Director Stephen Chbosky broke through with 2012’s “The Perks of Being a Wallflower”, followed by powerful family film (and box office and awards hit) “Wonder”. His adaptation of Broadway musical “Dear Evan Hansen” was met with mostly negative reviews. I was a little kinder to it than most critics, but the third act is very messy.
Chbosky’s latest is the well-intentioned but aggressively sweet and sentimental “Nonnas”, taken from the real-life origins of Joe Scaravella’s Staten Island restaurant with nonnas (Italian grandmothers) as the chefs. Scaravella is played by Vince Vaughn, who takes a break from adult / raunchy comedies for his first PG-rated movie since 2007’s “Fred Claus”.
Vaughn’s not bad in “Nonnas”. In fact, no one in this star-studded cast phones it in, despite a script that follows a pretty predictable path. Joe Manganiello is Joe’s best friend contractor Bruno, who helps him bring the restaurant to life. Linda Cardellini plays Joe’s high school girlfriend Olivia (they reunite after about three decades).
And in the kitchen, hoping to serve-up delicious meals to many, many customers, are Roberta (Lorraine Bracco), Antonella (Brenda Vaccaro), Teresa (Talia Shire) and Gia (Susan Sarandon). There’s a scene with the four of them in hairstylist Gia’s salon, with about 40 minutes to go, that shifts the tone and focus from mostly being Joe’s story to also theirs. They have a conversation about the ups and downs of their lives. It cements “Nonnas” as the latest entry in the “Book Club” genre. (I could call it “80 for Gravy”.) On-screen stories about older people matter. “Book Club” kicked it off in 2018, and there have been a slew of follow-ups since.
There are plenty of emotional themes in “Nonnas” — about family, losing your loved ones, holding onto memories, feeling good about yourself and making a difference in the community. I chuckled a handful of times and cringed during other moments (like a brief but unnecessary food fight) but it’s certainly a pleasant enough experience… until, once again, Chbosky takes us to the third act (just after that salon scene).
There’s an emphasis put on food critics, though it feels sloppy. You can’t help but wonder (since the film is set in modern day), why Joe didn’t post the nonnas on social media to help promote the restaurant. And the final five minutes needed to be re-edited.
If your Mom likes TV sitcoms, “Nonnas” is certainly a passable option for at-home co-viewing. It’s sunny, with some honesty, but not the greatest meal you’ll have.
LCJ GRADE: C+
Running Time: 111 min.