Chef Carl Casper embarks on a cross-country culinary odyssey to reignite his zest for life and love
Chef Carl Casper (played by Jon Favreau) loses his job at a prominent Los Angeles restaurant after refusing to compromise his creative integrity for its controlling owner (played by the legendary Dustin Hoffman).
With his career and personal life suddenly at a crossroads, the once-celebrated LA chef teams up with his ex-wife (portrayed by the gorgeous Sofia Vergara), his friend (John Leguizamo) and his son (Emjay Anthony) to launch a food truck in an effort to reignite his creativity and passion for the kitchen.
Back to his Roots
Embracing the spirit of 1996 cult favourite Swingers, Favreau saw Chef as an opportunity to tell an intimate story about a flawed hero.
We notice the similarities between Chef Carl’s culinary journey and Favreau’s filmmaking journey. After producing big-budget extravaganzas (think Iron Man and Cowboys & Aliens, he takes a break and returns to his roots.
Instead of mass-producing another superhero epic, he gives the overfed public a heartwarming comfort dish.
Fun but Forgettable?
Chef’s leisurely pace will be part of its charm for some, but a mild-to-major irritant for others.
Fortunately, the soundtrack that’s full of Latin and New Orleans beats keeps things moving along nicely. The pleasant cross-country ride and ‘food porn’ shots of the tempting grub will also stop most from throwing a fit about the film.
Favreau develops an engaging chemistry with his former co-worker, who insists on being part of Casper’s new venture. The growing bond with his son Percy will also bring a smile to your face. There are also plenty of amusing moments. It is a pity though, that the ending is entirely predictable.
We can’t help but think that while Chef is easy to sit through, it will likely fail to leave a deep impression. Chef seems to lack narrative spices and savoury surprises in character development despite the engaging actors and exotic locales.
Would Favreau have done better with his usual big-budget epics? Perhaps, perhaps, perhaps.
Chef [NC16]
DIRECTOR: Jon Favreau
STARRING: Sofia Vergara, Jon Favreau, John Leguizamo & Robert Downey Jr
GENRE: Comedy
RUN LENGTH: 115 min
RELEASE: Jun 5
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