Big Night
(1996, Rated R, Comedy, Starring Tony Shalhoub, Minnie Driver, Isabella Rossellini, Campbell Scott, Stanley Tucci)
-
Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings -
Is it any good?
-
Common Sense says
Delicious adult fare sure to leave you hungry.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 15–16
What to watch out for
-
Violence:
-
Sex:
-
Language:
-
Consumerism:
-
Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
This review of Big Night was written by Heather Boerner
Parents need to know that Secondo cheats on his girlfriend and lies to his brother. Pascal curses all the time (but it's clearly part of his schmoozing, insincere personality), lies, and manipulates. Many characters drink, and Phyllis drinks to the point of vomiting. Primo and Secondo fight with each other. Some strong language.
Families Can Talk About
Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
- Families can talk about how the brothers take care of each other and also pursue their own dreams. Which brother do you most identify with and how would you have handled a similar situation? Families can also talk about their own family history of moving to the U.S. How did the family deal with the struggle between assimilating (as Segundi does) and keeping traditional values (like Primo)?
Have you seen it? Review It!
More on Big Night
What’s the Story?
In BIG NIGHT, Secundo ( Stanley Tucci) and Primo (Tony Shalhoub) are Italian immigrant brothers with a dream: to make a successful restaurant offering authentic Italian food. But in the America of the 1950s, there's no Food Network to educate white-bread Americans about risotto or timpano. Instead, they turn up their noses and abandon the restaurant. It's on the verge of bankruptcy when Pascal (Ian Holm), owner of a successful spaghetti-and-meatballs Italian restaurant, offers to bring jazz singer Louie Prima to the restaurant for a special meal. Pascal, who's also loaned Secundo a great deal of money and is trying to convince the brothers to come work for him, promises Prima's visit will save the restaurant. What unfolds is a celluloid and culinary meal designed to save the restaurant.
Is It Any Good?
Lavish, luscious, and delicious-looking, Big Night hits all the right spots. On the menu of this food-centered comedy is a perfect balance between comedy and pathos. Much like Babette's Feast, Big Night revels in the unique and delicious foods on display. The camera loves them and, truthfully, the viewer might get a little hungry.
Aspiring chefs will love the story line and food, but the plot lines about financial stress and adultery make this more adult fare. Still, mature teens may appreciate the music and food (and young fashion plates may develop an obsession with the Dior New Look). The impressive list of costars includes Marc Anthony, Allison Janney, Campbell Scott, and Isabella Rosselini. In the end, Big Night is a treat probably best enjoyed by adults after the kids go to sleep, maybe with a bottle of wine.
Movie Details
Studio: Sony Pictures, Director: Campbell Scott
Run time: 109 minutes
Theatrical release: 07/19/1996, DVD release: 04/07/1998
MPAA Rating: R for some sexuality and language
Run time: 109 minutes
Theatrical release: 07/19/1996, DVD release: 04/07/1998
MPAA Rating: R for some sexuality and language
Our Members Say
Give Recommendations, Get Them, Too!
Become a member and get recommendations from other parents based on your child's age.Tell us your child's age:
Already a member? Log inOur Members Rate It
Be the first to review
For Your Family
Get age-based recommendations for your kids:
Customize based on your child's age
