Chef (2014)

Two Geeks and a GIT Classic Movie Reviews

Our second film is another independent production, but one that reaffirms the idea that you can make a great film without a major studio behind you or a huge budget! Written and directed by, and starring, Jon Favreau, 2014's "Chef" tells the story of famous chef Carl Casper (Favreau), who heads up the kitchen in a restaurant run by the unadventerous Riva (Dustin Hoffman), who resists Carl's attempts to bring new items to the menu. After being talked out of a special menu for visiting food critic Ramsey Michel (Oliver Platt), Carl, and his assistants Tony (Bobby Cannavale) and Martin (John Leguizamo) capitulate to Riva's demands and cook up the standard menu, which is then completely panned by Michel. After issuing a challenge for Michel to return for a different menu, Carl ends up quitting when Riva won't allow him to fulfill his promise. Carl then travels to Miami with is son Percy (Emjay Anthony) and ex-sife Inez (Sofia Vergara). There, after eating some truly inspiring Cuban food, Inez convinces him to meet up with her other ex-husband, Marvin (Robert Downey Jr.), who sets Carl up with a food truck. After Margin flies down to join him, Carl, Martin, adn Percy renovate the truck and set off back to L.A., with a side-trip to New Orleans at Percy's request. Along the way, Carl and Percy bond in a way new to both of them while Carl teaches Percy everything he knows about loving and preparing great food. As they finally head back to L.A., things are changing for both Carl and Percy, but what happens when they arrive is a surprise to all involved! Also starring Scarlett Johannson and Amy Sedaris! Plus, the trio unveil their pick for a film pairing reaturing actors who, while famous for a certain type of role, stepped outside their comfort zone to give a radically different performance!