and savor the goodness. It's about quality versus cheap marketing and brotherhood versus hollow ambition. If that last sentence makes no sense to you then just watch it for the FOOD! One of my all time favorites. The soundtrack is great to play while cooking spaghetti for your friends.
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Summary: Excellent
Review: I loved this movie. Great ending that the 0ne-star reviews probably just didn't "get".
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Summary: Sublime
Review: The absolute essence of this movie is captured beautifully in the last scene, what must be a ten minute single-shot take of breakfast in the kitchen. This is just a terrific film. If you enjoyed Milagro Beanfield War and Baghdad Cafe, check out Big Night.
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Summary: One great film...
Review: Big Night, since it's theatrical release, has slyly slipped into my list of favorite movies. Written and directed by Stanley Tucci and Cambell Scott, two fairly well accomplished actors who also show up in the film. Still despite an ensemble cast, the real star of this film is their great screenplay. Stanley Tucci plays Secondo, the younger of two Italian brothers who have immigrated to New York in the 50's, and have started an authentic Italian restarant that struggles by being across the street from a much more popular and successful mainstream restarant. Tony Shalhoub, one of today's greatest character actors, steals many of the scenes, as the pedantic older brother and master chef, Primo. Again there are great performances by many actors, Ian Holm, Isabella Rossellini, Minnie Driver and even pop singer Marc Anthony appears as the bus boy, the first character you see in the film. The characters are realistic, the audience is never patronized, and the story flows very well. The soundtrack is amazing and plays an important role in this film. Especially watch for the last scene, a long uncut scene with almost no dialogue.
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Summary: ITALIAN REBORN
Review: THIS MOVIE FROM THE OPENING CLAUDIO VILLA STORNELLI MADE ME HAVE THE GREATEST DEJA VU IN ONE'S LIFE.. ANYONE WHO WANTS TO WATCH AN ENTERTAINING, WARM HEARTED, WITTY SCRIPT, ETC SHOULD SEE THIS MOVIE. FROM THE SUPERB ACTING ( TOTAL CAST ) , TO THE FANTASTIC MUSIC, TO THE GREAT FOOD SCENES, THIS MOVIE HAS IT ALL.. IT WAS CLAUDIO VILLA'S OPENING SONG THAT REACHED MY ITALIAN SOUL AND I BECAME A FANATIC FAN OF HIS MUSIC SINCE.. THIS MOVIE RANKS WITH GOND WITH THE WIND, LAURA, GODFATHER 1, CASABLANCA, DAIL M FOR MURDER AS ONE OF THE GREAT MOVIES THAT CAN BE WATCHED OVER AND OVER AGAIN.. ENJOY........
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Summary: Must See More Than Once
Review: This is the only movie I have seen five times within a 3-month period, taking different groups of people each time. This is primarily a movie about relationships, and they're portrayed with gusto and with as many dimensions as can be brought to the screen. This movie's soundtrack rates just as highly (with me.) Get both.
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Summary: Delicious!
Review: It is impossible to overpraise this film. It depicts two Italian immigrant brothers trying to make a go of a small restaurant in the face of heavy competition from another Italian immigrant, wonderfully played by the great Ian Holm, who runs a larger and far more successful bar. Primo, the older brother, is a master chef who refuses to compromise his principles by appealing to what is popular in order to attract a much larger clientele. Secondo, the younger brother, who has been in America somewhat longer than his brother, is the restaurant's manager and must deal with its day to day operations and, more urgently, with impending foreclosure due to financial difficulties. The problems of art vs. commerce causes major conflicts between the two brothers as they prepare for the "big night" which could make or break their business. This is a film of great warmth, humor, and heart. We root for the brothers while being aware that they are in the troes of a sinking ship. The apex of the movie is the sumptuous, eye-popping meal that Primo creates for the "big night." After seeing this film you're going to want to jump in your car and head for that tiny Italian restaurant to which you have always wanted to go, but was 100 miles away.
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