DVD Review: Chef

The following is a review of the DVD of Chef.

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Chef is John Favreau out of his element. The story centers around a prideful chef (Favreau) who ends up losing his job after an altercation with a food critic. The incident sets him off on a journey of self-discovery. Taking a leap of faith in the unknown. Re-connecting with his son. Ultimately re-evaluating his passion for cooking.

John Favreau is really good in this role of the chef Carl Casper. It’s not the usual funnyman role that we are accustomed to seeing him in. He manages to delve into a more serious side, while showcasing his range as an actor. His relationship with his son in the movie is what the plot centers on. Rightfully so. You see a side of him that only focuses on his career, in turn neglecting his relationship with his child. That’s a good lesson to some parents who are so career driven, then end up overlooking the most important part of their life…family.

Joining Favreau is a strong supporting cast. Sofia Vergara plays his ex-wife. Unlike most films where the exes feud. I found it refreshing how they have a solid relationship, and how Vergara’s character tries her best to help out her ex-husband. John Leguizamo plays Martin who is a co-worker and protegee of Casper’s. John Leguizamo has been gone far too long from the mainstream. He’s terrific in comedic supporting roles. Makes an ideal sidekick to Favreau in this film. Robert Downey Jr. makes a cameo as Marvin. He’s the arrogant ex-hubby of Vergara’s character. Downey is just awesome playing characters you should hate, but end up loving. Among the other small, yet significant supporting roles appearing in the film are Scarlett Johansson, Dustin Hoffman, Oliver Platt, and Bobby Cannavale. This film certainly doesn’t lack on star power.

The extra features on the Blu-ray/DVD combo include a film commentary by Writer/Director John Favreau, and Chef/Co-Producer Roy Choi, as well as a deleted scenes feature. There are seven deleted scenes included, lasting under 10 minutes in total. The bonus features for the DVD combo are very limited. It would have been fun to see a gag reel, and a featurette about being a chef, unfortunately we don’t get that.

Overall, the Chef is a slow moving, yet entertaining film. It’s a comedy that seems more of a drama throughout. The performances are really good. The relationship between Carl and his son is interesting to follow. He goes from being a crappy dad, to really embracing the time he gets to spend with his son. There is a heavy focus places on social media in today’s society. How the generational gap between parents and kids functions in current society. The son transforms Carl’s life with the use of social media. Carl being someone who hasn’t come to terms of embracing social media use today. The characters are honest, flawed, yet compassionate. It’s refreshing to see that in a film. The film is the selling point of the DVD. Had there not been such a limited selection of bonus features, the rating of the DVD would be higher overall.