Chef - B

Rated R, 115 minutes

"Chef" a charming, delectable comedy about trying new things

The mostly winning new dramedy from "IronMan's" Jon Favreau serves up a satisfying, crowd-pleasing menu and proves that it doesn't hurt to try something new from time to time. Assembling a great cast, it goes on a tad too long and the ending a little pat, but there are enough fun moments you'll leave with a big smile. When Miami-born workaholic chef Carl Casper (Favreau) is fired from the restaurant in Los Angeles whose kitchen he manages, he returns to Miami and ends up fixing up a food truck he names El Jefe Cubanos. He plans to drive across the country with one of his former line cooks (John Leguizamo) reclaim his success in L.A. and also reconnect with his son (newcome EmJay Anthony) who tags along with them. Written, directed, produced and starring the portly Favreau, "Chef" is a change of pace for Favreau, as it does not have "IronMan's" action though it does feature a couple of the Avengers, Scarlet Johansson and Robert Downey Jr., in small roles (Downey's is really a cameo), not to mention Oliver Platt, Oscar-winner Dustin Hoffman and "Modern Family's" Sofia Vergara in supporting roles as well (and also watch for comedian Amy Sedaris in a hiliarious cameo). It's Favreau's cast that really shines here, and after a slow start, it picks up energy midway through when it hits the road in the truck, where the most fun occurs with warm chemistry amongst Favreau, Leguizamo and newcomer Anthony, who's also quite affecting here. "Chef" could've trimmed the five-course menu to about three, as it goes on a little too long and the ending a little all-too happy, but still crowd-pleasing nonetheless. It won't please those looking for action, but you'll still have a good time. And you'll have a different view of molten cake after seeing the film (Favreau's showdown with Platt midway through is the film's best scene). Worth a look.

Wes's Grade: B