No Reservations

With chefs being the new rage and the numbers of foodie programmes on TV, the release of No Reservations is very fitting. This romantic comedy focuses on Kate Palmer played by Catherine Zeta-Jones, a female version of Gordon Ramsey who rules her kitchen with an iron fist and military operation. Working in 22 Bleecker Restaurant, one of the most prestigious eatries in the Big Apple, Kate holds her cooking in very high regards and puts anyone in their place (staff, customers and boss) who dares to questions her abilities. Needless to say she is very wired and once a week attends a therapist in order to offload her stress. She also cuts a very lonely figure and conversations in the film suggest that this stems from a traumatic event in her childhood that she has never recovered from. Kate's sister is a completely different kettle of fish; open and full of life she is a warm and caring sister and mother to nine year old daughter, Zoe. However, tragedy strikes when she is killed in a car crash. Kate now has to deal with the trauma of losing her sister as well as consoling Zoe who she brings to live with her. To mix things up a bit a new chef starts working at the restaurant and begins to step on Kate's toes. Nick Armstrong played by Aaron Eckhart is handsome, charming, funny and warm and he turns 22 Bleecker into place of fun and frolics. Staff, customers and boss all adore him but not surprisingly Kate detests him and keeps her distance. However Nick's incredible charm draws Kate in and the two become close, well three if you count little Zoe. The trio become a little family playing house, making delicious dishes and going for long walks. However there is trouble in paradise when Nick is offered a full time job at the restaurant which puts Kate's nose well out of joint.<>

This is a cute little film with a lovely ending and Catherine Zeta-Jones really makes her mark here. She is utterly convincing as the control freak and Aaron Eckhart is totally adorable. Apparently No Reservations is a remake of the German film, Mostly Martha but as I have never seen that film I cannot comment on the comparison. My only gripe about the No Reservations is that it offers a lot more than it delivers; as I mentioned before there were hints about a tragedy in Kate's life when she was younger. I was expecting to hear some sort of revelation but none of this comes to fruition. Still it is a totally feel good film and the food looks totally delicious.