big night be one of those life affirm film that will have the audience exit with their head in the cloud and as well a hungry and a food be a central gathering force here . two brother and both immigrant from italy and both run a failing italian restaurant in new york . failing and because the restaurant serve upscale italian dish ( or and nouveau cuisine ) in a blue collar and work class neighborhood that doesn not know ( or care ) beyond spaghetti and meatball . the fact that the local bank be just a whisper away from foreclosure on the property doesn not make matter any good . a rival restaurant owner across the street ( play by an cheerful and over the top ian holm ) offer to bring his friend and italian american jazz legend and louis prima and to try their restaurant . tony shalhoub and stanley tucci ( one of the two director and and who also co write the screenplay with joseph tropiano ) play the two brother who try to keep the leaky boat that be their beloved restaurant afloat . the film also get some solid support from minnie driver and isabella rossellini and and even marc anthony and just a he be gain fame a a pop singer . campbell scott ( son of the late george c. scott ) and who also co direct the film and have a nice turn a a car salesman and who be always try to sell just about anybody a cadillac . most of the second half of the film concern the two brother get ready for their big night . do mr. prima ever show up for the feast . food and food and more food be parade on camera as much a possible . make sure you enjoy a big meal before take on this one . rat r by the mpaa and for vulgar language and some adult situation and much smoking .