Review of Big Night (1996) by Jeff I — 12 Dec 2013

Primo and Secondo are the clever names of the characters in this fun picture from Stanley Tucci, who wrote, directed and starred in Big Night. The two brothers have come from Italy to set up an authentic Italian restaurant in New Jersey, and boy is the food good! Sadly, authentic Italian food is not what succeeds in the states. This is the land of meatballs and spaghetti on the side of every dish, including risottos. Primo refuses to consider this gastronomic crime, but it may be necessary to cover the debts the bank is chasing.

There's some great acting in Big Night, especially from Tucci, Tony Shalhoub and Minnie Driver, in a surprisingly effective supporting role. The story is well written and smoothly directed, and, quite importantly, the food looks splendid. Makes me hungry every time.