Movie Review: Big Night

Big Night could easily be referred to as the Italian/American version of Babette’s Feast, considering numerous parallels are present. Not only does the film arc with a lavish meal in which all expenses are expunged, but it also matches the 1987 Danish/French feature in size and scope. With a pinch of poignancy and a dollop of comedy, Big Night is the perfect recipe for a warm, endearing evening filled with laughs, smiles, and feelings of satisfaction.

Two brothers, Primo (Tony Shalhoub) and Secondo (Stanley Tucci), are the co-owners of an authentic Italian restaurant called The Paradise. However, The Paradise isn’t the only Italian restaurant on the Jersey shore in the 1950’s. A sleek grotto across the street, called Pascal’s, presents itself as competition. The owner, Paschal (Ian Holm), operates under a “give the customer what they want” mentality, and unlike Primo and Secondo, Paschal knows how to pack in a crowd.

After being informed that the bank will foreclose on his business if a payment is not received by the end of the month, Secondo asks Pascal for assistance. While unable to provide any monetary support, Pascal tells Secondo that he will invite his good friend and jazz legend Louis Prima to The Paradise for dinner. Pascal promises that this will, in turn, increase business and profitability for the two brothers.

Meanwhile, in addition to encountering financial troubles, Secondo runs into trouble with his girlfriend, Phyllis (Minnie Driver). To boot, Primo finds it difficult to speak to his flower-girl love interest, Ann (Allison Janney). Nevertheless, both brothers hope that with all they have on the line, one big night – with a jazz legend in attendance – will be just the ticket they need to get back on their feet in more ways than one.

Three cheers for Stanley Tucci and Campbell Scott. Not only is their acting on-par with the rest of the ensemble cast, but their directing is also creditable—especially considering this film represents the first time for both men to sit in a director’s chair. Even with one-too-many unnecessary profanities and one poorly-shot scene that makes it blatantly obvious that Ian Holm has no clue how to tickle the ivories, Tucci and Scott have crafted a near-perfect, top-shelf food film.

Article Author: Brandon Valentine

Brandon Valentine is a film critic from Hershey, PA. Aside from possessing the last name “Valentine” and living in “the Sweetest Place on Earth,” Brandon was also born on Valentine’s Day. That’s right, a Valentine born on Valentine’s Day. …

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