Do you want to see ‘Big Night’?

Big Night (1996)

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Top Critics

Average Rating: 8.1/10
Reviews Counted: 54
Fresh: 52 | Rotten: 2

The performances in Big Night are wonderful, and the food looks delicious.

100

Average Rating: 8.4/10
Critic Reviews: 12
Fresh: 12 | Rotten: 0

The performances in Big Night are wonderful, and the food looks delicious.

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Average Rating: 3.9/5
User Ratings: 6,837

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Movie Info

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

R, 1 hr. 49 min.

Drama, Romance, Comedy

Directed By: Stanley Tucci , Campbell Scott

Written By: Joseph Tropiano, Stanley Tucci

In Theaters: Sep 20, 1996 Wide

On DVD: Jan 1, 1998

Samuel Goldwyn Films

Big Night Trailer & Photos

Cast

Critic Reviews for Big Night

All Critics (64) | Top Critics (17) | Fresh (53) | Rotten (2) | DVD (2)

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

April 7, 2003 Full Review Source: Washington Post

| Comment

Desson Thomson

Washington Post

Top Critic

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

June 18, 2002 Full Review Source: San Francisco Chronicle

| Comment

Peter Stack

San Francisco Chronicle

Top Critic

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

May 12, 2001 Comment

Peter Travers

Rolling Stone

Top Critic

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

February 14, 2001 Full Review Source: Los Angeles Times

| Comment

Kenneth Turan

Los Angeles Times

Top Critic

Delicious adult fare sure to leave you hungry.

December 18, 2010 Full Review Source: Common Sense Media

| Comment

Heather Boerner

Common Sense Media

A triumph for everyone involved, but especially for Stanley Tucci.

July 23, 2007 Full Review Source: eFilmCritic.com

| Comment

Rob Gonsalves

eFilmCritic.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.

April 13, 2006 Full Review Source: EmanuelLevy.Com

| Comment

Emanuel Levy

EmanuelLevy.Com Source: EmanuelLevy.Com

A feast of great acting and tender, small moments

March 24, 2005 Comment

Lori Hoffman

Atlantic City Weekly Source: Atlantic City Weekly

A wonderful film about how the simple pleasures of life -- food, family, friends -- aren't so simple.

September 24, 2004 Comment

Rob Thomas

Capital Times (Madison, WI)

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Audience Reviews for Big Night

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A really fun movie. This movie in itself is like a party.

November 12, 2006

Michael Gildea

Super Reviewer

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 do a great job as the quirky brothers.

July 19, 2011

James Kiester

Super Reviewer

Big Night Quotes

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1. Primo: The knowledge of God is the bread of angels.
– Submitted by Chad E (2 months ago)
1. Primo: To eat good food is to be close to God.
– Submitted by Chad E (2 months ago)