Big Night (1996)

FIne acting from a first rate cast

This is not a big flashy movie but it is full of great actors doing their best work. The performances are real and well rounded. You never catch any of them "acting". They all live in the scene. December 8, 2008

superb food movie

subtle, touching, it oozes love of good (italian) food.
the acting was out of this world. July 14, 2008

A movie that you can sink your teeth into!

This is one of those fabulous movies that you can pop in any time that you want to be entertained. It's touching, it's funny, it is familiar. It is done with a well-known cast of actors that bring meat and potatoes to the story. With Tony Shalhoub and Stanley, how can you go wrong? April 17, 2008

A charming little film

Big Night is a charming small film about Italian immigrants in the 1950's setting up a restaurant in New Jersey. The film highlights the immigrant dilemma, do you change your life to become part of the American "melting pot" or do you retain the culture of the "old country." Well written, well acted, and surprising supporting players. December 3, 2007

Some films stick to your ribs

I was writing a review of The Hoax when I remembered why I bought the DVD. Ever since watching The Big Night, I've bought any film with Stanley Tucci in the cast. I noticed that in other Amazon customer reviews of The Big Night, people seem to either hate or love this film. I fall into latter group.

I originally saw The Big Night on the big screen because a local newspaper reviewer suggested that you see the film at an early showing with a reservation for later the same evening at your favorite Italian restaurant. Dinner and a movie: What could be more American.

Although The Big Night didn't do well at the box office, it developed legs on DVD. This movie blazed a path for other food movies, propelled Tucci's career, and generated untold register receipts at Italian restaurants across America. Quite an accomplishment for a quiet little film. (Actually, the first food movie I remember was It Happened One Night. No other film has made me want to eat a carrot.)

One other piece of trivia about these two Tucci films: Both are hoax stories.
The Shut Mouth Society
The Shopkeeper
November 5, 2007

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