I always like to start off with bias alert when i feel there is one. I’m biased for this film on several levels. I love low budget indie films. I am a huge foodie (it’s why I love Chicago) and greatly admire the kind of artistry and culture that goes into great food. Finally, there was not an actor in this film that I don’t absolutely love as performers. Given all of that, I am going to rave about this film from Writer and Director Jon Favreau, knowing that it might not be everyone’s idea of great. It’s a small movie, but filled with witty dialogue, touching father/son dynamics, and most importantly…food porn.
Carl Casper (Jon Favreau) is an award winning chef stuck in a rut working for a confining boss (Dustin Hoffman in a small yet fantastically acted role). His work life completely consumes his world making his limited time with his shared custody son (played just cute enough by Emjay Anthony) rushed and mechanical. After a particularly scathing online food review (a delightfully low-key performance by Oliver Platt), Carl loses it and starts an online and in person war of words that eventually costs him his job. Out of a job and broken in spirit, Carl struggles to find meaning in his life. He has lost the fire that gave him early success in his career.
Inez, his ex-wife (played by ‘way out of Favreau’s league’ Sofia Vergaras) suggests that Carl accompany her and their son to Miami for some time away. Carl doesn’t realize that Inez has the ulterior motive of hooking Carl up with her other rich ex-husband to bank role a food truck idea. Inez knows Carl well enough to know he will never be happy unless he is working for himself. The truck is in rough shape, but after father and son put in some elbow grease and bonding time, it begins to come together. When Carl’s former sous-chef Martin shows up (played by another favorite, John Leguizamo) the team comes together. Carl decides to take his love of Cuban food and bring it to Los Angeles. A cross country food truck road trip is needed to perfect his kitchen on wheels and also provide a long needed bonding time with his son.The three set off on a culinary adventure in the deep south.
Carl and Martin are borderline social media illiterate, but fortunately his son is not. Carl has gained tens of thousand followers from his online food critic war and his son is able to market the food truck’s destinations. Everywhere they go they are met with crowds of people waiting to try Carl Casper’s work. Greater than their success is the strong bond that forms between the three of them and father and son rediscovering their bond.
Whenever I travel, I always get irritated by the lack of respect for American cuisine. ‘Chef’ does a great job, not only highlighting the great regional cuisine’s of Miami, New Orleans, and Texas (granted, inspired by other cultures, but that is what America is all about), but also putting it in the context of the local culture. Great music abounds in this movie as well as picturesque locales that don’t exaggerate the beauty, but stirs the desire to visit there. And again, if you are a foodie, the food porn permeates throughout this film. Favreau can make something as basic as a grilled cheese seem to be a work of art.
I suppose that is the point I want to make with this review. Food service is often looked upon as a lower rung job in our society, but I have nothing but respect for the blue collar artistry and discipline that can come from a well run kitchen and a chef with vision. Favreau states it best when he explains to his son that what he does touches lives directly and in a meaningful way. I was culinaryingly deprived growing up and I only discovered a love for the infinite variety of cuisines and experiences in my adulthood. To me food, like any other type of art, is an exploration of the senses and does not get the artistic respect it deserves in the mainstream. Granted, food can be a pedestrian experience, much like a painting in the room of a Motel 6, but it can also be the Mona Lisa by people who take pride and craftsmanship in their work. To me, that is what this film is able to convey.
Because of my bias, perhaps I am being far too kind in my praise of this film, but I thoroughly enjoyed it and will recommend it to anyone who will listen. Caution: If you’re not a foodie, you might become one after watching this. Believe it or not, despite its’ R-rating (only because of kitchen language), I would even recommend it as a father/son day at the movies.
I give this film *** 1/2 stars
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