Chef

I guess the title My Big Fat Chef Movie was taken

Indie film favorite Jon Favreau, who wrote, directed and acted in Swingers (1996), has spent the past decade directing movies like Iron Man, Iron Man 2 and Cowboys and Aliens. So it’s a treat to see him write and direct and star in a small palate cleansing film again, even if it is the tired “food movie” genre where the cooking scenes help tell stories and showcase a character’s passion.

Ultimately, this is the story of a 40something chef dealing with complicated work and family relationships. When those relationships unfold realistically, this film sails.

But many of the plot turns are too manipulative and unbelievable for what I thought this film could be. This finding-your-passion food film starts out as an indie film (i.e. last summer’s Way Way Back), but ends like a contrived rom com (i.e. My Big Fat Greek Wedding). That’s a confusing shift, but it definitely works as a crowd pleaser.

Simply put: Movie comfort food that the whole family will enjoy.

Award potential: It’s a stellar cast with everyone performing just right for a light film, but nothing more.

The ten buck review: Not a stellar film, but it’s a fun time at the movies. Worth ten bucks.