Big Night

Critics tripped all over their big feet to praise Big Night, and in doing so performed a grave disservice to this fine little film. They fooled audiences into believing it was a "super movie" instead of a home movie buoyed by friends and family. Consequently, many viewers were disappointed. Big Night is an intimate look at the immigrant struggle to attain the American Dream, set in New Jersey in the 1950s. Its disproportionate success gave co-directors Stanley Tucci and Campbell Scott, who also star in the picture, the green light to follow up with a smug, unsuccessful second venture called The Imposters. Tucci wrote Big Night with his cousin Joseph Tropiano, and they based the story on the experience of growing up in a large, proud Italian family. The brothers in Big Night--chef Primo (Tony Shalhoub) and businessman Secondo (Tucci)--have come to New Jersey to open a bistro named The Paradise that serves the finest in traditional, authentic Italian cuisine. Their every move is foiled by rival restaurant Pascal's, which serves mile-high servings of spaghetti and meatballs and flasks of bad Chianti at exorbitant prices. Primo is disgusted by the fact that Americans want cheap pasta instead of risotto, so Secondo hatches a plan to boost business: rumor has it bandleader Louis Prima is travelling through and will dine at The Paradise that very night. Secondo gambles to bring the finest dinner ever cooked--at the risk of losing his shirt and being reduced to exile to the old country with his tail between his legs. Big Night is a film that will easily invite comparisons to other "food" fare like Babette's Feast and Eat Drink Man Woman but, though Tucci insists his story is "about the struggle between art and commerce and the risk of staying true to yourself," the media refused to let it stay a small, comparative work. The movie, and the buzz around it, became a parable for the essence of the film itself: art vs. commerce. --Paula Nechak

1 Hey, Marc Anthony is in this movie!
...but I don't think he has a single line. I don't even know the name of his character, but he was right in the middle of this struggle between two brothers running this Italian restaurant. Primo the expert Chef who refuses to compromise his art, and Secondo the businessman. Secondo seems to be in charge here, yet he respects his brother's opinion, as demonstrated when he decides to keep risotto on the menu although it is not a favorite with the customers. Pascal, the competitor across the street, gives the customer simple dishes that they demand on the Jersey shore. The brother's Paradise restaurant is doomed to failure.

Ultimately this was a movie about the value of family, art and perserverance. The movie began at a slow pace as we learned about the struggle, but the pace and humor picked up as the Big Night approached.

Little things make this movie great. I like how Secondo nudges Primo to make a connection with a woman that he clearly likes. As Secondo test drives a Cadillac, he asks if the car is "this year's model" without actually saying the year, leaving car buffs estimating that it had to be late fifties.

Isabella Rosellini is beautiful and Minnie Driver is the proverbial girl next door. Secondo looks impeccable in his suits and Pascal's excitement is catching as well as funny.

Subtlety runs throughout this movie, except for the scene where the brothers wrestle in the sand, exchanging dialogue in Italian (subtitled) the entire time. It isn't long after this though, that the movie wraps up with a powerful piece of film with no dialogue at all that says it all: this family is strong enough to endure this trial.

2 Great Little Story of Italians, Food, and how they relate.
`Big Night' is co-writer / co-director Stanley Tucci's contribution to the select collection of `food films'. The leading members of this very gourmet list of films is the Japanese `Tampopo' and the French `Babette's Feast'. If you look at it cross-eyed, you may even add Peter Greenway's `The Cook, The Thief, His Wife, and Her Lover'. `Tampopo' is hands down the most interesting of these, but `Big Night' can hold its own in this crowd of culinary celluloid.

Like Siskel and Ebert, you will like this movie a lot if you like movies by Fellini and Renoir. I sensed more than a few little echos here and there of Fellini's `La Dolce Vita', although I confess Tucci simply does not have the great touch of the Fredrico Fellini / Marcello Mastroianni team. But that bar is so high, Tucci Company still manage to come in with a remarkable little film.

For fans of some of the players in this film such as Minnie Driver, Isabella Rosselini, Tony Shalhoub, and `C. J. Craig', Allison Janney, you may be disappointed at the rather thin part each of these actors receives, although all but Miss West Wing carry their roles off with great skill. While on the surface the main drama seems to be between Tucci and Shalhoub, the two immigrant Italian brothers who own and run a small high quality restaurant in 1957 New Jersey, the best tension is between Tucci's character and Ian Holm (later to famously appear in the role of Bilbo Baggins in `Lord of the Rings'). Holm plays a competing restaurateur whose very successful establishment is just down the block from the brothers' weakly performing `Restorante'.

The setup for understanding the difficulties the brothers face is what we see on a typically light night when a typical 1950's American woman is served a seafood risotto and simply cannot understand the dish, as she was expecting spaghetti with the rice and sees no seafood on the dish. This sets up the culinary interest to the foodies in the audience who are fully aware of the difference between classic Italian fare and the `Italian-American' cuisine being sold down the street at Holm's restaurant. Of course chef and older brother Shalhoub is totally unsympathetic to these uneducated tastes and balks at simply making a side dish of spaghetti to go along with the rice.

This movie was made before 2001 and Shalhoub shows absolutely no trace of his Emmy award winning Adrian Monk persona. Behind his great Groucho mustache, one can almost not even recognize him, as even the quality of his voice seems changed to fit the part.

The driving force behind the story is the fact that the bank will no longer extend the deadline on the loan for their restaurant, so the brothers need to come up with much more money than they currently take in over the course of a week. Holm offers the suggestion that part of the success of his restaurant lies in the interest he generates with celebrities who come to eat at his place and leave lots of autographed photographs behind. So, Holm suggests that he will attract Louie Prima to come to the brothers' restaurant to eat on a particular `Big Night'

Preparation of the food for this event brings culinary interest back to the forefront when we see Shalhoub and his assistant hand make pasta which is then assembled into that most elaborate dish an `Il Timpano', a great upside down casserole filled with pasta, sauce, sausage, and all sorts of other good things to eat.

A secondary plot is the relation of Tucci with girlfriend Minnie Driver complicated with an affair with Holm's wife, played by Isabella Rosselini. The end of the movie leaves many of these relationships in disarray, most especially the one between the brothers.

It is totally proper that almost all the music is from recordings of performances by Louie Prima and wife Keely Smith. The feeling of being filmed in the mid-1950's is almost perfect except for the to me dreadful coloring which may work on `The Matrix' but which does not work on northern New Jersey. Everything looks red and green. The movie would have been much better served by having been filmed in black and white a la Woody Allen of `Manhatten' or in a lush 1950's Technicolor where the colors are more real than in real life.

This is a great little movie with the one property that makes buying it on DVD worth while. It will yield additional pleasures on a second and third and fourth viewing, as long as you liked it to begin with. I bought it and I was not disappointed.

3 Sweet and sumptuous...
This sweet little film will make you hungry for a nice big Italian meal. Great performances all around and a fun soundtrack.

The problem with it, ultimately, IS the simplicity of the story. Rather than tell us something important about the relationship between two immigrant brothers, it ends up being little more than a long pilot movie (albeit a very well done one!) for "Big Night---the sitcom."

Even so, it is a fun way to spend 109 minutes...which is all this DVD has to offer.

4 Sometimes the spaghetti likes to be alone.
Crickets and Tumbleweeds. This is our initial introduction to the life and business of two brothers named Secondo and Primo (symbolically named "second" and "first" to make sure that we the viewers can remember which is the older and which is the younger). Together they have come from Italy in hopes of pursuing the American dream, to become popular and wealthy with their trade. Each brother has his own trade. Secondo (played by Tucci) is the business suave brother, he attempts to keep the restaurant afloat by pleading with the bankers, while on the other hand test driving the newest Cadillacs because he believes in the philosophy, "To be successful, you must first look like you are successful". Primo, played perfectly by Tony Shalhoub (best known for the TV series "Monk" and the Men in Black films), is the chef of the family. Although both brothers can cook, Primo prides himself to know food the best. His belief is that the food will bring the customers in through the doors, not due to the booze, women, or music. Together, with the help of some of their friends, they try to keep their heritage alive by trying to save their restaurant.

Alright, before you say, "Well, I don't need to read further, I know what the review is going to be..." Think again. This film was honestly one of the worst independent films that I have seen for some time. Tucci's style of film-making (along with Scott) is almost like we were watching a theater group on the big screen. I understand that is a very common style to use, but it didn't cut it during this film.

While Shalhoub is amazing in his role, it is almost erased by Tucci's role. He overplays his character to the limit. We forget about the two brothers and spend so much time trying to get past Tucci's acting in this film, that we loose sight of the whole picture. I also felt like the timing was off. Several times I glanced at my watch to see how much time was remaining on this picture. Coming fresh off of Mostly Martha, and being a fan of Chocolat, I wanted to see so much Italian food that I would immediately rush out after the film and gorge myself with all the Italian food that Southwest Virginia had to offer. I wanted to salivate every time I saw or even heard Italian food, but unfortunately, Pavlov still had a lot to work to do. Unfortunately, after watching this film, I wanted to immediately purge myself of all Italian food that I had eaten in my lifetime.

Big Night left a horrible taste in my mouth. It was a beautiful ensemble, with some great actors, but Tucci needed to give them something to stand out of the screen with. I felt, and I know the film was about the two brothers, that the other characters didn't mean anything. When the secret from Pascal was announced, I didn't see him as the self-proclaimed villain. He was just a liar, nothing more...but I wanted more. People have raved about this film, but I don't see the big secret. Nothing new, nothing special. Big Night showed that lack of creativity, and without power or money the "American dream" cannot become a reality. It was almost a insult to what America has to offer. To respond to brotherly love, it really didn't seem like the two brothers wanted to work for their money. They just wanted the "American Dream" to appear and be theirs.. What I saw from this film were too lazy brothers that could not create their own business...

They realize that they saw the "American dream" during that "big night", even if it wasn't with all that jazz (pun was intended).

Grade: ** out of *****

5 Wonderful "Little Film" -- So-So DVD
Stanley Tucci, as actor, co-writer, and co-director (with Campbell Scott, who also plays a pitch-perfect small part as a car salesman), deserves a great deal of the credit for this small, intimate, delightful film. But the film resonates because it got so many of the little touches right, from the ensemble cast to the soundtrack to the editing to the cinematography. So there is a lot of credit to go around.

Tucci plays Secondo, the aptly named younger of two Italian brothers who have emigrated to New Jersey from the Old Country. Secondo is the entrepreneur, the guy who wants the big Cadillac. Primo (Tony Shahloub), the older brother, is the magician of a chef. Primo is so good, in fact, that his culinary masterpieces go over the heads of the good folks of New Jersey. When contemplating a wonderful seafood risotto, a diner complains that she can't see the seafood, and that her desired side of spaghetti doesn't come with meatballs (inspiring the wonderful line, "Sometimes spaghetti wants to be alone").

Primo bemoans the fact that he is serving food to Philistines, but the sad fact is that most of the Philistines are eating across the street at Pascal's restaurant. Pascal, played with great zest by Ian Holm, knows that you have to give the customer what he wants -- even if it is culinary sacrilege. The contrasts between the restaurants, from the colors to the lighting to the clientele, could not be more staggering!

Secondo laments to Pascal of his financial woes, but refuses Pascal's (repeated) offer to come work for him. Pascal, being a big-hearted guy, tells Secondo to pull of a "big night," with no holds barred. Pascal will invite his good friend, Louis Prima, who will come, eat, and love Secondo's restaurant. Then, the people will come.

So the story builds to the big night (a side plot regarding Secondo's tortured love life notwithstanding), which is where the movie really takes off.

Organizing the banquet scene into courses, "Big Night" revels in the wonders that can only be brought about by great cooking. The cast has a difficult task -- how do you emote rapture without going over the top? The ensemble cast, which includes Isabella Rosselini, Minnie Driver, and Allison Janney, nails this task just right. The cooking scenes are also hectic and impressive without going over the top, too.

Following the big night, many truths are revealed, perhaps because it is impossible to deceive after having such a wondrous experience. If this film doesn't move you, or inspire you to get thee hence to an Italian restaurant, you have no heart!

But again, the heart of the movie is its dedication to the small touches. From Primo using his cup to tamp down his espresso grounds to the making of a simple omelet, this movie gets it all just right.

The DVD does not have much to offer as far as extras go. What it does have is one heck of little film.

6 What a delight - but eat before you watch it
Eat before you watch this movie; otherwise, you'll end up painfully hungry and go stuff yourself with every bit of Italian food you can lay your hands on.

This is a simple story of two brothers struggling to fulfill their dreams - one to be a "success" in America; the other to be a great Italian chef.

Realizing the dreams of the first brother hinges on the success of one important meal depends on the skill of the second - and forces outside their control.

Tucci, Shaloub, Holm and company all give wonderful performances. There's no showing off by the many successful actors who are in this movie - they all just do a great job.

The climax of the movie is the banquet scene, and it's going to make you hungry and want to get up and dance.

The final scene which lasts for several minutes with the only dialog being one line - "are you hungry" - wraps up the movie nicely, and shows what a good director and actors can do when both understand the power of subtlety.

This is one fun movie - lots of laughs, amazing food, and a great soundtrack.

7 A bland meal
I've seen BIG NIGHT described as "one of the great food movies". Let me clarify something here. The adjective "great" modifies "food", but not "movies".

Primo (Tony Shalhoub) and Secondo (Stanley Tucci) are Italian immigrant brothers who've opened the Paradise restaurant in an unidentified surfside town on the Eastern seaboard sometime in the 1950s. The elder Primo is a superlative chef, and both he and Secondo know it. But, Primo cooks to his desires and not the customers'. So, two years into the venture, the brothers are almost broke, the bank is about to repossess, and Secondo, the one with the business sense, is driven to despairing distraction.

Down the street is the competing Italian restaurant owned by Pascal (Ian Holm). While he admires Primo's talent, Pascal gives his patrons what they want, so his eatery is enormously successful. To help the boys out, Pascal arranges to have his friend, the Italian-American singer Louis Prima, come to the Paradise with his band for dinner. Secondo spends virtually the last of their savings preparing for the BIG NIGHT with the expectation that the event and its attendant publicity will yank them back from the brink of insolvency. In the meantime, he avoids emotional commitment to his girlfriend Phyllis (Minnie Driver) while having an affair with Gabriella (Isabella Rossellini), Pascal's mistress. After all, what are pals for?

The best bits of this film are the too infrequent cooking sequences. But the best ends there. BIG NIGHT doesn't know whether to be a drama or comedy, and succeeds at neither. The dialogue is flat and uninspired throughout, and the plot goes nowhere of interest. My wife, perhaps a dollop more impressed than I was, called the film a "character study". But no persona in this otherwise dull movie is engaging, and, indeed, I found Pascal's ebullient crassness positively annoying. About the only other good thing I can say about BIG NIGHT is that it uses as props some well-preserved, large tail-finned, period Cadillacs that will perhaps stimulate vintage car buffs.

Better films to rent that revolve around food preparation are MOSTLY MARTHA (2001) and EAT DRINK MAN WOMAN (1994). These, at least, portray characters to care about.

8 The American cinema needs more BIG NIGHTS!
The film "Big Night" is not a small little picture that was over-hyped by critics. The only person who would be disappointed in this film would be some 15-year old kid that was looking for some kind of "2 Fast 2 Furious" crap. Over all the Amazon editorial staff does a fine job of presenting the plot or scope of a film, book, or CD. In the case of "Big Night" I am left to wonder if the reviewer watched the film or just read the back of the DVD case. Her opinions are fine but in the review itself she wrongly guides the reader as to both the plot and the outcome of the movie- Two things that should never be done.

9 big deal
Spineless indie film. At the end, the Ian Holm character, when chided by Tucci that he's only a businessman while Tucci's brother--played by Tony Shalou--is a real artist, asks Tucci... so what are you? Is Tucci an artist or a businessman? Well, the question applies to this movie which is neither Hollywood product not soul-searching art movie.
It's middling, warmed up stew for those who wants some entertaiment and some art. Beware of a movie credited with two co-directors. It lacks the personal integrity of movies made by authentic auteurs gifted with singular vision and total mastery. Can you imagine Scorsese co-directing a movie? No, a Scorsese film is like a juicy steak done rare. Tucci's filmmaking is pure vegan cinema.
And, yes, it has a sappy ending with two brothers hugging and kissing; how conventional and cliched... but there is no uplifting music so I suppose it's meant to be subtle. Gimme a break or a sandwich instead.

10 More than the sum of its parts
This is a little movie on steroids, but it's still a little movie - and it's delightful. It's about the struggles, survival, and triumphs of the little immigrant guys to make it big in the hugely competitive world of restaurants. Two Italian brothers open a bistro in NJ that serves `real' Italian food, food for the soul, food from the old country. The chef hatches a plan to boost business that will either succeed or bankrupt him. The Big Night joins the host of other wonderful foodie genre films, such as Tortilla Soup, Dinner Rush, etc.
Terrific.

11 A Small Triumph for The Immigrant Experience
How did I miss this film when it first came out? I've just discovered it on DVD, and I'm glad I did. What a wonderful celebration of food, family and heritage!

I'm a second generation Italian-American whose immigrant maternal grandparents came through Ellis Island from Naples in 1907. They opened a small Italian restaurant in New York that is still in business today. Big Night brings back many poignant memories of growing up and working with my mother's family in the business. It also shows the wonderful cuisine that my Nonna prayed would delight her customers and feed her dreams of success for us in America. For her, every night was a Big Night.

This quiet film is a small triumph in its realistic depiction of the immigrant experience in America. It shows how the cultural clashes and and business differences can confound even the most intrepid newcomer; however, it also shows how the immigrant's cultural background, unique skills and innate dignity cannot be erased, thereby adding some wonderful new flavor to American life. Stanley Tucci's obvious labor of love is an achievement for its point of view as well as for its writing, acting and editing. The final long, uncut scene, which I hear is studied in film schools, has a beautiful timeless quality that lives on in the memory long after the film is over.

The only reason I gave this 5-star film a 4-star rating is because of the DVD quality. It deserves a better transfer and some enhancements, like the actors' commentaries or some background on the food's selection and preparation for the film. Perhaps a future edition will be kinder to it. Until then, this version of Big Night will live happily between Babette's Feast and Chocolat in my Best Food Films collection. Mangia!

12 Great movie!
As "Like Water For Chocolate" defines the Mexican experience, "Big Night" does the same for the Italian immigrant. A touching film about two brothers and their struggles both with each other and the new world. The eldest brother, Primo, played by Tony Shaloub, shows a true passion for his food that elicits laughter, admiration, and empathy. And the food!! He cooks up a veritable feast, culminating in a Timpani that will have you salivating like a padlocked dog.

Stanley Tucci plays the younger brother Secundo, who worries about more practical matters, like paying the bills. He and Primo go 15 rounds over the menu, produce, and every other little detail.

If the crescendo of the movie is the all night feast scene, its denoumont is the next morning. The love exhibited between the two brothers is obvious and moving.

The film features a soundtrack starring jazz great Louis Prima. Wonderful stuff that will inspire you to buy the soundtrack as well.

13 You CAN smell the food while watching
This is a beautiful movie on a number of levels. As many reviewers have noted already the Italian cooking and the scenes in the kitchen will have you craving a fine Italian dinner as soon as you finish watching.
Beyond the food this is a fine film with a very touching story involving two immigrant brothers who are extremely close despite their obvious personality differences. The tension between the brothers builds as they attempt to salvage their struggling restaurant business. Primo (Tony Shalhoub)the older brother has an artistic temperment and that applies to his uncompromising approach to cooking and cuisine. His brother,Secondi(Staney Tucci), has more material ambitions and is manipulated by a competing restauratnt owner into an ill-advised attempt to publicise their restaurant by having an elaborate dinner party for singer Louie Prima. Hence the film revolves around preparations for THE BIG NIGHT.

The climax has the conflict between the brothers break out into the open and the film ends with a beautiful sequence in the kitchen where there is a silent reconcilliation.

The story is set in a New Jersey shore town in the 1950's. The period is captured beautifully with big-finned Cadilacs cruising down the main street and the women's fashions are right on the money. The soundtrack is absolutely fabulous with cuts from Rosemary Clooney, Louie Prima and some lesser known Italian recording artists.
Both Shalhoub and Tucci are excellent in thei roles and the supporting cast is very good as well.

Overall I highly reccomend both the film and the soundtrack.

14 Hungry? You will be.
Though I wish I had the words to give it justice, I cannot even begin to describe what a magnificent achievement this movie is.

When I watched this movie for the first time in the theater, I joined in something remarkable. When the movie ended, the entire audience stood up and applauded. This is a film that simply goes beyond brilliant. It is so good, it is embarrassing. It throws you into it like few other films I have seen. It is sad, elating, poignant, funny and utterly remarkable.

This film is a story of two Italian immigrants trying to make it as restauranteurs in the United States, selling authentic fare against the Boyardee expectations of the general public. However, where the expectation is that the film will attack the unappreciative "philistines" of America head on it, instead, invites everybody into subverting those expectations with a combination of surprising humor and some of the most delectable comestibles celluloid has ever witnessed.

I must add, for the love of all that is holy, eat something before you watch this. The food that is thrown across the screen is beyond description. There is a bit where a cake-like pasta dish is cut into and, as they pull out the slice, an entire theater full of people could not help but let out a collective, "Unnnnngggggghhhh." Also, have a meal ready for afterward, preferably something Italian, because you could have a bender at a smorgasbord just before and you will be starving like a hunger-striker by the time the credits roll. Had this film existed in the late '40's, the British would have tortured Ghandi with it.

This is not a film of swordfights or gunplay or swashing buckles. It is a film of people. But brilliant people. It is like sitting down with a genius and having him/her explain his view of the universe to you: Simultaneously fascinating but somehow elusive. As though there is some jump that you instinctively know exists, but can't quite understand.

All I can say is, it is well worth the effort. It does not need special DVD features. It does not need director's commentary. It does not need interviews with the actors. Like a good, sorry, great meal, it simply needs to be itself.

15 A touching feast
Don't expect big action or big adventure. Big Night is a small film that certainly will stay with you when it the ending credits begin. Think of the feeling you have after drinking a rather nice bottle of Merlot and you will understand the emotion of this film. The film centers around two brothers: one, an idealist, the other, a pragmatist and the rich cast of characters. The interaction between the brothers is lovable and touching. It often simulates real life if you happen to be the proud offspring of an immigrant family. The food is inspiring and the remarkable and the rich flavors of dialogue help you understand the importance that succeeding in a new country and staying true to your own convictions can often times be overwhelming. There are a few holes in the plotline that seem to make no logical sense (i.e. the brother's rival taking a heartfelt interest in their business) so the climax was predictable. I understand that this movie received "raves". A good film, but certainly not "one of the best". It is a perfect movie to rent for those "Dinner & Movie" nights.

16 Great movie, cheap DVD
As most of the other reviewers have noted, this is delightful gem of a movie about the conflict between two Italian immigrant brothers who are trying to operate a restaurant. The older brother, Primo (Tony Shalhoub), is a culinary purist, the younger brother, Secundo (Stanley Tucci), is more pragmatic. The cast is rounded out with Ian Holm, Minnie Driver, and Isabella Rossellini.

I deducted a star because the DVD is cheaply made. There is no director's commentary, and no alternative sound set up. My copy contains an insert that states that there are two English sound tracks, a Dolby surround sound and a 5.1 dolby digital. Surround sound is the default, but to play back the 5.1, "simply access the main menu, select Languages/audio setup, then select English 5.1 (dolby digital)." Simple enough. The only problem is that the main menu does not contain a "select languages/audio setup" option. It simply doesn't exist. Which makes the insert kind of funny.

Bottom line, this is cool movie with a great sound track, but they need to take another shot a making a DVD.

17 Magnifico!
Another great food film! The unforgettable characters is what truly makes this a film worth seeing. These 2 Italian brothers in New Jersey have a small restaurant which is failing partially due to the old world ideology of the chef brother, and the americanization of the other brother. They witness the restaurant up the street thrive albeit serving food that "the owner should be in prison for". Just when they are almost completely broke, they get a chance to serve Louis Primo, and they go all out to create a truly spectacular banquet.

Again, the acting is wonderful, and the characters are laugh-out-loud funny. Check this one out for sure.

18 Delicious
Great acting, beuatiful cinematography, wonderful writing, mouth-watering food, good humored jokes, this is one of the most likeable little movies I've ever seen. Not much for story, but it won't be missed. You will be satisfied. You'll still want more.

19 great music, food and conversation...what more could you wan
THIS IS A FUN FILM! And a well-made one too. It's worth seeing because of the great blend of music, dialog and personalities. Most especially the two Italian brothers and their affection and humor is a wonderful experience to be part of. And you do get taken in. Its like the great food and wine and music...It is contagious. Do yourself a flavor...take a taste.

20 A wonderful film
This is one of my favourite foodie films and is definitely up there with Babette's Feast. Check out the final scene, shot in one take and featuring considerable poise and culinary skill by Stanley Tucci. A classic!

21 One of the best little films ever
This is a simple story, one about love, greed, betrayal, ambition, and how one man with a big idea - doesn't always get to live the American Dream. Fine acting, a good story, excellent period music and costumes, and featuring food that is simply to *live* for - what is there about this movie not to like? No hip soundtrack, no car chases or explosions, no violent outbreaks or profanity-laden dialogue? Well, this may not exacly be a family movie, but it is one that is good for a rent on a rainy day, or a date when it comes around to your local artsy one screen theater.

22 The best food film ever!
Makes you want to go out and cook!

23 A Tale of Two Brothers
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.

24 The main course of great moviemaking
Big Night is one of those rare movies that really hits every right note in great filmmaking. It's a passionate and heartfelt movie about the bonds of family and the love of class that gives you a sense of majesty and flavor. Tony Shalhoub and Stanley Tucci, (Who by the way co-directed this film with Campbell Scott) Plays brothers who own a struggling Italian Restaurant who puts everything on the line for one big night to save their business. Primo (Tony Shalhoub) Rather live for his art for fine food than be successful, while Secondo (Stanley Tucci) tries to keep Primo and himself above water while being tempted by the extravagances of owning a successful Restaurant. An all around superb cast of characters backs them up in this journey that includes Mark Anthony as their loyal follow coworker, and Sir Ian Holms as an rival Restaurant owner who tries to help them out. This is a true heartfelt movie that should not be missed under any circumstance.

25 A Night to Remember with Primo and Secondo
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.

26 Quality and brotherhood
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.

27 Excellent
I loved this movie. Great ending that the 0ne-star reviews probably just didn't "get".

28 Sublime
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.

29 One great film...
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.

30 ITALIAN REBORN
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........

31 Must See More Than Once
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.

32 Delicious!
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.

33 So beautiful
Simple. Searing. Complex. Gentle. Big Night takes you on an emotional ride through the lives of brothers, making you care about both of them and see both sides of their story.

34 Small budget, Big Night
Big Night provides a good example of how a great movie can be made without a lot of money if you have a good story and good acting. Big Night draws us into a story about art (in this case, the art of cooking-a favorite of mine), success and family while asking us to question how we prioritize these things. The story populates itself with distinct, well-conceived characters, and a great part of the fun is watching the skilled actors sink their teeth into the roles. And the party that ensues and the food that's served leaves you wishing you could be there. (I've made the timpano many times, and believe me, it's every bit as good as it looks.) It's a fun, stimulating experience, and though a little overwrought in the latter stages, Tucci and company had the courage to close the film with a scene in which simple actions speak more eloquently than dialogue.

35 A hidden masterpiece!
This is in my opinion one of the best movies ever made and I am not exagerating. A Brilliant cast with Stanley Tucci, Isabella Rossellini, Minnie Driver, Tony Shaloub and Ian Holm stealing every scene he?s in. This is a film with a warm heart and wonderful humour that deserves to be praised.

36 A Feast
Big Night, the story of immigrant brothers struggling to make it in America is a feast for its viewers. It is a small film, much of its action taking place in the small restaurant owned by the brothers. These brothers mount one last, big party in hopes to save their establishment. In the end, for one reason or another, everyone has turned away, leaving them with their biggest supporter, each other. This is not an action flick and not even a popcorn movie... But, for me, this film was a smorgasbord.

37 One of my all-time favorites
The Big Night is one of my all time favorite movies. Being a graphic artist I felt I could really relate to the chef Primo, wanting to create a masterpiece and feeling frustrated when it's not what the public wants. The soundtrack is also a must own. Oh yeah, and a big tip, NEVER WATCH THIS MOVIE HUNGRY.

38 Food Glorious Food
This little movie, and it seems a disservice to call it that, is so charming and touching, that it's on my permanent top ten list. The performances are subtle and the food, oh my God the food! Did I forget the music? The soundtrack is one of the best to listen to while cooking Italian. Plot has been covered by others, so I'll stick with tiny details, the faces of the stuffed diners, the conga line, the women's chat and the timpano...oh the timpano! I made this dish at home (over 3 days) and it was glorious. My favorite part of the movie though, is the final scene, shot in one-take, of Segundo preparing breakfast. No words, just acting (and cooking). Excellent, like the rest of it.

39 The Best Dinner You'll Ever Watch
Stanley Tucci and Tony Shalhoub are brothers from Italy operating a none too successful restaurant in 1950's America. Tucci is the host with a head for business, Shalhoub is the chef who is a cusine snob. Tucci gambles on one big night that could pull their restaurant out of the financial hole and gain it popularity by hosting a dinner for visiting jazz great Louis Prima, who they think they can invite with the help of the successful restaurant operator accross the street. A wonderful look at hope, struggle and relationships. Beautiful photography, great humor, and a fitting soundtrack. This film deserves praise as it is one of the only portrayals of Italian life and culture in which the ever present "mafia" does not appear.

40 Remarkable, Simply Remarkable
If you enjoyed Babette's Feast or Eat Drink Man Woman, you can well be expected to enjoy Big Night. This charming film is intelligent, subtle, honest, and thoroughly enchanting. The characters are not cardboard cut-outs, they are fully developed with a complex set of emotions and motivations. Truly, this is not the run-of-the-mill Hollywood gruel; rather it is an intricate risotto, full of subtlety and nuance.

Messieurs Tucci and Shaloub are wonderful in their portrayal of Primo and Secundo, two Italian brothers trying to operate a restaurant of quality - not pretense, just quality. Standing in their way of success are customers who do not appreciate truly good food and another retauranteur, Pascal, who caters to the latter's plebian appetites. Interwoven into the story are the romantic interests of the brothers, each as different in substance and execution as the brothers themselves.

The pace of the story is slow and gentle, like a fine meal. Nothing is rushed nor is anything unjustly delayed. Those who have accustomed themselves to the fast pace of Hollywood movies are likely to be shocked by the simplicity and subtlety of Big Night. This is not a story that advances itself by cheap tricks or flashy scenes; it moves at the same civilized pace of Chef Primo's magnificent banquet. Leaving the viewer to digest each course without being rushed.

Truly, this is a movie for those who, due to the appalling quality of what passes for modern movies, have thought themselves not fond of movies. To see and enjoy this film is to renew not only your faith in the potential of the cinema, it is to review your own life, for there is a little philosophy in the movie as well. However, it will not demand an answer from you, it will merely suggest a few questions to you; whether you answer them or not is your decision.

41 "Big Night" was the Best Movie of 1996.
The fact that it didn't receive a single Academy Award nomination is a harsh indictment of the Academy. Sure, it's a very small, quiet film, but its characters are so memorable, its dialogue so perfect, that I can't imagine that anyone who sees it can ever forget it. Big Night, in its own unassuming way, touches on a lot of Big Issues--the joy of food, the love of family, the constant war of art vs. ambition, the necessity of staying true to your principles--and it does so gracefully and entertainingly. It probably was never a realistic candidate for Best Picture, but at least there could have been nominations for Best Original Screenplay and for the performances of Tony Shalhoub, Ian Holm and Minnie Driver. That would have been simple justice.

42 RISOTTO VS HOT-DOGS
BIG NIGHT is Stanley Tucci's first movie and deserves more than a polite attention. It's the story of two italian brothers trying to make a living with their restaurant specialized in original italian food. We're in the 50's and american people are still in their meatballs and steak culinary period leaving the two brothers without clients nor money. One of their luckier italian fellows played by Ian Holm (!) promises to bring to the restaurant a well-known italian singer in order to give a new start to the brothers. So they will prepare a BIG NIGHT which will stay for all the guests the culinary dream of their lifetime.

I must admit that it's the first time in my movie lover life that I was so hungry during a projection. Unbelievable ! The camera was in love with the different menus the brothers offered to their guests. And the actors seemed to enjoy very much the food they were eating !

BIG NIGHT is also a movie about cultural integration in the United States. The Paradise restaurant lies near the sea the two brothers have sailed across to reach America. In fact, this is the real Port of Entry for them ! And there are only two solutions. To get back or to give up a lot of the italian particularities they are made of in order to be a real american citizen, healthy, businessman and fond of hot-dogs.

A theatrical trailer as extra-feature.

A DVD for Minnie Driver.

43 Entertainment
It's a good movie. Read the critics review for the plot. This is a movie without hype. You get to see the guy from "Wings" and "Stark Raving Mad" play a challenging role along with Stanley Tucci.

44 Oh, It's Big
What better compliment can I give to Big Night than to say it's a simple story, well told. It celebrates the pleasures of good food and the pressures of brotherhood. The centerpiece of Big Night is the culinary orgy of traditional Mediterranean dishes served with the the finest of care to the most captive of audiences. It's not long before we realize that the guest of honor is just a ruse, but who cares. Dish after dish is placed before us, and we can't help but gasp at the beauty and wonder of their banquet.

In the end, the dilemma of Primo and Secondo is the artist's as well: does one give the people what they want or teach them to like what they haven't tried before? In Big Night, Tucci shows us that it can indeed be both.

45 One of my favorite movies...
In the end, it gives you joy, makes you smile and makes you hungry. What more can one ask for?

46 BORING?
Give me a break. This movie contains so many beautiful moments and subtelties it's unbelievable. The ending of this movie is one of the greatest endings of all time. Quiet, subtle, like nothing you've ever seen.

47 B-O-R-I-N-G...
Boring is the best thing I can say about this bomber. I am perplexed by the raves this movie has received. I had to end it before it was 1/2 way over and then went swiftly to sleep. Has anyone seen Rodger & Me? Same idea. Try "Jean de Florette" and "Manon of the Spring" if you want a truly great movie.

48 A wonderful story. A thinking/feeling person's movie.
My wife and I have wanted to see this movie for a while and finally did last night. It was really a superb movie. Bravo Shaloub and Tucci.

49 Brilliant!
I love Louis Prima. This movie will have you loving him too

50 A feast for the eyes (and ears!)
This is the most entertaining film I have seen in recent memory. A brilliant work all around, from the direction to the writing to the cast. Shalhoub and Tucci play off one another as immigrant brothers with incredible chemistry and ease, while Ian Holm gives a deliciously subtle performance as the villainous restauranteur down the street. Like Shalhoub describing Lasagna Bolognese, you can try to watch the mouthwatering dinner scene, but be warned--view it only on a full stomach (preferably Italian cuisine), or you may very well have to kill yourself afterwards. And as if that scene weren't lethal enough, the film's soundtrack too is to die for. Also, relish the final scene of Big Night--a perfect dessert to a five-star, five-course, absolutely delicious meal of a film.

For those who loved this film, check out The Imposters. Written and directed by Stanley Tucci, with much of the same cast as Big Night, it's not as strong as this effort, but it marches to a completely different tune and is a remarkable film in its own right.

51 A Great Film - Hollywood should pay attention
A movie that relies on subtlety, writing, and acting. Wonderful actors, good story. Was on my top 10 for 1996.

52 Worth watching
No action heros , no state of the art special effects , no sex and no violence . Just real actors playing real people in real life situations . Wonderful and convincing cast especially Tucci , Holm and Rosellini , but you have to single out Shalhoub who gave a brilliant performance .

53 A GREAT ADDITION TO MY FOOD MOVIE COLLECTION !
AS A REAL FOOD JUNKIE, I COLLECT MOVIES WITH FOOD THEMES. THIS ONE GOES RIGHT NEAR THE TOP OF MY LIST.

54 Best Last Scene in Movies
This is a first-rate flick! The last scene is completely without dialogue, but filled with as much on-screen impact as any Shakespeare soliloquy. A must-have!

55 A very human movie.
This is a wonderful movie- but you have to expect a quiet movie. The characters are very human, and their interaction is remarkable. The struggle between the two brothers, and their struggle together is very well played out.

If you love food, you'll love this movie. If you don't love food, you'll come away from it wishing that you did cook, and with an appreciation of how natural the actors are with the food.

56 People should-a come just-a for the food...
Primo (Tony Shaloub) is a traditionalist, a perfectionist, an artist; he is a chef without compromise. His younger brother, Secondo (Stanley Tucci), will compromise, bend, wheel and deal; he is a desperate businessman who cares about food, but is realistic. Unfortunately, their little restaurant is way, way ahead of its time. When their 1950s customers go out for Italian food, they want red-checked tablecloths and lotsa spaghetti and meatballs, not risotto and delicate wine. How can their restaurant stay in business? It can't, but they try to save it with an all-out feast for a famous Italian jazzman. If you're the least bit hungry when you watch this film, you've got trouble, because food has never looked this good. It's a quiet, slow movie, but you get to know Primo and Secondo completely, and you find yourself wishing their restaurant was in your neighborhood so you could go there and give them all your money.

57 It's scrumptious!
This movie is a feast for the senses...wonderful complex characters, cultural realism, and excellent nostalgic circa 1950's settings. The sensual, hedonistic dinner scene works in sharp counterpoint to the struggle of two Italian brothers trying find their way in America, each in their own unique style. A rare cinematic delight without high-tech flashy effects or gratuitous violence, this is a deceptively simple story with many layers of undertones to consider. Mangiamo!

58 I didn't want it to end.....the party is so much fun!
This movie really brings out the complexity of being in business with family along with lots of other emotions and relationships, all tied in to wonderful food. It is a great story. The soundtrack is one of our favorites and adds life to any dinner party.

59 we fell in love with the movie
For the first time I've watched the movie alone at home.When it was finished I was feeling happy like I've seen a long lost friend. Second time was with a lot of friends after a bruch in my place. We could not get out it and spent the rest of the afternoon cooking Italian and dancing to Louis Prima. This is the moody part of it. I think it is an EXCELLANT film. Very good acting, very good script, very good music, excellent art direction. As a low budget film, set up almost in two main interiors (restaurant and kitchen) plus a few other locations, all these items perfectly combined makes a beautiful film. Everyone with "taste" should watch it.

60 A sweet movie about two brothers and the American Dream
This is a sweet and endearing movie. The humor is subtle, the characters are distinct, and the food is wonderful. If you love the art of cooking, then you'll love the detail of the movie.

A totally believable plot and ending. A thoroughly satisfying feast.

61 Don't listen to him -- see the movie
"Big Night" is one of those delicious "small" movies (like "Daytrippers") that will stay with you for a long time. Granted, it's not an Arnold Schwartzenegger mega-blockbuster or Robin Williams jokefest like the previous reviewer probably wanted; but if you have an IQ over 75 and an attention span past 50 milliseconds I suspect you'll enjoy the richness of the plot and Stanley Tucci's subtle performance.

62 avoid this movie at all costs
if you really want to enjoy any movie - even a mediocre one - then rent Big Night. it will make anything look good.

63 Naptime
Somebody with undue influence over my husband told him this is a really excellent "little art film", so he rented it. Set in the 1950s, it's a slow-paced tale about two brothers from Italy who must face the demise of their restaurant. The food looks good, and there are one or two moments that would have been touching if I'd actually cared about the characters. I'm glad we didn't pay to see this in a theater, as it was much easier to take lying down.

64 An absolute delight
Watched this wonderful movie 3 times the first week after I received it - each viewing revealed a new dimension to the storyline and the intricate relationships among the characters. The music was great, the cast superb, and the movie wonderful. If you're looking for action pass it up. If you want to lose yourself in a subtle, humorous and realistic story rush out and get it.

65 This was an entertaining movie that makes you hungry !!!
It is a superb movie that lets you emotions ride up and down with the main characters.

66 Fantastic!
A fantastic movie, with superb acting and a wonderful soundtrack