Chef Adam Jones burnt himself out on drink, drugs and sex by way of achieving too much too young and, in so doing, made some enemies and stored up some problems. Now clean, he is seeking to re-establish himself: but does he still have what it takes, because his people skills are sadly lacking.
For some baffling reason, this is labelled as a comedy: I have no idea why, because it is almost devoid of any element of amusement at all. It is a straightforward drama which blends Adam's gradual character development (by virtue of friends who, frankly, he doesn't deserve to have) with very generous helpings of what, I believe, is called "food porn" – teasingly lingering shots of exotic foodstuffs being prepared and served.
Bradley Cooper as Adam is rather good, and his development arc is believable. The food porn does nothing for me, other than make me think that I would never for a second consider eating at a restaurant which charges an arm and a leg for a minuscule helping of pretentious food on a silly shaped plate which would look more at home in the Museum Of Modern Art. Food fans will have their own views, of course. There is some nice London location work.
Cooper gets to show off a bit, the support cast are enjoyable (especially Daniel Bruhl as the restaurateur/hotelier who really shouldn't let Adam through the front door) and the story moves along efficiently, if rather inconsequentially. I didn't actually care very much, though, apart from on short sequence which, to my surprise, moved me immensely (I'll just say "birthday cake).
This is one for London-based foodies.
For some baffling reason, this is labelled as a comedy: I have no idea why, because it is almost devoid of any element of amusement at all. It is a straightforward drama which blends Adam's gradual character development (by virtue of friends who, frankly, he doesn't deserve to have) with very generous helpings of what, I believe, is called "food porn" – teasingly lingering shots of exotic foodstuffs being prepared and served.
Bradley Cooper as Adam is rather good, and his development arc is believable. The food porn does nothing for me, other than make me think that I would never for a second consider eating at a restaurant which charges an arm and a leg for a minuscule helping of pretentious food on a silly shaped plate which would look more at home in the Museum Of Modern Art. Food fans will have their own views, of course. There is some nice London location work.
Cooper gets to show off a bit, the support cast are enjoyable (especially Daniel Bruhl as the restaurateur/hotelier who really shouldn't let Adam through the front door) and the story moves along efficiently, if rather inconsequentially. I didn't actually care very much, though, apart from on short sequence which, to my surprise, moved me immensely (I'll just say "birthday cake).
This is one for London-based foodies.