Nonnas

I often watch a movie these days and up thinking "I wish I had those two hours back. What a waste."

This movie was just the opposite. Two hours very well spent. It has a great story that made me laugh and cry.

It has a fantastic cast. Every single one of the actors in this is stellar.

It has great music.

And it has food. Oh my goodness the food. Served family style - there are huge bowls of streaming pasta and pans of lasagne. Plates of cannoli.

The food looks so good that it made me feel faint.

Even writing this, my stomach is rumbling.

I'm not Italian but I am fond of Italian-leaning movies like Moonstruck, and I totally love the Inspector Montalbano detective series (it takes place in Sicily and is very food-forward).

I didn't know about the "sauce versus gravy" question. Hmmm.

So this movie is about love and family and grief and hope and friendship and perseverance. It is easy on the eyes - not overly directed or overwhelmingly produced. It's about growing old and staying young. And it's about food.

I recommend it. 9 stars but it probably could be 10. It's not like "Best Picture" quality but it is sweet and has heart. I have nothing bad to say about it.

I just watched the movie "Nonna" and I am going to watch it again! This movie is funny, touching, heartwarming AND family friendly. Anyone who has been close to a grand parent will love this movie. While my grandmother wasn't Italian, she had many Amish and Pennsylvania Dutch recipes that were lost with her passing. I didn't have to pause the movie when my grandchildren walked in, but I did rewind because I didn't want to miss a minute of this movie. The actors were spot on and ajoy to watch. I love to see older Hollywood talent! This movie is a must see! This movie deserves some type of award. LOVED IT!

This little movie starts out a little slow, but grabs your heart and your taste buds. What a great cast (mostly of Italian origin) of big names from yesteryear who improved with age like fine wine. Vince Vaughn, Talia Shira, Brenda Vaccaro, Loraine Branco and more. You can tell how much they enjoyed making this film together. They play off each other so well. If you are Italian, you will want to make your Nonna's recipes for your family tonight. If you are a restaurateur, you will feel the pain and excitement. In any event, you will want to enjoy your favorite Trattoria and bring the whole family!

Bella! Mangia! Mangia!

Just when I thought there was nothing that I could watch with my family made after 1990 this gem comes along.

No nudity, no sex, no "message", no politics, just a great story, well written, well paced and delivered by fine actors who it shines through loved making it. And you can tell and can feel that the laughter was created and not directed by an ensemble that bounced off each other naturally.

Since Vince Vaughn has started following his true north again he seems happier and he is a joy to watch. Who cares if any moment I expect him to say "who's the big winner Mikey?" It's him and he is marvelous.

If you haven't seen "Bad Monkey" then he is himself there too and he again brings joy, wit, pathos and perfect comedic timing. Thank you Vince because you are the big winner.

'Nonnas' is a sweet film, from Stephen Chbosky, based on a true story about a small, family-style restaurant (Enoteca Maria) on Staten Island. It had small-film greatness lurking, but the script needed the touch of a great comedy writer, like James Brooks or even Terry Winter.

Winter would have felt right at home writing for Sopranos alums: Lorraine Bracco, Drea de Mateo and Michael Rispoli. Add to that Susan Sarandon and Talia Shire, along with lead Vince Vaughn, and you have a Hell of a cast and, of course, the real star is the Italian food!

So, the film is heartwarming and entertaining, but not as great as it could have been.