Amore, Natale e... baccalà

Everything! Yes Everything in this movie is spot on to 1983! Throughout watching I realized I miss this. We used to do 7 fishes feast. Once a year you saw family. ALL of your family. Obnoxious family. You weren't allowed to miss it! People talked too loud and smoked too much. We all said what we meant, and meant what we said, albeit politely. There were no computers or cell phones. Hell, there wasn't even caller ID or answering machines. So you literally had to blindly answer the phone and talk to people whether you liked them or not ..we'd spread the word of a party or what dive bar everyone was going to.. you'd meet up with everyone and get a ride by anyone who could. You'd cover some gas money and $$ for beer. If you were 14 you'd get into local dives. Nobody cared. And we had SO much fun. AND We DANCED all night! Your mom would say to be home by midnight but you'd get home at 2- 2:30 am. No one worried. You walked in the snow for miles and it was normal. 1983 was the year of MJ thriller, Purple rain, Lionel Richie, Bruce's Born in the USA. This movie reminds me of everything I lived. The good and bad. The obnoxious family especially. This movie took me home. I was raised just over the Ohio line directly west from Allegheny. I'm home here. I'm going to watch this again and again.

Why did I like this so much? It just has this charm that's so hard to describe. From smiling faces to festive seafood dishes, this hidden gem had a lotta heart.

Tony's story had such a mysterious depth, and though some was mentioned, his family-rich Italian environment did much to complete his character.

Beth's character was a breath of fresh air and brought such a grounded youthfulness to the home. Such layered histories and she was able to fit right in naturally.

Sure, there were slow moments. Brief side plots of possible immoralities & substance abuse which makes it not a movie for kids...but these did not derail the film.

It's a calm movie that reminds you of simpler times and surprisingly draws you in-- to Christmas and to the things which matter the most.

Tons of Xmas films make for the season but many are garbage. This one bring in the Italian cooking history draw more my attention. You know, love Xmas story has its patterns but this one bring something new in the movie, so it's different.

Wow! Had no expectations and this movie was just about everything I wanted in an Italian holiday romcom. Nothing too corny or fancy, just exactly what it was growing up Italian in a very small town. Simplistic yet entertaining from start to finish!

This movie is exactly the type of movie I like. It made me laugh, cry, hungry and nostalgic. Timing the movie for Christmas. Toss in a love story, a warm Italian family, traditions, and friends with multiple sides of garlic and wine then set it in 1983 and I'm in heaven. My Sister my Mom, nieces and nephews all loved this movie. We're buying the DVD when it comes out to make this one of our annual holiday movies.