Big Night (1996)
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96% of critics liked it
(54 reviews) -
82% of users liked it
(7,178 ratings)
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 Italy to New Jersey in the mid-1950s, determined to make a killing with an authentic Italian restaurant,… More 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 Italy 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
- Directed By
- Stanley Tucci, Campbell Scott
- Written By
- Joseph Tropiano, Stanley Tucci
- Genres
- Drama, Romance, Comedy
- In Theaters
- Sep 20, 1996 Wide
- Studio
- Samuel Goldwyn Films
Critic Reviews
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Desson Thomson, Washington Post
A charming, delicate repast prepared by Stanley Tucci and Campbell Scott.
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Peter Stack, San Francisco Chronicle
A small movie -- and that's its subtle charm.
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Heather Boerner, Common Sense Media
Delicious adult fare sure to leave you hungry.
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Rob Gonsalves, eFilmCritic.com
A triumph for everyone involved, but especially for Stanley Tucci.
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Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com
A lyrical love poem to food and family (or is it family or food?), this serio comedy joins the company of other fun movies about eating, such as Babette's Feast and Like Water for Chocolate.
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
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Cast
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Stanley Tucci
as Secondo
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Tony Shalhoub
as Primo
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Minnie Driver
as Phyllis
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Ian Holm
as Pascal
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Isabella Rossellini
as Gabriella
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Allison Janney
as Ann
- Campbell Scott
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Marc Anthony
as Cristiano
- Marco Morales
- Jordan Herrera
- Althea Vega
- Jaycee Parker
- Andre Belgrader
- Caroline Aaron
- Christine Tucci
- Gene Canfield
- Karen Shallo
- Larry Block
- Liev Schreiber
- Pasquale Cajano
- Peter McRobbie
- Tony Shaloub
- Jack O'Connell (II)
