Film Review - Chef

Sumptuous and Delightful                          

Film: Chef

Cast: Jon Favreau, Sofia Vergara, John Leguizamo

Directed by: Jon Favreau

Duration:  1 hr 54 mins

Rating: * * * *

From being an actor in independent films to directing blockbusters like Iron Man, Jon Favreau has come a long way. With Chef this time, he has donned both the hats as actor and director (not to mention producer) in this little gem which is one of the most pleasing and feel- good films of the year.

Favreau, the writer should also get kudos here because in terms of a story, Chef may not be very elaborate but the writing is so good that it’s a breezy ride from start to finish.

Irrespective of your culinary tastes, it is bound to whet your appetite literally and otherwise.

Carl Casper (Favreau) is a no-nonsense chef at a restaurant that is doing well, the owner (Dustin Hoffman) though will not allow him to deviate from the standard menu. A decade ago, Carl had made a name for himself as someone who was not a cookie cutter but now, much to his chagrin, he has become one. After a scathing review from a food critic (Oliver Platt,) Carl quits his job in a not so amicable fashion.

Professional crisis gets compounded with personal issues – as a divorcee, he can’t find time for his 10 year old son who lives with his separated wife (Sofia Vergara). 

But Carl picks up the pieces and eventually does what one should always do – follow your heart.

Right from the start, the film is lightweight, entertaining and funny. Social media like Twitter has been used very cleverly and to great effect as a part of the plot. There are also some very endearing characters, like John Leguizamo who plays the sous chef. The spunky writing also ensures that even characters who don’t have many scenes make their presence felt, Robert Downey Jr. Scarlett Johansson and Hoffman don’t have much of a screen time but yet they make their mark.

Even the way in which the plot is established and the characters are introduced is admirable, in less the five minutes at the opening, we know who stands where and this is achieved thanks to the razor sharp editing.

The films story could well be Favreau’s in one way, he directed couple of independent films made some main stream pictures and now is back to making simple yet heartwarming films. Chef will leave you satisfied like you had the most sumptuous meal in a while. 

Published in The Navhind Times on 22nd June 2014

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