The Whole Shebang

This is a shockingly badly made movie! There are dozens of continuity errors, glaring ones, throughout. Could it be that nobody cared, not the director, not the editor, not even the continuity person (if there was one)?

Of the many instances here is just one example: Bridget Fonda goes out on a date. As she leaves with the man she is wearing a dress and her hair is styled a certain way. When they are eating in the restaurant she is wearing a radically different dress of a different style and color and her hair is completely redone.

Other such errors abound in profusion. I wonder how such a stellar cast of great actors, real stars, could be assembled and then such a careless effort put in by the filmmakers. It defeats the film. Great actors sound like they are just saying lines. Even Stanley Tucci looks like he is just making faces when he tries to put spirit or emotion into his dialogue. I expected this to be a good movie, and to like it a lot. Instead it took an effort to watch it to the oh-too-predictable end, which was itself very rushed and riddled with plot holes.

I really liked the movie. It was funny and warm with a lot of heart. Giancarlo Giannini, Stanley Tucci and Bridget Fonda as well as the supporting cast were terrific. A great unexpected ending, beautifully shot and a feel good movie. Definitely recommend it. I give it a 10!

This film offered another great performance by Stanley Tucci. He reminds me a lot of Roberto Benigni and the style of this movie is similar to movie's like Johnny Stecchino. Bridget Fonda's role was less successful. Giancarlo Giannini's performance as the family father is superb. He is fascinating to watch. The style of the story and direction has a European relaxed attitude which is a refreshing change from so many overdone Hollywood formula efforts. It's not deep and its more visual than thoughtful, but the spirit is right. The soundtrack is a fun mix of 50's style Italian oldies and make you want to join in with a big glass of red wine. It's romantic schmaltz and I like it. Have fun!

This movie is very pretty to look at, with terrific editing and soundtrack. The story is warm and sweet, but not the least bit treacley. The very first scene immediately draws you into what's to come. A comforting "family is what it's all about" moral with a wonderfully awkward love story.

The whole Shebang is funny and sweet with wonderful fireworks effects! It does remind me in a good way of the movie My Big Fat Greek Wedding. I have actually had the opportunity to see the movie two times and enjoyed it very much both times.