⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ (out of 5 stars)
Food is how humanity shows its love for one another in every culture. No one does it better than grandmothers, as they include all of their special touches in every dish, which gives them that special touch unlike anything else you taste. My grandmother’s special noodles, my mother’s ham balls, and my great auntie’s Johnny Bull Pudding are dishes that still bring back special childhood memories for me; how about you?
Based on the true-to-life tale of Joe Scaravella (Vince Vaughn), a mechanic with a close bond with his mother and Nonna (grandmother). He loved the memories of being in the kitchen of his Italian relatives throughout his formative years. Later in life, after his mother passes away, he decides to pool all of his money and open a unique restaurant on Staten Island. This Italian eatery was special because the women in the kitchen were all grandmothers (nonnas) who brought their special recipes and cooking techniques to be shared on the menu. Yet, the challenge will be to convince the community and the city’s foodies that this unique offering is worth experiencing and more than a gimmick.
When a production brings together the beautiful atmosphere of Italian cooking, grandmothers, friendship and family memories, there is bound to be something special on the menu. Nonnas found the right recipe for a film that will appeal to everyone’s taste as it unpacks the magical atmosphere of a grandmother’s expression of love in the kitchen. Whenever there are too many cooks in the kitchen, there is potential for disaster in bringing together screen legends with the inclusion of Susan Sarandon (Dead Man Walking), Lorraine Bracco (The Sopranos), Talia Shire (Rocky) and Brenda Vaccaro (Once Upon A Time… in Hollywood). Yet, these amazing actresses seem to know their roles. Talia Shire's character, in particular, shows how faith and prayer need to be part of the mix in all of life. For this movie to work, they need to add their bit of spice without overpowering the whole story’s robust flavours. Each brings their own special element that gives this narrative the heart it needs to be convincing.
Vince Vaughn delivers an endearing performance as the grieving son who merely wants to hold onto his mother’s memory. His friendship with Joe Manganiello (Magic Mike) as Bruno who becomes his restaurant’s project manager and the potential romance with his high school sweetheart played by Linda Cardellini (Avengers: Endgame) as that dash of humanity that makes the whole story work. Ultimately, Nonnas delivers a heart-warming drama that will take you back to your grandmother’s kitchen and make you yearn for your favourite childhood dishes that will bring these incredible women back to life in vivid living colour and a bouquet of aromas from the past.
Have you ever thought of starting a movie discussion group? This might be your Third Space. ">https://youtu.be/k5PF6JlEB6E]
Reel Dialogue: Food is love
Everyone loves being invited to someone’s home for a meal.
