Nonnas has a sentimental mentality to its narrative - tackling different avenues of dealing with grief and capturing the essence of family. Based on a remarkable true story, Nonnas hits many of the notes you would expect from a picture such as this - but while some may fault it for that, I embrace the comfort.

 

Vince Vaughn is very subdued on his comedic undertaking here when compared to roles of his past, but his sincerity exudes heart and radiates with charm. Vaughn’s Joe surrounds himself with four wonderful “Nonnas” played by Susan Sarandon, Lorraine Bracco, Brenda Vaccaro, and Talia Shire. Bracco known for The Sopranos, Vaccaro known for Midnight Cowboy, Shire known for Rocky, and Sarandon known for Rocky Horror Picture Show - therefore the kitchen is loaded with golden talent. 

 

Joe Manganiello plays Bruno, Joe’s best friend from childhood who assists in the creation of the restaurant dream. They’re pals from the neighborhood they grew up in and their bond is legitimately charming and relatable. The weakest element of Nonnas is the love story intertwined with Linda Cardellini and Vince Vaughn having adequate chemistry, but barebones character development beyond the continuous memory of unfortunate prom. 

 

While not capturing the delicious hypnotic nature of food in general like in Favreau’s Chef, Chbosky’s visual representation of the Italian cuisines and delicacies are still vibrant and warm to any Italian at heart. Just as heartwarming as this story, watching Joe, who admired his mother and Nonna’s cooking, decide to use his life insurance inheritance to dedicate a restaurant to his mother with no knowledge of the fundamentals of owning a restaurant. It’s a beautiful film, hindered only slightly by its sense of humor that consists mainly of the Nonnas arguing with one another (on repeat). Perks of Being a Wallflower director Stephen Chbosky once again delivers an emotional feature full of charm and reality that makes this predictable tale still a remarkably satisfying watch.