Vince Vaughn honors family legacy through Staten Island restaurant film
- The movie Nonnas, streaming on Netflix, is based on the autobiographical story of Joe Scaravella, who opened a Staten Island restaurant to celebrate his family's culinary tradition.
- The film features a cast of veteran actors, including Talia Shire and Lorraine Bracco, and mixes heartfelt moments with comedic entertainment.
- Critics have praised its feel-good narrative, though some have mentioned that it misses the chance to delve deeper into the lives of the nonnas.
In 2007, Joe Scaravella started a unique restaurant called Enoteca Maria in Staten Island, New York, after experiencing the loss of his mother and grandmother. The restaurant features an all-Italian grandmother kitchen staff, referred to as 'nonnas,' who each bring their own regional culinary expertise to the menu. Their recipes and stories create a diverse and heartwarming dining experience that reflects Scaravella's intentions of honoring his family legacy through food. The setting pays tribute to traditional Italian cooking, restoring a personal connection to his heritage while emphasizing the communal aspects of family meals. The film, directed by Stephen Chbosky, serves as a heartfelt comedy that paints its story with a glossy aesthetic, blending sincere moments with comedic elements. It oscillates between emotional nostalgia for family ties and light-hearted fun, but some critics have pointed out that it may lack depth in exploring the nonnas' individual backgrounds. The film captures the essence of comfort food and familial bonds, illustrating how culinary endeavors can foster a community and provide solace in times of grief. Vince Vaughn takes on the role of Joe, portraying a more subdued performance which contrasts with his usual comedic style. The film showcases a talented ensemble cast including Talia Shire, Lorraine Bracco, Brenda Vaccaro, and Susan Sarandon, all of whom have experience in bringing Italian-American stories to life on screen. While critics have noted the film's predictable plot, they acknowledge its feel-good nature and capacity to evoke familial reminiscence, especially through its mouthwatering cinematography that showcases traditional Italian dishes. Upon its release on Netflix, the film received notable recognition on Rotten Tomatoes, earning an 86% approval rating among critics. This success translates to its status as one of Netflix's best new movies, appealing to audiences looking for a warm and comforting film experience. Despite mixed reviews about character development, the collective narrative serves to remind viewers of the importance of heritage, food, and the bonds that transcend generations, making it a timely release for those seeking both entertainment and introspection about family traditions.