Review by Justin Waldman for Mr. Will Wong
Jon Favreau is back again in his newest movie Chef which focuses on the fall from grace for Chef Carl Casper, played none other by Jon Favreau himself. Upon going into the Film the first estimation is that the Movie will be soulfully focused on food and the different creations that he makes with his creative mind. Unfortunately, this is not the case and it focuses more on Favreau’s Character development/independence. Surprisingly, cooking or anything really to do with the cooking industry was not the main focus of the film. On the other hand, the movie is a wonderful delight to watch as it is smart and witty at times making the disappointment in expectations much easier to accept.
The Movie focuses on Carl Casper, and his career at Riva’s (Dustin Hoffman) restaurant and their different views on cooking. It all starts when Foodie Blogger/Critic Ramsey Michel (Oliver Platt) comes to dinner one night and gets served food without passion or conviction. This leads to Michel giving Casper a horrid review and leaves to an all-out brawl on twitter. When Casper invites Michel back to dinner for a second time, and is yet denied again to serve the food he wants, he walks out of the kitchen and quits to pursue his own passion and seeks out ways to serve the food he wants to serve.
With the movie constantly moving from plot point to plot point it is hard to sink your teeth into any character but the shenanigans and fun between Carl, Martin (John Leguizamo), and Percy (Emjay Anthony) is undeniably the best parts of the Film. Their chemistry is nearly as magical as fusion cuisine, such strong intensity and enjoyment from all three Leading Men.
When the Lead Actor is also Director and Writer, there are certainly going to be liberties taken with the Film. What better way to exploit those liberties by casting two of the most beautiful woman in Hollywood as your Ex-Wife, Inez (Sofia Vergara) and Girlfriend, Molly (Scarlett Johansson). There are certainly liberties taken with the roles and casting choices, but all the more than this Movie actually provides.
Chef is a wonderfully enjoyable Film that will have your mouth watering for hours after the Movie, especially that wonderfully looking Grilled Cheese he makes. Get your knives and forks ready as you dig into a wonderful experience as your taste buds soar through the screen.
VVS Films release Chef on Friday, June 6th, 2014.
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