CHEF (A-)

Bottom Line: A father-son, food frenzied, social media conscience, road trip movie that sizzles and soars.  Jon Favreau directs and stars in this simple, good-natured and heartwarming slice-of-life film.  Beautifully nuanced and simple in execution, CHEF cooks up an honest, breezy and engagingly energetic atmosphere – and then rests it on the shoulders of a very talented cast and an easygoing charm.  It’s a mouthwatering glimpse behind the scenes of the food world – and we’re lucky to have it in our midst.  …and with delicious dishes, both extravagant and simple, being served up and gorgeously shot, you might want to think about taking a bite of this movie on a full stomach.  CHEF is a hilarious, heartfelt and hunger-inducing delight!

Starring: Jon Favreau, Scarlett Johansson, Sofia Vergara, John Leguizamo, Bobby Cannavale, Dustin Hoffman, Oliver Platt and Robert Downey Jr.

Directed by: Jon Favreau (IRON MAN, IRON MAN 2, COWBOYS & ALIENS, ZATHURA elf and SWINGERS)

Running time: 115 minutes

Studio description: Chef Carl Casper (Jon Favreau) suddenly quits his job at a prominent Los Angeles restaurant after refusing to compromise his creative integrity for its controlling owner (Dustin Hoffman), he is left to figure out what's next. Finding himself in Miami, he teams up with his ex-wife (Sofia Vergara), his friend (John Leguizamo) and his son to launch a food truck. Taking to the road, Chef Carl goes back to his roots to reignite his passion for the kitchen -- and zest for life and love. (c) Open Road

Official site: www.facebook.com/chefthefilm