It may very be that familiarity with how movie romances work that works against Fuchs. The idea of a perfectionist and super self-restrained chef (Zeta-Jones) finding her life toppled over by the sudden guardianship of her niece (Breslin) is a good one. How this toppling occurs provides plenty of juicy drama to nudge the characters, a refreshing change from the usual setting up of mere lonely hearts who despair of ever finding love. But ultimately this isnt enough to throw off the predictable course that comes when a happy-go-lucky sous-chef (Eckhart) shows up to unbind repressions and deliver some good old-fashioned joie-de-vivre. Even the addition of another nice guy doesnt create any tension as to who our put-upon chef will end up with.
No Revolution
Complaining that a film isnt revolutionary can be, of course, churlish. Boorish, even. Especially when No Reservations has so much appeal in its individual ingredients however much they dont add up to a transcendental dining experience. Aaron Eckhart is one of those actors whose effortless charm always makes him a joy to watch. Catherine Zeta-Jones brings believable beauty and strength of character to a role that demands she embody the contradiction of a woman who lives in the sensual world of food, yet denies sensual emotions a place in her personal life. And Abigail Breslin justifies the praise she received in Little Miss Sunshine with a wonderfully emotive performance that simmers at just the right temperature and never boils over. With that kind of cast, the films strongest moments deepen the characters and buff up the funny bits.
No Reservations may not earn a top rating from restaurant or movie guides, but it does bring a nice dose of romance amidst the explosions, political controversies and wizard battles of the current blockbusters.
Entertainment Value: ** (out of two)
Technical Quality: ** (out of two)
No Reservations. Written by Carol Fuchs and Sandra Nettelbeck. Directed by Scott Hicks. Starring Catherine Zeta-Jones, Aaron Eckhart, Abigail Breslin and Patricia Clarkson. 104 minutes. Rated PG (for some sensuality and language).
