Melanie and I saw a very
enjoyable movie last night, “Chef,” written, directed and starring Jon Favreau. In case you aren’t familiar with him, Favreau’s
big break came in the 1996 indy flick “Swngers” which he wrote and co-starred
in with Vince Vaughn. He’s had an
interesting career and recently directed “Iron Man” and “Iron Man 2.” “Chef” is an accomplished return to his more
personal indy roots.
“Chef” is a warm, enjoyable
movie, slightly old-fashioned in its sentiment, but in a very good way. The movie is heartfelt and fun, a celebration
of food which you’ll come away from hungry.
It’s also a wonderful character movie filled with an impressive array of
talent, many in small roles, including Dustin Hoffman as the restaurant owner
where Favreau’s chef is employed, Robert Downey Jr. who plays Favreau’s ex-wife’s
other ex-husband, John Leguizamo as Favreau’s best friend, Bobby Cannavale, Sofía
Vergara, Oliver Platt, and Scarlett Johansson.
It’s rare to see so many big names in smaller parts, but each one adds
something unique to the film. Also very
good is Emjay Anthony playing Favreau’s 10-year-old son.
There’s so much to like about
this one. The acting is fantastic all
around, very loose and natural, and it’s hard to tell what’s scripted and what’s
ad-libbed. Favreau is a conversational
actor, very unforced, and he gets great performances from everyone. Leguizamo is as always captivating and charismatic,
and Downey steals the one scene he’s in.
This is my kind of movie, not too fantastical, and filled with real
people and real struggles. Yes it’s a
bit too easily resolved, and yes there are some moments you always wish would
happen in real life that seldom do, but those elements work here. This is a feel-good movie that succeeds. We both loved it.
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