Jon Favreau plays a volatile, but talented chef. After a public fight with a food critic (it’s captured on cell phone video and goes viral on the Internet), he quits his job at a popular Los Angeles restaurant. At a loss about what to do with his career in shambles, the chef returns to his home town of Miami. His ex-wife, played by Sofía Vergara, convinces him to fix up a food truck and start a new business. The chef repairs some of his relationship with his ex-wife. Their son wants to join him in the journey of driving the food truck back to L.A. Father and son renew their relationship as well. While on the road trip, the food truck stops and sells Cubanos in cities like Miami, New Orleans, and Austin along the way to L.A. The essence of the movie is to “get back to basics.”
Favreau, who directed Iron Man, Iron Man 2, and Cowboys and Aliens, wrote the script to Chef wanting to “get back to basics” and to create a movie celebrating cooking and family. I enjoyed the film with its talented cast and uncomplicated plot. No surprises here. I really liked Emjay Anthony’s performance as the chef’s 11-year-old son. So much of this film is about the father/son relationship. It could all have gone wrong with a bad casting choice. But, it didn’t. GRADE: A-
George, apart from the cast being an incentive, I’d like to watch this film because I generally enjoy lighthearted movies about chefs, foodies, and kitchens, such as NO RESERVATIONS, RATATOUILLE, and THE FOOD GUIDE TO LOVE. Jon Favreau is a talented actor and director.
Prashant, Jon Favreau really embraces his role in this film. You’ll really enjoy it! I’ll be reviewing another food movie on Tuesday.
This is on our list too.
Jeff, I had low expectations for CHEF, but it turned out to be thoughtful and moving.
Thought John Leguizmo stole the movie. Loved the setting and the music and the food. I could have done with a casting change with Veragara. Listening to her sing every line drove me away from MODERN FAMILY.
Patti, you’re right about John Leguizmo stealing every scene he’s in. Veragara’s role is small and see seemed under control.
Hmmmm…another movie in which a schlubby guy manages to have a smoking hot (ex-)wife, similar to, oh, every movie made by and/or starring a schlubby guy in the past decade. I can tell that would be annoying me the entire time I watched the movie.
Deb, I share your feelings about chubby guys with super-model wives or ex-wives or girlfriends. But, at least in the case of CHEF, the smoking hot ex-wife is only on-screen for five minutes total.
Not a Favreau fan but the rest of the cast looks pretty good.
I’ll watch for this one.
Beth, you’ll enjoy CHEF. The cast is outstanding.