Search - Dinner Rush on DVD

Great Emsemble Drama; Frenzied Night in New York Restaurant

Tsuyoshi | Kyoto, Japan | 12/15/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Director Bob Giraldi, born in 1939, comes back to feature film after 14 years hietus, but his fame has already been firmly established as an acclaimed music video creator (responsible for Michael Jackson's "Beat It" and many, many others). So, you may think that "Dinner Rush" is just another MTV-influenced nonsense to cash in on his name. No, the film is actually an exciting experience that only Bob Giraldi can provide. And it is shot in his own restraunt "Gigino" in Tribeca, New York.The film starts with a hideous crime on the snowy street of cold New York City, but don't be worried. "Dinner Rush", never betraying our expectations we would have from the title, soon introduces us to the hot world inside of a popular restaurant run by Louis Cropa (perfectly cast Danny Aiello), where desire of people is smouldering. But Louis, it seems, has many things to be worried about. His son Udo, the star chef and master of "new cuisine" of the place, repeatedly urges his father Louis to give the ownership of the restaurant to him. The sous-chef Duncan, not a bad fellow at all, is stuck deep in debt as a result of his gambling, and today Louis, to his dismay, finds that there are two unwelcome guests at the best table, who are here to require some money. And those terrifying guys seem aiming at the "partnership" of the place, to eventually take over this popular spot.The film features comparatively unknown but talented cast. Among them, you will definitely remember the acid-tongued critic (Sandra Bernhard); the very mean-spirited guest (Mark Margolis); and the patient waitress aspiring to be an artist (Summer Phoenix). There is also a bartender (and quiz-master) and a mystrious guest who is supposed to come from the Wall Street (but really?). However, by the time the film ends, you will see that it is Danny Aiello who is the real master of the place.The story is almost buried among the fast pace of editing, and the middle part of the film might make you feel disoriented with too many characters. The film is certainly weak there, apparently not knowing where to go. But wait for a while. Everything fits in its place in the end, you will be not a little surprised to see the conclusion of the film. The power of "Dinner Rush" lies in its atmosphere Bob Giraldi creates with a handy-type camera, and the realistic images of those "rush"ing characters in the kitchen and the narrow stairs leading there are always fascinating, realizing the hectic pace of cooking. As I said, Giraldi, owner of the place where the film is shot, knows this world very well, and there are also amusing (but uncomfortably real) portraits of people involved in this industry. Aiello's character, half distressed to witness the changes done to the place since the good old days, clearly shares the feeling of the director himself, and these satrical viewpoints are also delicious treats for those interested in this ever-popular business."Dinner Rush" is not just a film about food; it is a tight-knit emsemble drama with solid cast, and even peppered with a surprising element of gangster films. I enjoyed it, and hope you do, too."

Perfect blend of food and gangsters

Lleu Christopher | Hudson Valley, NY | 06/08/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"When I rented this movie, I never thought I'd write a review of it, not to mention give it five stars. Dinner Rush, however, is one of those rare movies that is near perfect in every way. To focus on just one element, director Bob Giraldi's portrayal of the preparation and serving of food at a trendy New York restaurant is not merely filmed but choreographed. Food, pots, plates, chefs and waitpersons perform in a dance of fluidity and perpetual motion. Underlying this harmony of motion, however, is a constant tension. Chef Udo (Edoardo Ballerini) rules his kitchen with an iron fist and is ready to fire someone for the slightest transgression. Aside from the everyday challenges of running a kitchen, this restaurant has other problems. Louis, the owner (Danny Aiello) is a bookmaker who prefers the restaurant business to organzied crime. A pair of menacing thugs (who have already killed Louis' partner) are trying to strongarm their way into ownership of the restaurant. Louis' two sons are also trying his patience; Udo wants to run the place himself; Duncan, meanwhile, is a compulsive gambler who falls ever deeper into debt to the same thugs who want to take over the restaurant. In addition to the mob theme (hardly original, but expertly handled here), Dinner Rush does a superb job at portraying the pretentions of New York City nightlife. Mark Margolis is great as an insufferable art gallery owner who presides over a table of suitably hip contemporary artists and takes sadistic pleasure in being obnoxious and condescending to the staff. Sandra Bernhard it also pitch perfect as a snooty food critic. Dinner Rush strikes a good balance between recognizing the pretentions of so-called nouvelle cuisine and respecting the work that goes into preparing it. This is brought out in arguments between Louis, who prefers a traditional plate of sausage and peppers, and Udo, the ultimate nouvelle chef. When Udo prepares a ridiculous looking lobster dish that is a veritable sculpture, we can simultaneously laugh at the absurdity of it and marvel at Udo's talent. The film ends with an unexpected and satisfying twist. Even if you think you've seen more than your share of mob movies, and are not a fan of trendy cuisine (as I'm not), Dinner Rush will appeal to anyone who appreciates great scripts, acting and directing."