SPOTLIGHT FILMS: Chef
By Larry Hudema
On Tuesday August 26 Spotlight Films will be presenting the comedy Chef.
First, however, I’d like to take a moment to comment on the tragic passing of one of my favourite performers, Robin Williams. Many are familiar with Williams’ somewhat manic comedy style (Good Morning Vietnam) but, whether you remember him as Adrian Cronauer or Mork, he was also capable of portraying a serious side as in one of my favourites The Fisher King. I guess what I want to say is: Thanks, Robin, for the chuckles and for helping to pull me from my dark moments. I’m gonna miss you.
Chef is about pursuing passion.
Carl Casper (Jon Favreau, Iron Man series, The Wolf of Wall Street), an acclaimed chef at a prominent Los Angeles restaurant, is having a bad moment. As his family life is verging on decay he is ordered by his boss Riva (Dustin Hoffman) to prepare a meal which runs contrary to his sense of artistic freedom. The food is panned by a restaurant critic and the ensuing raucous and hilarious confrontation becomes a viral video hit. In a classic case of “One door closing….” his pro career is ruined. Carl’s ex-wife, Molly (Sofia Vergara,Modern Family), offers a solution, refit an old food truck, which her current husband Marvin (Robert Downey Jr.) is attempting to dispose of, and offer quality cuisine on his terms. As Marvin puts it, “…a blank canvas for your dreams.” With his young son, Percy (Emjay Anthony, The Mentalist, Grey’s Anatomy) seeking a little dad quality time, and an old colleague, Martin (John Leguizamo, Walking With Dinosaurs 3-D, American Dad) in tow Carl takes a working road trip to rediscover his gastronomic passion. Assisted by Percy’s tech savvy and Martin’s enthusiasm, Carl finds he is creating a travelling sensation. He also discovers that not only is he serving up the scrumptious results of his reignited passion for the kitchen, but also a deliciously deeper connection with his life and his family.
For all you Scarlett Johansson fans…..she also makes an appearance.
This delightfully escapist fun flick rated 88 per cent on Rotten Tomatoes and 76 per cent on IMDB (Internet Movie Database)…..neither of which is a small feat.
Chef will be shown at 7:30 pm at the Gem Theatre.
Thanks to IMDB, Rotten Tomatoes, Open Road, Ebiri, our sponsors, patrons, and Maureen and Marius Paquet, of the Gem Theatre for their generous support of Spotlight Films.
