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If cinema is a feast for the eyes, then cinema about food is … a four-course meal? A buffet? Well, whatever it is, it’s delicious start to finish. If you’re feeling hungry for something to pass the time, give these five tasty treats a shot.
“The 100-Foot Journey” – A cold war over hot food erupts when an Indian family sets up shop across the road – the titular 100 feet – from a prestigious French bistro. The French chef, Madame Mallory (Helen Mirren), offers sabotage at every turn, while her protege, sous chef Marguerite (Charlotte Le Bon), slowly falls in love with Hassan (Manish Dayal), the gifted chef of the new Maison Mumbai. Over time, Madame Mallory recognizes Hassan’s talent. As racial tensions between the two groups are addressed, a single savory omelette opens the door to harmony and happiness for all.
“Ratatouille” – In this adorable Pixar animated film, Remy (voiced by Patton Oswalt), a foodie rat with a precocious palate, joins forces with Alfredo Linguini, a sympathetic kid whose father just happened to be the late renowned chef Auguste Gusteau – a believer that “Anyone can cook.” Linguini goes to work in Gusteau’s Parisian restaurant as a dishwasher, but when Remy figures out how to surreptitiously control Linguini’s movements, the pair’s creations as a cook create quite a stir, to the dismay of the interloping Chef Skinner, who has been abusing Gusteau’s name for marketing. With every dish, you’ll be rooting for the tiny chef under the hat.
Meryl Streep in “Julie & Julia” (Columbia Pictures photo)
“Julie & Julia” – Amy Adams plays Julie Powell, a New York writer who begins a blog about cooking all 524 recipes in Julia Childs’ “Mastering the Art of French Cooking.” Meryl Streep plays Julia Child, whose story is shown in flashbacks from her arrival in Paris with her diplomat husband, attending Le Cordon Bleu to learn about French cooking and ultimately putting together the cookbook and the publishing process. Along the way, we explore cooking as creativity, challenge and character-building.
“No Reservations” – A fast-paced and competitive bistro kitchen gets an emotional makeover when head chef Kate (Catherine Zeta-Jones), facing some life challenges, gets a new sous chef (Aaron Eckhard) with a mind, talent and style all his own. It’s a rom-com set in a kitchen, and while it’s hot and spicy, it’s pretty light and easily digestible. Also stars Abigail Breslin and Zoe Kravitz in a supporting role.
“Soul Food” – Sunday dinner and Momma are what keep a family together. Although this one is a family drama – sisters and spouses, secrets and friendships, hopes and dreams – it heavily features the act of coming together for food as a balm for what ails a heart. Mother Joe suffers a tragic stroke and perishes after languishing in a coma, her dying wish placed in the hands of 11-year-old Ahmad (Brandon Hammond). While the lives of sisters Teri, Maxine and Bird (Vanessa Williams, Vivica A. Fox and Nia Long) play out, Ahmad conspires to bring the family together for Sunday dinner again.
© 2020 King Features Synd., Inc.
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