Secondo: Stanley Tucci	Primo: Tony Shalhoub
Ann: Allison Janney	Phyllis: Minnie Driver
Gabriella: Isabella Rossellini	Pascal: Ian Holm
Directors: Campbell Scott & Stanley Tucci

30 Second Bottom Line: Two Italian born brothers own a restaurant in 1950's New York, which serves exquisite food. Offering a fine dining experience does not keep them from being on the verge of going out of business, because of a lack of customers. To turn things around, a friend helps them plan a "big night" by inviting a famous entertainer to a dinner party at the restaurant, which will have extensive coverage by the press.

Story Line: The Paradise restaurant is anything but what the name implies for Secondo (Stanley Tucci), who is part owner with his older brother Primo (Tony Shalhoub). Secondo is the business manager and maitre d, while Primo is a serious gourmet cook. They both live for the restaurant, but unlike a competitive establishment across the street, owned by their friend Pascal (Ian Holm), their business is weak. Pascal knows how to give people what they want, while Primo is trying to serve the perfect seafood risotto to a meatballs and spaghetti crowd.

The bank is ready to foreclose on their business loan because they are late again and their payment history at best could be called inconsistent. Secondo has troubles outside of the restaurant as well because of affairs with two women, one of whom is Pascal's mistress, Gabriella (Isabella Rossellini), and the other the more naïve Phyllis (Minnie Driver), who wants to get married. Primo has no love life because he is totally focused on preparing meals in the kitchen. When flowers are delivered by Ann (Allison Janney), the owner of a

Pascal knows there is enough business for both restaurants and he agrees to have Luis Prima be the guest of honor at a big dinner at The Paradise. A wonderful picture is painted of the success this Big Night will bring. With the press coverage of a great meal with a celebrity, The Paradise will be the place to be and be seen. They will become current on the loan and live happily ever after, as they serve fine dishes to a discriminating crowd. Often customers will have to wait in the bar for a table to become available.

Tell Me More About It: The pace of this film is like that of a wonderful meal, considered, not rushed, and with attention to detail. Hard-edged business people often use salty language and such is the case here, by both Pascal and Secondo. Pascal is cavalier because he feels in charge of the world and Secondo is trying to figure out how not to be crushed by the weight of it. In Pascal's restaurant, people are having a wonderful time eating what clearly is mediocre food served with great fan fair. At The Paradise, the work in the spotless kitchen is done with the best ingredients and where only a perfect plate is allowed to be taken to the dining room. As is the custom, it is presented with an understated elegance.

As the Big Night approaches, we share the preparation and presentation of multiple courses of delicious dishes, where any one could be on the cover of Gourmet magazine. Having a good time and good food is special. Having great food with fine service in a pleasant atmosphere accompanied by the right people is like being in heaven. The final scene in Big Night is the morning after, where just a simple breakfast is prepared with perfection and love.

Reviewer's note: If you love this type of film (food, family and fun) take a look at these titles: What's Cooking (relatively current release, may still be in some theaters, or check video release date); Eat Drink Man Woman (on video); Daughters of the Dust (PBS video);

Stanley Tucci: Murder One -TV	Tony Shalhoub: Galaxy Quest
Allison Janney: The West Wing-TV	Ian Holm: Bless The Child
Isabella Rossellini: Wyatt Earp	Campbell Scott: Mrs. Parker and the Vicious Circle
Minnie Driver: Return to Me