Big Night (R, 1996)

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.

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.

Studio: Sony Pictures
Director: Campbell Scott
Cast: Campbell Scott, Isabella Rossellini, Minnie Driver, Stanley Tucci, Tony Shalhoub
Genre: Comedy
Run time: 109 minutes
Theatrical release: July 19, 1996
DVD release: April 7, 1998
MPAA Rating: R
MPAA explanation: some sexuality and language