On DVD and Blu Ray - "Chef" (2014) - Jon Favreau (Iron Man) writes, directs and stars in this absolutely delightful comedy about an acclaimed chef who loses his job at a high-end restaurant and subsequently reinvents his career by firing up a food truck. Returning to his smaller-budgeted, indie roots in superb fashion, Favreau has crafted a genuinely funny and uplifting experience that feels refreshingly authentic and natural without a hint of scattershot improv. Chef is a highly rewarding and thoroughly entertaining passion project that is extremely well-written and acted for a lighter comedy, featuring sharp, hilarious dialogue and fascinating, detailed footage of culinary preparation that will undoubtedly leave mouths watering.
Favreau's excellent as "Carl Casper", a portly and heavily tattooed professional chef who finds his creativity suffocated under the employment of his restrictive restaurateur boss, played by Dustin Hoffman (Marathon Man). After a disastrous review from a surly food critic (Oliver Platt) results in a spectacular meltdown, our protagonist finds himself jobless yet eager to revisit what's left of his artistic integrity. A dilapidated old taco truck presents a chance to start anew, while also providing a golden opportunity to repair the fledgling bond between him and the young son (Emjay Anthony) he's been neglecting. Joined by his son and a former colleague (John Leguizamo), the trio embarks on an enlightening road trip across America.
I wasn't expecting the road picture element, though the film is highly effective as such- stops in Miami, New Orleans and Austin are most notable.
The film features an impressive cast which includes the lovely Sofia Vergara (ABC's Modern Family) as Carl's sympathetic ex-wife (she looks amazing as a blonde!), Scarlett Johansson (The Avengers) as his hostess girlfriend and Bobby Cannavale (The Station Agent) as a former culinary colleague. There are a couple of worthwhile cameos I won't bother to spoil.
Maybe it caught me at precisely the right moment, but I had a smile plastered on my face from beginning to end- brimming with appealing characters, memorable lines and outstanding soundtrack selections, the film hits all the right notes and doesn't overstay its welcome. A word of warning: I would suggest to potential viewers that they don't plan on viewing this on an empty stomach- it will prove to be 114 minutes of torture.
This is the feel-good film of 2014 and should rocket near the very top of the best food/cooking movies ever made. It would make a great companion piece to Campbell Scott and Stanley Tucci's 1996 film, Big Night.
Chef comes Highly Recommended- it's a celebration of the American appetite and a Midnight Max Essential.
9.5 out of 10
Director: John Favreau
Cast: John Favreau, Emjay Anthony, John Lequizamo, Sofia Vergara, Scarlett Johansson, Oliver Platt, Bobby Cannavale, Dustin Hoffman, Amy Sedaris and Robert Downey Jr.
Run-Time: 114 minutes
MPAA: Rated R for language, including some suggestive references
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