| Written by Jan James Stetter, on 06-08-2007 10:41 |
Media Maven: "No Reservations" Movie Review
The Cincy Chic Media Maven, Jan Stetter, reviews "No Reservations." See why you might need to make reservations to see this one.
No Reservations
Catherine Zeta-Jones, Aaron Eckhart, Abigail Breslin, Patricia Clarkson, Bob Balaban
Catherine Zeta-Jones commands the respect and authority she gives to
this role as the head chef and diva of an upscale New York restaurant.
In “No Reservations,” she plays an independent woman who has made her
life’s work become her life. It is not until two unexpected people come
into her kitchen that she is forced to make changes and evaluate a new
life recipe.
“No Reservations” is a study of Zeta-Jones’ character, Kate, who has
her own rhythm, her own agenda and set ways. She doesn’t tolerate
complaints from restaurant customers who would dare to challenge any
one of her delicacies. She has rules about what to serve and when.
Rules about eating healthy and is also strong headed enough to have
each of her therapy sessions monopolized by her obsession with food;
how to prepare it; how to serve it and what wine would enhance one’s
palate.
All this is fine. Except we need a story here. What is advertised as a
film about two chefs vying for control of a prestigious kitchen in
Manhattan, really is more of a serious study of a person coming to
terms with life’s real punches that come when least expected. Some in
this case are sad as Kate becomes the guardian of her niece played
sweetly by Abigail Breslin. Others can be more surprising as in the
character of new chef, Nick, played so coyly by Aaron Eckhart.
The problem with this movie is it makes an earnest effort to show
Kate’s struggle with the changes in her life and that effort is taken
very seriously. The pairing of the charming, clever, opera singing
while he’s cooking, all American, hunky, adorable character of Nick,
makes for an unbalanced film.
Nick was just too patient, too agreeable and too perfect to be
credible. Heck, find me a guy like that on the menu and I’ll order him
for take home!
I was going to give this film two chic stars. Yet my young niece loved
it!!! It definitely is a date movie. Maybe she’ll feel differently
about it after she has gone out on a few dates and find that we all are
human and beauties like Catherine Zeta Jones and hunks like Aaron
Eckhart are only in the movies.
Rating: Three Chic Stars
*Jan’s Movie Rating System:
5 - Top notch entertainment
4 - Compelling, Heartwarming, Thrilling, Comical
3 - The a) story b) actors c) special effects saved/made this movie.
2 - If you are bored watch it, or wait for DVD
1 - Don’t bother. Too morose, too violent, too blasé, an enigma.
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