Chef *** (R) Jon Favreau must be a great guy, on top of his talents. He’s written, directed and/or appeared in a number of films, ranging from Indie favorites like Swingers to the series of Iron Man blockbusters. In this low-key character comedy, he wears all three hats, including that of the eponymous character - a once-promising Los Angeles chef, who’s been working for an owner that stifles his creative joy. A scathing review from an influential blogger (Oliver Platt) sends him into a personal and career nosedive, accelerated by his inadvertent misuse of Twitter in defense of his honor.
Unemployment at least gives him time to re-connect with the son (Emjay Anthony) from his former marriage to Sofia Vergara. He’s also had some sort of close relationship with the restaurant’s hostess (Scarlett Johansson), despite being depressed and overweight. An even less likely path to redemption arises from the idea of starting his own business out of a food truck, with the help of his ex’s family, and a loyal aide from his last job (John Leguizamo).
On the sex-appeal scale, Favreau should rank just above Seth Rogen, since he lacks the other’s annoying laugh. So the requisite suspension of disbelief begins with the caliber of women his character attracts, before continuing through most of the plot elements. Actor Favreau has an endearing Everyman quality that keeps viewers in his corner, despite how director Favreau could have fared better by letting his editor trim about 15 minutes of fat and gristle from the entree they were serving. He must be even more likable off-camera, landing such hot (meaning both demand and looks) female co-stars, Platt, Dustin Hoffman, Robert Downey, Jr. and others for atypically small roles. Favreau may not have the star-draw power of a Woody Allen, but he overachieves enviably as a casting maven. The result is an amiably entertaining feelgood film, so long as you gear your mental appetite for more of a snack than a feast. (5/23/14)