Jon Favreau has written and directed a film that makes no bones about being a crowd-pleaser and the casual and loose feel sends its audience away feeling good in all the right ways. Favreau plays a chef whose run-in with his restaurant's owner and a food critic causes him to abandon his career; but it also allows him to reconnect with creative side and, just as important, his broken family, particularly his young son (a talented Emjay Anthony). There are some trenchant observations about social media and marketing but it really has more of a sweet side and it makes its mark in building affection for its well-intentioned characters; the emotions are heartfelt and sincere. Favreau is very likable and he builds a fine all-star supporting cast that includes Sofia Vergara, John Leguizamo, Oliver Platt, Dustin Hoffman, Scarlett Johansson, Amy Sedaris and Robert Downey Jr. (and for us "BBQ Pitmasters" fans, a cameo by Aaron Franklin); everyone turns in fun, relaxed performances--they seem relieved to be in a film that has no hidden agenda and has goodwill in place of cynicism. Yes, it seems that with the exception of some profanity it could be a made-for-TV movie with the happiest of endings; and yes, the second half almost turns into a travelogue. But this time that's nothing to be ashamed of and it's gratifying to watch a film that in this day and age wants to do nothing more than entertain--which it does in a highly satisfying way. There's some really nice cinematography from Kramer Morgenthau and a very, very cool soundtrack. An emphatic recommendation.
