Chef (2014)
Chef – Starting from scratch never tasted so good.
Jon Favreau——————————Carl Casper
John Leguizamo————————-Martin
Emjay Anthony————————–Percy
Scarlett Johansson———————-Molly
Sofia Vergara————————–Inez
Dustin Hoffman————————–Riva
Robert Downey Jr.———————-Marvin
Oliver Platt——————————-Ramsey Michel
Directed by Jon Favreau.
Screenplay by Jon Favreau.
I have been watching Jon Favreau for over twenty years starting with “Rudy” where he befriends the title character or as “Eric the Clown” in Seinfeld. He has entertained us for the last twenty years both in front and behind the camera. His knowledge of movies has helped “Iron Man” become the best franchise in the Marvel Universe. So when I saw the trailer for “Chef” I was immediately interested in watching this film.
Carl Casper (Favreau) has been working at a restaurant owned by Riva (Hoffman) for the last ten years. He is about to have an internet food blogger come to the restaurant and he wants to impress this critic with a new menu, but Riva refuses to let him create anything new and forces Carl to stick to the old menu. The review is less than encouraging and Carl has a meltdown in the middle of the restaurant. The incident is filmed and goes viral on the internet leaving Carl unemployed.
His ex-wife Inez (Vergara) helps Carl get a food truck through her first husband. This puts Carl in a pride swallowing siege which leaves him feeling uneasy about the prospects of the idea. His son Percy (Anthony) is trying to understand why his father doesn’t live at home anymore and why his father has changed so much. Carl who had focused his life on his work gradually realizes what is important. Once the truck is ready for serving the public Carl plans to drive it from Miami back to Los Angeles. Through some creative bargaining Percy convinces his mother and father to join Carl and Martin on the trip back. The road trip brings the father and son closer together and helps Carl finally get on track with his life.
This is a great film that focuses on a character that needs to get work life balance. Emjay Anthony does a great job as Percy and adds a lot to this movie. Sofia Vergara is absolutely beautiful and she lifts this movie every time she is on screen. Her character is strong and caring which is a delicate balance Sofia makes look easy. Jon Favreau is excellent in the lead role and provides passion to every scene he is in. The real amazing part of this movie is the fact that he also wrote and directed “Chef”. A very rare example of someone wearing three hats (actor, writer, and director) and doing a very good job in all three roles. This movie drags a little in some places but still manages to deliver some touching moments, a bunch of heart and some good laughs. It is fun to watch a character beat to his own drum. I believe Jon Favreau marches to the beat of his own drum and I look forward to his next movie. Keep it up Jon!!!
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Runtime: 114 Minutes
Production Budget: N/A
Box Office
Domestic: Not Finished Run Yet.
Worldwide: Not Finished Run Yet.
CC Rating: 9 out of 10
Screenplay: I could not find the screenplay.
Directors’ Previous Movies: Iron Man, Iron Man 2, Cowboys & Aliens.
If you liked this try: Regarding Henry, The Family Man, Love Actually.