In no time at all 'Feast of the seven fishes' impresses as the sort of small-fry, independent, cordially funny comedy-drama that will surely in a few years' time be heralded as a timeless classic. All the essential elements are here: small town, working class, love, family, food, tradition, progress, culture, self-determination, clever repartee, heartfelt laughs - and Christmas. Factor in some smart, stylized editing, a large cast of characters with diverse personalities, dynamic scene writing, and a strong if loose sense of narrative - honestly, this is fantastic.

Between the setting (tiny town West Virginia, early 1980s) and the familial background of the characters, there's some contextual but nonetheless unfortunate passing homophobic language, and unsavory moralizing including slut-shaming and demeaning of strippers. But these are minor points to consider in comparison to a robust screenplay with superb, carefully crafted, real dialogue and wonderful, complex characters. What plot there is in this movie is little more than the relationships and otherwise interactions between these figures - yet with that alone writer-director Robert Tinnell serves up outstanding, warmhearted, absorbing and pleasant humor, with garnishes of interpersonal drama to fuel the joy and wit.

Every year major studios try to produce one or more holiday features with ensemble casts that, whatever their quality, invariably parlay if not altogether struggle with over the top shenanigans and definite artifice. While ostensibly belonging to that same particular genre, 'Feast of the seven fishes' has more in common with 'The wonder years' than 'National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation' - and the primary difference is utmost sincerity and authenticity; substance over style. It's an utter delight from start to finish, and as the film progresses over 100 minutes - the story moves only by degrees, yet never drags or fails to entertain. It's absolutely lovely, and it helps that the entire cast is truly fabulous. There are some recognizable names here, and still more recognizable faces, and no matter how big or small the part, everyone turns in a terrific performance of range, nuance, and spirit: Skyler Gisondo, Madison Iseman, Addison Timlin, Josh Helman, Lynn Cohen, Joe Pantoliano, Ray Abruzzo, Jessica Darrow... I mean, just read through the list of credits: honestly and genuinely, every actor in this feature is marvelous.

It's hard to speak at greater length about such a roundly grand picture without betraying what details there are in the narrative. All I can say is that language aside, this is mostly all-ages appropriate - and, I firmly believe, a must-see. I began watching with no foreknowledge or expectations, and have been totally floored by just how good this is. It's a movie that manages to evoke nostalgia for Christmas movies of years past, and for family gatherings of our own pasts, while forging ahead with strong themes and realist sensibilities that mark it as a title that should - SHOULD - be honored for years to come. To go on I would only start writing in circles: 'Feast of the seven fishes' is a superlative comedy-drama that stands tall with the very best of holiday-themed cinema. If you have an opportunity to watch it, don't wait for one moment longer! Highest recommendation!

Feast Of The Seven Fishes

Overall this was an ok movie, the depiction of 1983 reminded up all that the 80's and early 90's were largely miserable times where no one knew how anyone should act with the new social and cultural mores emerging at the time. Young Tony was almost to good to be true but hey its a Christmas movie and the Italian family were totally believable, both warm and fun.

I'm giving this a 6 even though it said it was a comedy and I didn't laugh.

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.