Jon Favreau directs and stars in this paean to chefs. I was expecting a lame restaurant story, a la Anthony Bourdain, about life in the seamy back room of restaurant kitchens. Instead, this is a touching ode to the kind of chef for whom cooking is a calling. Favreau plays Carl Casper, a chef who finds beauty in an orange and ecstasy in a Cubano sandwich. Once an innovative rising star, he has sold out to boss Dustin Hoffman, who is much more interested in filling his restaurant than allowing Carl to create the next big thing. The movie is delightful and invigorating as Carl, his faithful protégé Martin (John Leguizamo) and his 10-year-old son embark on a road trip in their new food truck, El Jefe. They rediscover the joys of creating something meaningful and sharing it with all who appreciate it. The relationship drama between Carl and his son was a little maudlin, but a small price to pay for all the joy this film exudes.
Should You See It? A resounding Yes! —D.W.
Viewed at AMC Creve Coeur 12
