Chef

Director – Jon Favreau

Cast – Jon Favreau, Sofia Vergara, Scarlett Johansson, Dustin Hoffman, and Robert Downey Jr.

            Chef is a refreshing, come-of-age film that you can watch with your family. Though restricted to adults (only due to a couple of expletives) the film carries a strong message for a father-son relationship; the rapport which a separated father wishes to establish. 

            Chef Carl Casper (Favreau) tweets his anger against the review published by food critic Ramsay Michel (Oliver Platt) and quits his job following a public spat with him. This outrage becomes an internet sensation. Despite suggestions for reality TV Carl decides to continue his passion for food by opening his own venture in a food truck. What follows is the ultimate route to success. 

            The film does not go too much into the technicalities of cooking and instead focuses on family relationships. A routine activity like cooking can be an important medium to reach a person’s heart. The simple story moves at a swift pace leaving no room for subplots. It also carries some marketing lessons for management students with regards to the social media. 

John Leguizamo (best remembered as the voice of Sid in Ice Age) is the funniest character in the film. The disappointment of the small (but significant) role offered to Scarlett Johansson is filled by the special appearance of Robert Downey Jr. 

I am going with four out of five stars to Jon Favreau’s Chef. Keep your tables reserved!!