Coming off the first season of his absolutely awesome TV series, Bad Monkey, which showcased his trademark snark, Vince Vaughn goes into full sweetheart mode for Nonnas, an enormously sweet film based on a true story.
Joe (Vaughn) loves his mama, and after she dies, he pledges to let her legacy live on by opening a restaurant on Staten Island. The twist is that the kitchen will be piloted by senior women who are also kickass cooks. Joe finds some of those women among his mom’s friends, and others by putting an ad on craigslist.
While Vaughn provides a wonderful, warm central anchor for the story, stars like Brenda Vaccaro, Lorraine Bracco, Susan Sarandon and Talia Shire (in total Rocky/Adrian mode) provide the fun and humor.
As Joe risks everything for the new place, his new employees commence bickering—and then, eventually, bond.
This is one of those harmless, middle-of-the-road movies you can recommend to your parents without worrying about foul language or naked butts. It’s well-worn territory, but the cast—which also includes Linda Cardellini, Drea de Matteo and Joe Manganiello—makes it all work.
This is also a movie that will make you very hungry. The numerous glimpses of Italian cuisine will get you planning future Sunday-night dinners involving pasta and pizza.
Nonnas is now streaming on Netflix.