The Bread, My Sweet

Yeah, sure, you can say that this film is stereotypical. But being Italian myself, and coming from an Italian family, I have to say that this film was not stereotypical - atypical maybe. But if you want to bemoan this film for it's racial designations and characters, you might want to see "My Big fat Greek Wedding" first. You want stereotypical? That film will give it to you. It covered each and every cliche' possible, and everyone laughed. So what?

TBMS is a good film. It's lighting can be off at times, and the camera work is slightly jumpy, but I still believe it's better than a lot of boring hollywood productions I have seen as of late. The story is original, and if anyone wants to say that the acting was "wooden", you might want to take a look at the performance by Rosemary Prinz; it's impressive, and is not cliched like Greek Wedding; she actually seems like she's from Italy. Scott Baio is impressive in a role that only he could play, and at least he's Italian, dammit! How many more films do I have to see with someone playing an ethnicity they know nothing about? Baio thankfully jumped into this role, adding a touch of flavor to a role that probably would have been occupied by someone boring and overblown.

The rest of the supporting cast is well-played, with the exception of "Sister Grace", who was probably pulled off the street and thrown into a Nun's uniform. John Seitz plays Massimo beautifully; he reminds me of oh so many old Italians I have known.

And finally, this film does for me what many never accomplish; it made me feel like I was in the environment it took place in. If you want Italians to be "touchy-feely" all the time, go see something else. Italians are gruff, loud, and self-centered, but inside most all of us have big hearts and want to take care of those around us. This film portrays that characteristic well, and if you didn't cry, tough luck, I guess you really are wooden. I'm going to go eat some Biscotti.

At first, I liked this movie because it's set almost entirely in the Strip District of Pittsburgh (a favorite haunt of mine & my husband's), and truly reflects the spirit of the place. The bakery interiors look like they were shot inside the real Enrico Biscotti, a great Italian bakery in the Strip--apparently the owner/baker is the director's husband. The Strip District is Pittsburgh's foodie heaven, so I was drawn into watching this one afternoon. But the sweet, character-driven story is what kept me watching. I've lived in Pittsburgh for 40 years, and these characters are realistic, not stereotypes. Scott Baio has definitely moved beyond "Happy Days", and the rest of the cast does a fine job. I love that his character spends his time away from his soulless corporate job baking, not only because his brothers work there and need their jobs, but because it keeps him grounded. I think of this film as a little gem. It's a sweet story, fairly well told.

This movie was so wonderful. My family was very close to Gemma, and she was indeed a wonderful person. She was an amazing woman, and we often made the comment "They don't make women like that anymore!" She was kind, considerate, and a true symbol for our Italian heritage. My family knows how important family and friends are and we try to carry on the traditions of the old world Italian's. The seven fish Christmas-Eve dinner is the most spectacular evening of the year. I'm sure one of our recipes came from Gemma. This movie is so warm and wonderful, I can't wait to buy it. Hats off to the producers, directors, and actors. Thank you, thank you, thank you.....

What a beautiful movie! It's fun, romantic, sexy, and heartbreaking. Like many women born in 1970, I liked Scott Baio before I saw this movie, now I LOVE him. He does a fantastic job in this film. All of the performances are good - Rosemary Prinz as Bella is superb. Melissa Martin's screenplay and direction are first rate. Even though you'll cry (and you will cry, unless you have a heart of stone), this is one of those genuine, life-affirming, feel-good movies that do not come along too often. Do yourself a favor and see this movie, then tell all of your friends to do the same.

I really liked this film. It has a small, character-driven feel of an indie, but with a sweet core. It makes me wish I had a family bakery like that near my house - and it reminds me that inside every little room there is a story playing out. Real life isn't filled with explosions, easy sex and Barbie-shaped women. Life is about the relationships we have with the people around us. While this movie is nothing like the TV show Northern Exposure, it still reminds me of that show. If you enjoy that sort of character/relationship-type story - one that has a happy soul - you'll probably like this story too. It's not a blockbuster-type movie. It's probably not even a Saturday night date movie. But if you are in the mood for a simple story about members of an urban family and how their lives interconnect, this might be one you'll enjoy.