The Chef (2012)

Original Title

Comme un chef

Genre

Comedy

Director

Daniel Cohen

Country

France

Cast

Jean Reno, Michaël Youn, Raphaëlle Agogué, Julien Boisselier, Santiago Segura, Salomé Stévenin, Serge Lariviere, Issa Doumbia, Bun Hay Mean, Pierre Vernier, Rebecca Miquel

Storyline

Self-taught aspiring chef Jacky (Michaël Youn) has the talent, but not the luck. Star chef Alexandre Lagarde (Jean Reno) is in danger of losing his reputation, along with his beloved restaurant. Fate brings the two together and helps them along a journey through the intoxicating world of French haute-cuisine. 

Opinion

Not to be confused with Jon Favreau's "Chef", The Chef is a light, simple, entirely predictable, yet very delightful foodie French comedy, seasoned with a touch of romance.

Written by director Daniel Cohen and Olivier Dazat, the film may not be a masterpiece, or original, but the story is well-assembled - though the subplot doesn't working fine -, it aims to tease the molecular cuisine trend - the sequence where Alexander and Jacky dress up as a Japanese nobleman and his geisha to sample his rival's menu is just hilarious -, the love definitely not at first sight between the odd couple - Reno and Youn - serves some good laughs, and their love of food is a good mix for a funny film.

The film is also enhanced by the great performances of Jean Reno and Michaël Youn, whose elastic face remembers a clown's, and by a satisfying supporting cast.