If you fancy something refreshingly different – then you could do a lot worse than this tasty portion of soul food.
Regular blockbuster director Jon Favreau (Iron Man, Cowboys & Aliens) – who also stars as the main lead – weaves a heartwarming tale with his indie food-orientated pet project that really hits the spot.
Once highly-acclaimed chef Carl Casper (Favreau) walks out on his job – being forced to adhere to an uninspiring formula by the restaurant owner (Dustin Hoffman) – after having his food slammed by a much-revered food critic (Oliver Platt), who he then abuses via misusing Twitter, followed by a meltdown rant which is ends up on YouTube.
With his career seemingly in tatters, he heads to Miami at the behest of ex-wife Inez (Modern Family’s Sofia Vergara) to spend some quality time with his neglected son Percy (Emjay Anthony), where he’s enticed to get back to basics by giving a battered food truck a serious facelift to sell takeaway food on the go.
With the help of former sous-chef Martin (John Leguizamo) and Percy, all three take to the road – taking in the delights of New Orleans and Texas along the way – with Carl’s delicious Cuban sandwiches and Yucca fries taking gathering crowds by storm, and some father-son broken fences being mended to boot.
Throw in the backdrop of visually spectacular locales and a truly upbeat soundtrack – Marvin Gaye’s ‘Sexual Healing’ with some deep south flavour was a particular high point – then this little treat from Favreau really has plenty of filling in its sandwich.
It might be a bit too glib, sickly sweet or a little too niche for some, but with great performances from Favreau, Leguizamo and particularly young newcomer Anthony, this really cooks a different a meal to the conveyor belt of summer blockbusters.
Gavin Miller
Cast: Jon Favreau, Sofia Vergara, Scarlett Johansson, John Leguizamo, Emjay Anthony, Dustin Hoffman, Oliver Platt & Robert Downey Jr
Running Time: 1hr 50mins
Director: Jon Favreau
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