The Whole Shebang (2001)

everything you have heard about this movie is true.

Admirable film.

While it is a pity that the story wasn't told with more visual finesse, this is trivial compared to our real-world problems. It takes a good movie to put that into perspective.

It's simply great fun, a winsome film and an occasionally over-the-top luxury fantasy that never flags.

This film offered another great performance by Stanley Tucci. He reminds me a lot of Roberto Benigni and the style of this movie is similar to movie's like Johnny Stecchino. Bridget Fonda's role was less successful. Giancarlo Giannini's performance as the family father is superb. He is fascinating to watch. The style of the story and direction has a European relaxed attitude which is a refreshing change from so many overdone Hollywood formula efforts. It's not deep and its more visual than thoughtful, but the spirit is right. The soundtrack is a fun mix of 50's style Italian oldies and make you want to join in with a big glass of red wine. It's romantic schmaltz and I like it. Have fun!

C'mon. Aren't you glad to see a movie about Italians and Italian-Americans that's got absolutely nothing to do with the mafia, vendettas or spaghetti? This little piece is a wonderful and entertaining film about fireworks, family, food, life, death, deceit, trauma, pride and, of course, love. If you know Italians as well as I do, you'll recognize that this is all in a day's work. Stereotypes aside, they shook out the box on this one with Talia Coppola Shire, Gaincarlo Giannini, Tony DeSando and the uncompilable Anamaria Alberghetti. This latter is one year older than I am and still looks like a million dollars plus interest. Then there's Fonda the younger and Tucci. Yes, Tucci, who steals every scene he's in ala Peter Sellers. Tucci with the great eyes and great face. What could be a cheesy, maudlin, drippingly sentimental story moves quickly because of the chemistry of these people who play wonderfully off of each other and keep you amused with the same Mediterranean hyperbole you saw in Moonstruck, My Cousin Vinny, The Rose Tattoo and My Big Fat Greek Wedding. Now, we all know that every Italian family does not go into a state of crisis every day but the complexity of Italian familial relations does give us food for thought in delightful comedies such as this one.

I really liked the movie. It was funny and warm with a lot of heart. Giancarlo Giannini, Stanley Tucci and Bridget Fonda as well as the supporting cast were terrific. A great unexpected ending, beautifully shot and a feel good movie. Definitely recommend it. I give it a 10!

This is one of the funniest and most charming movies I have ever seen. If you liked Moonstruck or Big Fat Greek Wedding -- you'll love this one. Saw it at one of those recruited previews and the audince laughed and cried the whole 90minutes.What are you idots (filmmakers) waiting for? Put this movie in the theatres so I can go see it again!!!!!!!!!!