Big Night (1996)

Two Geeks and a GIT Classic Movie Reviews

This time around, our pairing focuses on great food, and the people who make and love it! We're starting with a lovely story about two brothers, Italiam immigrants both, who have opened an authentic Italian cuisine restaurant! Directed by Campbell Scott and Stanley Tucci, and written by Tucci and Joseph Tropiano, 1996's "Big Night" tells the story of love, family, food, and unbridled competition. Set in the 1950's, Primo (Tony Shalhoub) and Secondo (Tucci) own a small Italian restaurant, where Secondo tried to keep the doors open while Primo cooks up family recipes, regardless of whether the restaurant's customers want, or understand, them. Across the street, a flashier but less authentic place, run by Pascal (Ian Holme), does a much better business by ignoring tradition and simply catering to the American palette. While Secondo also juggles two women, Phyllis (Minnie Driver) and Gabriella (Isabella Rossellini), Primo is shyly in love with fellow merchant Ann (Allison Janney) who runs a nearby flower shop. After Pascal offers to invite famous singer Louis Prima to Secondo's restaurant, the brothers, and helper Christiano (Marc Anthony) prepare a special dinner menu and invite friends, the press, and loved ones to join them in their big night! Also starring Liev Schreiber and Pasquale Cajano!