Movie Review: Burnt
When I saw the trailer for the chef-centered movie, Burnt, I knew it was one I'd have to see...because I knew there would be some pretty things to look at between the food and Bradley Cooper. I recalled going to see the movie Chef and what a feel-good flick it was. And I guess because I was expecting a feel-good flick, I was a little disappointed.
I'd like to hear the perspective of someone who has worked in an upscale, high-pressure kitchen like that portrayed in the film. Maybe it would hit close to home for them, but I'd rather believe that there are more chefs out there that are kinder and gentler and more about the joy of cooking than high-strung, short-tempered, plate throwing, bi-polar types. There really wasn't much feel-good in this film and they could have potentially had a really knockout, climatic ending, but they didn't. At. All. It's the only movie I've seen in the theatre in the past couple of years that I haven't cried at during some point in the film. I'm a cryer when I'm watching something on the big screen and totally in that zone - whether it's a drama, a comedy or an animated movie. I just didn't feel anything watching this one, except that it could have been so much better.
The story revolves around a once huge addict who let everything crumble while he fed his habit even after being handed good opportunities as a young chef in Paris - and his quest to acquire that third Michelin star. I thought there was a lot lacking in the relationships that could have made it more interesting and engaging.
The best part were the artfully crafted plates that were served, so if you're in it for the food porn, there's a bit of that.
I'd like to hear the perspective of someone who has worked in an upscale, high-pressure kitchen like that portrayed in the film. Maybe it would hit close to home for them, but I'd rather believe that there are more chefs out there that are kinder and gentler and more about the joy of cooking than high-strung, short-tempered, plate throwing, bi-polar types. There really wasn't much feel-good in this film and they could have potentially had a really knockout, climatic ending, but they didn't. At. All. It's the only movie I've seen in the theatre in the past couple of years that I haven't cried at during some point in the film. I'm a cryer when I'm watching something on the big screen and totally in that zone - whether it's a drama, a comedy or an animated movie. I just didn't feel anything watching this one, except that it could have been so much better.
The story revolves around a once huge addict who let everything crumble while he fed his habit even after being handed good opportunities as a young chef in Paris - and his quest to acquire that third Michelin star. I thought there was a lot lacking in the relationships that could have made it more interesting and engaging.
The best part were the artfully crafted plates that were served, so if you're in it for the food porn, there's a bit of that.
That's so disappointing, but also in-line with what I've been hearing about this film. I'll have to check out Chef because you're not the only one to say it's a feel-good movie, and you can never have too many of those - especially coupled with food!
ReplyDeleteI'm very much a glass half-full person and even if a movie isn't out-of-this-world, I can usually walk away with good things to say about it and feel like it was a good experience. In the past two years there have only been two movies that have made me feel bored and not into it and this was one. And I really wanted to love it. :( Here's my review of Chef - http://chicagofoodiesisters.blogspot.com/2014/06/chef-movie-is-feel-good-foodie-flick.html
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