Big Night
Seen it?1996 | 109 min | Drama, Romance, Comedy
Sunday Safe BetWhy it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
Critics loved it (96% on Rotten Tomatoes). A safe bet when you want something reliable.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for romantics and anyone who wants a laugh. If you loved The Terminal or My Dinner with Andre, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Funny with heart, romantic.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 49 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated R: meant for adults.
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
Primo and Secondo, two immigrant brothers, pin their hopes on a banquet honoring Louis Prima to save their struggling restaurant.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsVery strong
96% on Rotten Tomatoes, 80 on Metacritic
- AudiencesSolid
7.0 out of 10
- AwardsSolid
Won 2 Independent Spirit Awards: Independent Spirit Awards: Best First Screenplay, Independent Spirit Awards: Best Male Lead. Also nominated for 1 more Independent Spirit Award. Plus 3 other awards.
- Box office & staying powerSolid
$14 million worldwide on a $4 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactSolid
About 130K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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The Terminal
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My Dinner with Andre Saturday SpecialAnother kitchen dramedy.
Everyone Says I Love You Sunday Safe BetAnother kitchen romantic comedy, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
Always Be My Maybe Saturday SpecialAnother kitchen romantic comedy that's easy to miss.
Rosaline
Weeknight WatchAlso stars Minnie Driver, in another romantic comedy, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
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Cast & crew
Directed by Stanley Tucci, Campbell Scott
- Minnie DriverPhyllis
- Ian HolmPascal
- Isabella RosselliniGabriella
- Tony ShalhoubPrimo
- Stanley TucciSecondo
- Caroline AaronWoman in Restaurant
- Marc AnthonyCristiano
- Allison JanneyAnn
- Larry BlockMan in Restaurant
- Andre BelgraderStash