Time to get out of the house and go to the movies to see Chef.
Chef (John Favreau, Sophia Vergara, John Leguizamo, Scarlett Johannson, Oliver Platt, Dustin Hoffman, Bobby Cannavale, Emjay Anthony, Robert Downey, Jr.) – Actor/writer/director/producer John Favreau has had a marvelous career, considering that his roots are in sketch comedy in Chicago. His friendship and alliance with Vince Vaughan resulted in successful career moves, highlighted by Swingers. Since then, he has acted in several hit movies and has directed several more, including two Iron Man blockbusters with Robert Downey, Jr., who has a cameo here.
Chef is all his. He writes, directs, stars and produces this darling story about Carl Casper, a chef who loves his profession but feels creatively stuck at a successful L.A. restaurant owned by Mr. Riva (Dustin Hoffman). When a food critic gives him a bad review for losing the creativity he displayed a decade earlier at a restaurant in Miami, Casper comes unglued, gets fired, leaves his staff (played by such notable actors as Bobby Cannavale and Scarlett Johansson) and goes on a road trip with his ex-wife (Sofia Vergara) and their son (Emjay Anthony).
What could have been a buddy flick turns into a trip to self-discovery and introspection. Carl inherits a food truck from Marvin, his ex-wife’s ex-husband (Robert Downey, Jr.). He takes his long-ignored son and his best friend, Martin (John Leguizamo), and creates a fantastic restaurant on wheels. On a journey from Miami to New Orleans to Texas and back to L.A., he becomes whole again, falls in endless love with his son, and reclaims his career.
This is a fine family film with not-so-family friendly language. It is a wonderful little pic complete with an adorable kid, a bombshell, good buddies, and great acting from a perfect ensemble. Please see this little movie from a talented filmmaker. Bravo!