Chef
2014 · Directed by Jon Favreau
Original language: English
- comedy
The story
When Chef Carl Casper suddenly quits his job at a prominent Los Angeles restaurant after refusing to compromise his creative integrity for its controlling owner, he is left to figure out what's next. Finding himself in Miami, he teams up with his ex-wife, his friend and his son to launch a food truck. Taking to the road, Chef Carl goes back to his roots to reignite his passion for the kitchen -- and zest for life and love.
What it’s like
Warm, sun-bleached road-trip comedy, shot with a bright, easygoing look: daylight kitchens, saturated Miami streets, and the glossy sheen of food being cooked close up. Much of the camera stays handheld and loose, drifting alongside the characters as they sling sandwiches and bicker in the cab of a van, while the food itself gets lingering, appetite-first close-ups of sizzling meat, cheese pulls and knife work. The sound is upbeat and jazzy, with a light Latin percussion and guitar score that keeps the mood buoyant, and the city noise and sizzle of the grill do plenty of the work. The vibe is easy, funny and affectionate, a good fit for a lazy weekend, a long drive or an evening when you want something cheerful with real heart. Pacing is unhurried and episodic, with bursts of banter and a few quiet father-son moments. Intensity is very mild: some profanity, a bit of drunkenness and a brief scuffle, but no real violence, sex on screen is minimal, and the mood stays gentle. It suits anyone who wants a feel-good story about a burned-out artist finding his footing again, with a sweet, forgiving tone and a bit of sensory food-porn on the side.
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