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Chef is a 2014 American comedy film about a chef who loses his restaurant job and starts up a food truck in an effort to reclaim his creative promise, while piecing back together his estranged family.
Critic Consensus
Critical reception for Chef is moderately positive, with most reviewers finding it an enjoyable, warmhearted film that prioritizes simplicity over ambition. Critics frequently praised Favreau's direction and the film's blend of humour, sentiment, and food-centric storytelling, with several noting it as a welcome return to his independent filmmaking roots. The most consistent criticism across reviews is the formulaic, predictable narrative, with some also noting that supporting cast members like Scarlett Johansson are underutilized and that the ending feels like a cop-out.
11 reviews · 10 positive
AI-generated summary of 11 critic reviews · may contain errors
Report inaccuracyCritic Reviews (11)
"The films story could well be Favreau's in one way, he directed couple of independent films made some main stream pictures and now is back to making simple yet heartwarming films. Chef will leave you satisfied like you had the most sumptuous meal in a while."Read full review ↗
"Chef marks a return to Jon Favreau's home-cooked roots, albeit with the perks of his big-budget finesse."Read full review ↗
"Whilst the social-media and online bloggers these days just add to the noise and cynicism around, Jon Favreau as the director, finds them, from a distance, hopeful to tell a believable and an inspiring story. Casper's food tastes good, we are simply told. Only if along with sight and sound, third sense of smell or taste could be added to the movies. Sigh."Read full review ↗
"From the mouth-watering carne asada to the molten chocolate cake, Jon Favreau's 'Chef' is a delectable take on an out-of-work cook who experiences career rejuvenation when traveling cross-country serving Cuban entrees on a food truck."Read full review ↗
"Pleasing yet somewhat predictable, this film marks a sharp departure from Favreau's various blockbuster (*Iron Man*) films into something far simpler. Johansson, however, is somewhat under-used but on the whole, the story is paced nicely. With food remaining the biggest star of this show, the side dishes also include some family-bonding as well. And the result is a serving of something refreshingly original."Read full review ↗
"Chef is palatable feel-good fare whose recipe has smatterings of moving performances and dashes of rib-tickling humour."Read full review ↗
"Despite the burp-so-familiar storyline, Favreau manages to serve up a delicious blend of humour, sentiment and drama. In small but significant supporting roles, Scarlett Johansson is delectable as the restaurant hostess and Dustin Hoffman pops up as her unadventurous boss. Regrettably, the upbeat wrap-up is a coput."Read full review ↗
"Overall, `Chef` is a well made film that is thoroughly enjoyable yet cloyingly formulaic in its presentation."Read full review ↗
"Overall, 'Chef' is a well made film that is thoroughly enjoyable yet cloyingly formulaic in its presentation."Read full review ↗
"Chef isn't a memorable film, but there's really nothing wrong with it. It's feelgood, like comfort food."Read full review ↗
Cast & Crew
Cast
- Jon Favreau · Carl Casper
- John Leguizamo
- Bobby Cannavale
- EmJay Anthony · Percy
- Scarlett Johansson · Molly
- Dustin Hoffman · Riva
- Sofía Vergara · Inez
- Oliver Platt · Ramsey Michel
- Amy Sedaris · Jen
- Robert Downey, Jr. · Marvin
- Karen Gilchrist
- Sergei Bespalov
- Kramer Morgenthau
- Robert Leighton
Director
Writer
Cinematography
Editing
Details
User Ratings & Reviews
10 ratings from the community














