Big Night (1996)

BIG NIGHT is a small movie about a big meal that brothers Secondo 
and Primo Pilaggi (Tony Shalhoub and Stanley Tucci) have prepared 
for Jazz musician Louis Prima.  (If their old-world cuisine is a 
hit, then their Jersey-shore eatery stands a chance at survival.)  
Like most good movies about good food, the entrees are indeed eye-
popping-- wait till you see that timpano!-- but they're served 
*later* in the film and only *after* we've had time to get to know 
the brothers, their lovers (Minnie Driver, Isabella Rossellini, 
Allison Jenney), and their across-the-street rival (Ian Holm, or 
is it Joe Pesci?) whose advice of "bite your teeth into the ass of 
life" is one of the movie's many LOL moments.  Co-written by Tucci, 
who also co-directed with actor Campbell Scott.  (Rated "R"/102 
min.)

Grade: B+ 

Copyright 1996 by Michael J. Legeros

Originally posted to triangle.movies in MOVIE HELL: October 6, 1996