REVIEW
Just a few weeks after Doug Liman goes up a blockbuster gear with “Edge Of Tomorrow” we see his fellow Swingers allumni Jon Favreau drop down from making Blockbusters to a small budget but more personal film. Will this be another positive step on Faveaus career snakes and ladders?
Chef sees Jon Favreau play Carl Casper, a chef that has lost his way with his son and as a chef. This is obviously a passion project for Favreau after years of big budget films. The first thing that struck me is the indie feel that this film brings. Mr Favreau has taken “Chef” back to “Swingers” basics by writing a great little character driven story that is full of charm, humour and a great dollop of feel good.
One good aspect that Favreau has brought to this script is the use of social media. A lot of jokes come in the form of Casper starting to use twitter and that it takes his young son to teach him the basics, this is the youth of today. Anyone with their own business could easily be inspired and motivated by what they see on screen.
Favreau is always consistently good on screen and as Chef Casper he continues to bring it. This is a troubled man that is full of passion for his food but can’t show it and at the same time struggles with the needs of being a father. Favreau has always had an eye for talent (Robert Downey Jr as Iron man) so it’s no surprise to see him bounce off the rest of the cast to great effect. For me though it’s the scenes with Percy (Emjay Anthony) that really stand out as they don’t have many big emotional scenes together but a natural progression between them as the film goes on.
This isn’t the big studio picture that I’m used to from Favreau. Yes It may have big star names on the poster, but believe me they are mostly small roles that screams out as a favour between friends. This isn’t the flash sets of Tony Starks mansion, nope, this is mostly hand held cameras in real locations of America and it’s more the better for it. The film looks glorious on the screen as the food truck travels through various locations. Please heed this warning though, make sure you have eaten beforehand because every shot of food looks delicious. This is food porn at it’s best.
You know when a film is a little more personal to the director because every little aspect has been considered, including the soundtrack. It really does add to the feel good factor as it’s got some well known songs but remade for the film. One scene involves the build up of a song that you know is familiar, but it’s only when the cast start singing it, a version of Marvin Gayes “sexual healing”, that you can’t help but nod your head along.
I really enjoyed Chef but there is a couple of let-downs in the form of the ex wife Inez (played by Sofia Vergara) we all know how good Vergara is from Modern Family but unfortunately her character is here just to service Casper getting his food truck. She is also involved in the slightly soft ending of Casper and her getting remarried, and the reception being in his new restaurant. It’s not a bad ending but a little less creative than the message this film is sending out
VERDICT
I really enjoyed this film and would recommend a viewing to all that ask. It’s not often we get that many nice feel good films at the cinema so snap it up whilst you can.
RATING
Please feel free to comment below if you have any opinions regarding this review or film.
5 STARS = EXCELLENT
4 STARS = VERY GOOD
3 STARS = GOOD
2 STARS = POOR
1 STAR = TERRIBLE
Despicable Leigh And His Super Friends 