Jon Favreau cooks up a delightful film. Chef has mouth-watering dishes, and yes, some fine acting too. Chef Carl Casper (Jon Favreau) loses his job due to his urge to be creative with his menu that doesn’t go down too well with the restaurant owner Riva (Dustin Hoffman). To make matter worse for Carl, the city’s most notable food critic, Ramsey Michel (Oliver Platt) hasn’t rated his food very favorably. Meanwhile, Carl is trying to connect with his estranged family that includes his son Percy (Emjay Anthony) and ex-wife Inez (Sofia Vergara). Molly (Scarlett Johansson) who works at the same restaurant has a soft corner for Carl as do his colleagues Martin (John Leguizamo) and Tony (Bobby Cannavale). Carl with the help of Inez and her ex-husband Marvin (Robert Downey Jr.) starts a food truck. Martin and Percy join him on his cross-country ride on the food truck.
There are plenty of moments in the film where you will smile. Chef doesn’t have any twists and turns, and by and large it is a simple story. However, having said that, you will find that this very straightforward narrative is the film’s strongest point. There aren’t too many characters, and things don’t really get too complicated. Something that the family audience will savor. The film is certainly very appetizing with all the food shots that are there for good measure.
If a down-to-earth plot is the film’s main feature then acting is not too far behind. Jon Favreau, who has also directed the film, is excellent. The ease with which he plays the role of Chef Carl Casper is admirable. Not too far behind in this regard is Emjay Anthony. He looks charming and will win the audience’s hearts with his performance. Sofia Vergara and Scarlett Johansson play their parts to a tee. Same can be said of John Leguizamo. The rest of the cast that includes veteran actors like Dustin Hoffman and Robert Downey Jr. add star power to an already enviable cast.
There is good food, lovely music and solid performances that will surely capture keep the viewers engaged. If you want to be treated to some sumptuous movie fare then keep going to watch Chef right up as one of the best options.
What do you think?