The new film "Chef" is a heavenly slice of life that will steal your heart as it tickles your taste buds. Director-actor-writer-producer Jon Favreau has returned to his indie roots in this delightful concoction of love, laughter and the pursuit of happiness.
Favreau plays Carl, a divorced father and once-celebrated L.A. chef who's in a "creative rut." Aware that a well-known food blogger (Oliver Platt) will be dining at the restaurant, he decides to dazzle him with his culinary prowess. But the proprietor (Dustin Hoffman) demands that Carl plays it safe. The result is a scathing review which goes viral and when Carl fights back, he's fired.
Jobless and broke, Carl's ex-wife, Inez (Sofia Vergara), suggests that he accompany her and their 11-year-old son, Percy (Emjay Anthony), to Miami and try making a fresh start. Eager to spend more time with Percy, he agrees. Inez's ex-husband (Robert Downey, Jr.) offers him a dilapidated food truck which Percy and longtime friend/chef, Martin (John Leguizamo), turn into a thriving business. A rollicking road trip back to L.A. results in a reconnection with his son as well as his love of cooking.
"Chef" sumptuously soars on every level. In a casting coup, Favreau manages to get great actors to take on small roles. Scarlett Johansson, Bobby Cannavale and Amy Sedaris have little but impactive screen time. Exquisite camerawork, savvy scoring and a ridiculously great script all come together pitch-perfectly, making this Favreau's best film, ever. His "Iron Man" franchise may make big money, but it's "Chef" that makes the big impression.
"Chef" is about leaving your safety net to pursue your dream. It's about the love between a father and his son. And it's about the important journey which can make all the difference. A feast for the senses, "Chef" leaves you with a craving for more of this fare in films. Note: Be sure to stay through the credits and learn how to make the world's best grilled cheese sandwich ... Bon Appetit!
