Chef

Whatever you do, do not watch this film on an empty stomach! You will be sorry you ever did. Be prepared and make sure you have plenty of snacks on hand.

Also, be sure to stay until the very end because there are some recipes that play on screen after the film is over. Of course, now all I can think of is food. This one absolutely amazing three course meal I had the other day of a salad with seasonal berries, steak and fries, and a decadent chocolate cake for dessert. See how this film can completely leave you hungry? But don't take my word for it. Instead watch Jon Favreau as he is the mastermind on screen, as the Chef in the kitchen, and off-screen as well, as the film is written, directed, and produced by him. I couldn't help but think of Swingers and how genius he was even then. He has always been the supporting actor, the sidekick. I was so glad to see that he was finally the lead. An actor like that who is so talented deserves a role worthy of him. Chef is all that and more. Of course, it took him to write the script so that goes to show sometimes you just have to go out there on your own. And he does, both behind the camera and right smack dab on screen.

A surprise appearance in the film by Robert Downey Jr. is absolutely remarkable. His part will leave a lastly "mark" in your mind as his character is completely anal right down to the fact that everyone who enters his office building needs to wear "booties" so they don't leave a mark on his floors. Picture in your mind the booties that doctors wear. Now that is comedy at its absolute best.

Jon Favreau is the guy who at the start of the film is working in a restaurant and has to deal with the pressure from the restaurant owner (Dustin Hoffman) to always stick to the usual menu. Jon feels like he is unable to be creative and to create foods with adventure, pizzazz, and style.

A food critic in the film is again played by someone famous. Originally we only see a blurred out picture of him in a magazine. At that moment, I immediately knew who it was. Of course, when he arrives at the restaurant, more hilarious moments ensue.

Jon as the lead in Chef plays a guy who doesn't want to be pegged into just making the same old menu items. He goes out on his own on a food truck joined by his son and John Leguizamo at his funniest and best. The trio travel from stop to stop and the film becomes poignant as we see moments between father and son that really cut to the core of the film. Throughout the journey, you will find yourself laughing and crying and well...don't forget what I said about bringing those snacks!