The Appeal of 'Chef'

Coming after director Jon Favreau's 'Iron Man 2' and 'Cowboys & Aliens,' 'Chef' warmly welcomed critics and audiences alike. 'Chef' is a simple story about creative expression and the journey to fulfill it. Jon Favreau plays the lead role of Chef Carl Casper, a prestigious chef who has a problem with criticism regarding his food. When a high-end critic comes into his restaurant and berates him, Chef Carl antagonizes him on Twitter and later has a public mental breakdown that ruins his career. This pushes Carl on a journey as a chef, as a father, and as a person; remolding his career by producing mouth-watering sandwiches in a food truck.

Although the story has some narrative fallbacks -- character motives and actions --, the film is designed to make the audience euphoric, interested, and most importantly HUNGRY. This movie is the definition of a feel-good story and it's why people enjoy it. The characters are hilarious and likable, the music is boisterous and catchy, and the food looks so delicious you want to eat it off the screen. Every aspect plays off the other to create the most enjoyable experience.

The two standout performances in the film are Jon Favreau and John Leguizamo who have this amazing, humorful relationship. Favreau perfectly plays a deeply insecure character desperate for success not just as a chef but also as a father. Percy, his son, desires a deeper relationship with his father despite Carl's center focus on his cuisine. The absent-minded father comes through Favreau's performance, which increases his likeability as he learns the true meaning of fatherhood. As for John Leguizamo, he is extremely charismatic and funny constantly breathing humor into every scene. The chemistry between Favreau and Leguizamo amplifies every aspect of the plot and the other characters present in the film. Not a scene goes by without a smile, or a chuckle.

As for analysis, I don't have much to say about 'Chef.' The themes of fatherhood, pursuit of happiness, and family are straightforward and easy to identify. Jon Favreau establishes his goal to full fruition, creating an experience that brings me back with open arms. 'Chef' is a great movie to find a smile during a tough time and I recommend watching it with friends and family, ideally with sandwiches in hand.