Chef: Movie Review
I reviewed the new comedy “Chef” this past March at the SXSW festival in Austin. Below is the review I posted as part of my SXSW recap. You can check out the rest of my SXSW recap here.
The opening film for SXSW is usually something very special and actor/director Jon Favreau’s return to independent features after spending the last few years working on mega-blockbusters like “Iron Man” is no exception. Pulling triple duty as writer/director/star of the fantastic new film “Chef,” Favreau has not lost his touch for smart, witty, and extremely funny stories that feature very relatable characters. Much like his breakout hit “Swingers,” his latest film “Chef” is going to wind up becoming a cult favorite.
As a road trip movie that takes us through Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, and making a grand stop in Austin, it is no wonder that they wanted to premiere “Chef” at SXSW. Favreau does his best to honor the culture and people of each city the story takes us through.
Carl Casper (Favreau) is a successful Los Angeles chef at a generally well-regarded eatery. When Carl learns that a famous food blogger (Oliver Platt) is going to visit his restaurant, he plans to create a special menu to impress the critic. Unfortunately Carl’s boss (Dustin Hoffman) is set on Carl sticking with the traditional menu and not deviating from the tried & true recipes. Unfortunately sticking to the traditional menu lands Carl a scathing review, which leads to a very public breakdown that winds up going viral.
With the help of his ex-wife (Sofia Vergara), his sous chef (John Leguizamo) and his son Percy (Emjay Anthony), Carl goes into business for himself by starting a food truck with the main focus being Cuban sandwiches.
“Chef” is a film that loves and respects food. Everything looks so good and my mouth was watering just watching everything being prepared. I am not a fan of Cuban Sandwiches, but I really wanted one by the time the movie ended. With all the detail spent on the food aspect of the story a majority of the film comes from the point of view of Carl’s son Percy, who is desperate for attention from his father, who always puts work before family. Carl knows he is not a good husband and he knows he is not a very good father, but what he knows for sure is that he is a great chef.
I am hoping that Favreau continues to take the time to create smaller films like “Chef” because he really excels with smaller stories. I love “Iron Man” and “Elf,” but “Chef” is one of his best.
By: Marc Ferman