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Stanley Tucci, Tony Shalhoub, Minnie Driver, Ian Holm, Isabella Rossellini ... see more see more... , Allison Janney , Campbell Scott , Marc Anthony , Marco Morales , Jordan Herrera , Althea Vega , Jaycee Parker , Andre Belgrader , Caroline Aaron , Christine Tucci , Gene Canfield , Jack O'Connell , Karen Shallo , Larry Block , Liev Schreiber , Pasquale Cajano , Peter McRobbie , Tony Shaloub

In this witty drama, a pair of brothers debate integrity versus compromise as they try to succeed in the restaurant business. Primo (Tony Shalhoub) and Secondo (Stanley Tucci) have journeyed from Ital... read more read more...y to New Jersey in the mid-1950s, determined to make a killing with an authentic Italian restaurant, The Paradise. But their food is a bit too authentic; Primo may prepare a superb risotto, but most of his customers are wondering why they can't get a bowl of spaghetti and meatballs. Secondo tries to convince his brother not to berate the customers for requesting more "American" dishes, but Primo stands firm. Meanwhile, Pascal (Ian Holm), another local restaurateur, is doing great business with "Italian style" food the brothers wouldn't bother to spit on. Despite Primo's refusal to change his recipes to cater to lowbrow tastes, Secondo goes to Pascal begging for advice. With The Paradise on its last legs, Pascal offers to help -- Louis Prima, the famous Italian-American bandleader, is coming to town, and Pascal is to arrange a banquet in his honor. He'll stage the banquet at The Paradise in the hopes that Prima and his entourage (and hopefully the accompanying press) will fall in love with the authentic food and sing the praises of the foundering restaurant as he tours the country. The preparations for the big night and the behind-the-scenes family drama that ensues is highlighted by a strong supporting cast of Minnie Driver, Isabella Rossellini, and Allison Janney. Stanley Tucci, who plays Secondo, co-directed with Campbell Scott, who has a small but memorable role as a car salesman. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

Flixster Users

83% liked it

6,929 ratings

Critics

96% liked it

54 critics

R, 1 hr. 49 min.

Directed by: Stanley Tucci, Campbell Scott

Release Date: September 20, 1996

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DVD Release Date: January 1, 1998

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Flixster Reviews (514)

  • mjgildea
    November 12, 2006
    mjgildea
    A really fun movie. This movie in itself is like a party.
  • ryguy4738
    November 11, 2011
    ryguy4738
    9.4/10

    I love food. I love Italians. Lastly, I also love New Jersey, especially the shore area; mind the parts popularized by MTV's trashy television series "Jersey Shore". Given how I am profoundly fond of all three things; it's no wonder that the 1996 food flick "Big Night" ... read moreis like my wet dream come true. It takes a lot of things that I like and quite a few aspects of life that I love and puts them into a true cinematic treat; one of the best movies about food ever to be made. I suppose it has had its share of imitators, and this shall continue so long as Hollywood is granted entry into realms once thought untouched and forbidden to their kind; but this is a rather glorious night, and it's certainly one to cherish and remember.

    What makes "Big Night" a great film is the fact that it understands something oh-so-very-valuable: the difference between a good food movie and a great one. To make a good one, the food is a given, and you need to also supply likable characters and locations to boot. But if you are, on the contrary, intent on making something that the audience - or at least a good share of those within it - shall remember long after the movie has run its course, then much more must be done. You must use food as a metaphor, and believe me, that is what "Big Night" does. To the simple-minded folks, it IS a film about food and people who make it. For me, a big emphasis is put on the "people who make it"; as this is a very human drama that works as a compelling study of both its central characters and the times that they live in. It makes some very intelligent and relatable commentary on today's world as far as foreign cuisine goes; food is a part of our culture, and a part of most other cultures too. We must never allow ourselves to detach from it; and it's movies like this one that remind us of the role that food plays in all of our individual lives.

    Two Italian brothers, cutely named Primo (Tony Shalhoub) and Secondo (Stanley Tucci), reside off the shore of New Jersey; where they run a self-owned restaurant called "Paradise". Business isn't exactly booming; each night brings in different people, and not in large surplus. The larger restaurant across the street, run by family friend Pascal (Ian Holm), is enjoying a far greater amount of success than that of Primo and Secondo. In fact, their restaurant is so unpopular, and is bringing in so little amounts of money, that the bank insists on putting them out of the job. This is oh-so-very sad, because both Primo and his brother Secondo believe that what they conjure up in the kitchen is REAL, authentic Italian food; while all that is served on the opposite side of the street is Americanized, but therefore, more appealing to the general public.

    Now, I've had my fair share of both real Italian cuisine and "Americanized" Italian cuisine. In a way, I appreciate them both; the former, perhaps, a good deal more than the latter. Italian food that is real and fresh is made with passion; and as a food lover (and a lover of many other things as well), I respect and appreciate that. If I go to a restaurant that presents itself in a fancy matter, I want food that is real; especially when it's one ran by those damned talented Italians.

    While that last paragraph was a pleasant sidetrack, I think it's time I got back to the story. The brothers are given one last chance - one last night - to impress the masses with their promised and supposed "skill". This night shall determine everything from their future to their talent (as cooks) to their emotional wits. Before we know it, the night is upon them/us; the drinks are flowing, the food is cooking, eventually to be devoured, and we wait in anticipation just as the many guests do.

    When dinner is finally served, we get something more than we would expect. Initially, I was hoping for this final meal to be admirably over-directed and spiked with artistic influence, but it was when it finally started to unfold that I understood the truth; "Big Night" is indeed about the grand meal, but not about the food. It's about the emotional core that each real human being there perhaps unwillingly strips bear; Primo and Secondo among others show their true selves in the film's closing scenes, which are flawlessly staged.

    There's also a great deal spoken regarding women. The female characters of the film serve a large purpose in its story; they open doors for deception, seduction, and perhaps biggest of all, pure distraction. Secondo seems to be the only one, out of the two brothers who thinks he is in love; he has a girlfriend, yet he cheats on her by sleeping with his competitor's beautiful wife. Primo, on the other hand, does not seek love but more-or-less finds it in an attractive florist; who seems to like him back just fine.

    The film is very human in nature; with some themes that are genuinely thought-provoking and surprisingly true to life. The food looks absolutely delicious whenever it is shown, and the stars are an attractive lot, but they should not distract from the core messages and thematic elements of "Big Night"; and there are truly too many to count. It is an overall wonderful and pleasant viewing experience that closely studies the relationships of brotherhood, the temptations of life, and dedication in the business world. It's a rare and great work of art that desires to entertain; and does just that, but unlike so many films, it doesn't have to sacrifice a well-told story and instantly lovable characters to do so. All ingredients combined; I'd say it makes for a rather splendid banquet of good cinema, good people, and good food.
  • Lemure
    May 17, 2012
    Lemure
    Stanley Tucci and Tony Shalhoub as Italian brothers running a restaurant should be a recipe for wit, comedy, and great drama. Sadly, when you bite into it, there's nothing but air. Likeable, but nothing special.
  • keystar1970
    July 19, 2011
    keystar1970
    This is a really charming little food movie, about a pair of Italian brothers trying to make it in the restaurant business. In a last-ditch effort to save their business, they make a mega meal for a celebrity with the hope of receiving a public endorsement.

    Tucci and Shalhoub... read more do a great job as the quirky brothers.
  • SunilJawahir
    November 27, 2010
    SunilJawahir
    Just great! I'd been meaning to see this for a few years but wow. Such a great story and such a great cast. It really feels like you are with them on this big night for the restaurant.
  • PinkMinkPrincess
    July 17, 2011
    PinkMinkPrincess
    I'm a Foodie, so I loved this Movie.There is a Recipe in there I still Covet actually .Again we find ourselves pulling for the Underdog here in this film.I also have a fondness for the Actors in this Film, often thought of as Character Actors & Second Banana's. I often choose a M... read moreovie because Stanley Tucci, Minnie Driver,or Tony Shalhoub is in it , they are all underrated, as is this Film that makes you feel Italian for a Day(or night in this case).
  • magisterbrodd
    June 6, 2011
    magisterbrodd
    Watched again for the first time in years (via Netflix), and I have to recommend this one to everyone I know. I LOVE this movie!
  • lunaviker
    November 30, 2010
    lunaviker
    Thoroughly delightful, with an excellent cast. The pacing is slow and thoughtful, and the final scene (and the film itself) is beautifully shot. You will leave this movie feeling like you were an intimate guest at the dinner party. Marc Anthony surprised me with his sweet, quiet,... read more nuanced performance... and younger Stanley Tucci and Isabella Rossellini? *sigh*
  • jjb3332003
    April 16, 2010
    jjb3332003
    A solid character piece. Great music, great cast (yes, even Isabella Rossellini), and a very good ending. Minnie Driver is beautiful here.
  • raz68
    January 29, 2010
    raz68
    Fantastic movie about 2 brothers trying to nmake it in the movie business. Outstanding soundtrack as well!!

View All Big Night Reviews

Critic Reviews

Desson Thomson
April 7, 2003
Desson Thomson, Washington Post

A charming, delicate repast prepared by Stanley Tucci and Campbell Scott. Full Review

Peter Stack
June 18, 2002
Peter Stack, San Francisco Chronicle

A small movie -- and that's its subtle charm. Full Review

Peter Travers
May 12, 2001
Peter Travers, Rolling Stone

A feast of a film done on a low budget with a menu featuring top-grade acting, writing and direction.

Kenneth Turan
February 14, 2001
Kenneth Turan, Los Angeles Times

As delicately and deliciously prepared as the dishes it features, Big Night is a lyric to the love of food, family and persuasive acting. Full Review

Roger Ebert
January 1, 2000
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

By the end of the movie, we have been through an emotional and a sensual wringer, in a film of great wisdom and delight. Full Review

Rita Kempley
January 1, 2000
Rita Kempley, Washington Post

A scrumptious tale of great food and grand passions. Full Review

Jeff Millar
January 1, 2000
Jeff Millar, Houston Chronicle

It will paste a big, sloppy smile on your face from its opening moment. Good luck at dislodging it.

James Berardinelli
January 1, 2000
James Berardinelli, ReelViews

When it comes to seeing Big Night, two words say it all: Bon appetite! Full Review

Mike Clark
January 1, 2000
Mike Clark, USA Today

Stanley Tucci's surprise cinematic brainchild fills you up with its audacious originality.

Heather Boerner
December 18, 2010
Heather Boerner, Common Sense Media

Delicious adult fare sure to leave you hungry. Full Review

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    • Primo: The knowledge of God is the bread of angels.
    • Primo: To eat good food is to be close to God.
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  • Is it true that the Late night Talk Show Host Conan O'brien appeared in Bewitched?  Answer »
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