There was a time whenVince Vaughnwas one of the biggest names in Hollywood, starring in blockbuster comedy hits such asWedding Crashers,Old School, andDodgeball: A True Underdog Story. His fast-talking and snarky personality was irresistible, and he had an amusing repertoire with any co-star thrown his way, even in his lesser films (here’s looking at you,Fred Claus). However, as theatrically-released comedies started to die down, Vaughn started to take on more supporting roles or show a much more dramatic side to his acting. After the release of his hit Apple series,Bad Monkey, he’s well on his way to being a headliner again.
Nonnasmarks Vaughn’s first time headlining a movie sinceFreakyin 2020. The Netflix film sees him team up with an array of Hollywood legends, such as Academy Award winnerSusan Sarandonand Academy Award nomineeLorraine Bracco, for a feel-good film that is being released just in time for Mother’s Day weekend.Stephen Chboskydirects the film, in his first since the disastrous film adaptation ofDear Evan Hansen, and seems to be trying to go back to the simplicity of his first two films,The Perks of Being a WallflowerandWonder. WhileNonnasfeels like the kind of movie that would’ve been a sleeper hit at the box office back in 2013, Netflix feels like the perfect home for it. Especially for those looking for a sweet, inoffensive movie to watch with their moms and grandmothers this Mother’s Day weekend.
What Is ‘Nonnas’ About?
Based on a true story,Nonnasbegins with Italian-American Brooklynite Joe Scaravella (Vaughn) grieving the loss of his mother, with whom he had a very close relationship with. He works a depressing and dead-end job at the MTA, he’s still single, and the void left behind by his mother and his nonna’s deaths is struggling to be filled. With the encouragement of his friends, Bruno (Joe Manganiello) and Stella (Drea de Matteo), Joe decides to do something with his life. However, they’re puzzled when Joe pours his entire inheritance into opening an authentic Italian restaurant in Staten Island, where all the chefs are grandmothers (or, as Joe calls them, nonnas). Joe recruits his mom’s long-time friends Roberta (Bracco) and Gia (Sarandon), the former nun Teresa (Talia Shire), and the widowed Antonella (Brenda Vaccaro) to work at the restaurant, with the help of his high school ex-girlfriend Olivia (Linda Cardellini).
Joe’s hopes and dreams of a happy and successful restaurant are threatened by a series of seemingly never-ending roadblocks, including corrupt health officials, gossiping locals, and the fact that the nonnas can’t stop bickering with one another. Since this is a family movie, and one based on a true story, you know exactly where the movie is going, and yet, that doesn’t matter too much. Much like the food and atmosphere at Joe’s restaurant, Enoteca Maria,Nonnasis all about how it makes you feel, and the feel-good nature of the story makes it an enjoyable way to spend two hours, even if it does make you shed a tear or two.
Vince Vaughn Is Good, but the Nonnas Are the Real Stars
In many of his initial roles, Vaughn played up the overly-confident man-child in almost all of his comedies. He was great at it, which brings up the classic saying “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” but he has shown he has been capable of much more.Nonnasmarks the first time in a while that Vaughn has shown a much more vulnerable side of himself, as his character, Joe, is a major softie. In fact,this is the first time for as long as I can remember that we’ve actually seen Vaughn cry on screen. He pulls it off fairly well, while he does have his moments where he channels his more sarcastic side, for the most part, he’s toned down. Instead, he allows the actresses playing the nonnas to get the laughs.
Sarandon, Bracco, Shire, and Vaccaro are perfectly cast as the devoted chefs at Enoteca Maria, each bringing their own personalities into their respective roles.Nonnasopts not to lean heavily on the “we’re too old for this” kinds of one-liners, and instead has the ladies bounce off of each other, whether it be arguing over the smell of a sheep’s head in the oven, or giving each other romantic advice while bonding over their love lives.There isn’t a single ounce of cynicism among them, and because of just how charming each of them is, you can’t help but root for them and care for them.
The rest of the supporting cast doesn’t get nearly as much to do. The always reliable Cardellini has her moments, including a scene where she talks about grieving the loss of her husband and why she still wears her wedding ring. Outside of that, she serves as nothing more than a love interest to Joe, only there to give the movie an extra dash of drama. Manganiello and de Matteo are given even less to do, aside from serving as moral support to Joe. They’re not bad, but they could have been utilized better.
‘Nonnas’ Plays It a Little Too Safe at Times
For all of its natural charms and good vibes,Nonnasalmost plays it a little too safely. A scene involving Shire’s Teresa opening up to the other women about why she left the church is wholly moving, but the backstory is never brought up again, potentially to make the movie more suitable for viewers who might be on the more conservative side. A decision that feels at odds with the movie’s underdog narrative.Chbosky is no stranger to tackling deeper themes in all of his movies, and whileNonnashas some poignant moments involving grief, it never gets too deep into any of the characters' emotional turmoil.
When the emotions do come pouring in, Chbosky makes sure they have a big impact on the viewer, especially in a pivotal moment in the third act where Joe finally overcomes a certain fear of his that was addressed earlier in the film. For as obvious as the ending may be, it still knows how to tug on the right heartstrings to get the audience to feel what the movie intended them to feel. Chbosky also proves that he has a way of filming food, as the cooking scenes are delectable to watch and will have your mouth watering.
Nonnasmost definitely will not go down as one of the best movies of the year, but it is the kind of movie that is perfect to watch with your loved one over the holiday weekend. Its talented cast and tender heart do a lot of the heavy lifting, butit’s the kind of movie the mothers in your family will absolutely love.
Nonnaspremieres on Netflix on May 9.
Nonnas may be predictable, but its enormous heart and likable cast, led by Vince Vaughn, make it the perfect movie for Mother’s Day weekend.
