Chef | Rotten Tomatoes

Chef

R

Released May 9, 2014

1h 55m

Comedy

Drama

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87%

Tomatometer

189 Reviews

85%

Audience Score

50,000+ Ratings

After a controlling owner (Dustin Hoffman) pushes him too far, chef Carl Casper (Jon Favreau) quits his position at a prestigious Los Angeles restaurant. As he tries to figure out what his next step should be, he finds himself in Miami. Carl joins forces with his ex-wife (Sofía Vergara), best friend (John Leguizamo) and son (Emjay Anthony) to launch a food-truck business, and the venture provides a chance to reignite his passion for cooking -- as well as his zest for life and love.

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Critics Consensus

Chef's charming cast and sharp, funny script add enough spice to make this feel-good comedy a flavorful -- if familiar -- treat.

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Liz Braun

Toronto Sun

It's such a treat to see such an endearing slice o' life in the middle of this blockbuster season. There's not a single comic book character in sight.

Rated: 3.5/5

Jan 5, 2015

Full Review

Laurence Phelan

Independent (UK)

The result is a small, unashamedly feel-good film that makes up for what it lacks in dramatic jeopardy with gentle comedy, heartwarming family scenes, ladles of food porn, and time spent among characters you like.

Rated: 4/5

Jul 7, 2014

Full Review

Kate Muir

Times (UK)

Chef is a foodie-gasm of a film, directed by and starring Jon Favreau as a designer cook past his sell-by date, who goes on a road trip from Miami to Los Angeles to find his soul -- and soul food.

Rated: 3/5

Jul 7, 2014

Full Review

Richard Crouse

Richard Crouse

A lightweight, but enjoyable film; an amuse bouche that may leave you hungry for something more substantial but still manages to satisfy.

Rated: 3.5/5

Feb 1, 2021

Full Review

Mike Massie

Gone With The Twins

When every conflict is quashed within minutes and the predicaments barely register concern, the power to affect audiences dwindles.

Rated: 4/10

Dec 4, 2020

Full Review

Brent McKnight

The Last Thing I See

The first time you do something it might be fresh and risky, but the tenth, twentieth, you risk becoming repetitive and bland. "Chef" is about a creative personality trying to break free from a system that fosters this repetition and stagnation.

Rated: B+

Jul 8, 2020

Full Review

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Maverick M

I loved the music of the whole film, top notch tunes. Overall I enjoyed this one more than I thought I would.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

04/18/24

Full Review

SIR S

Its Very Nice movie i enjoy!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/12/24

Full Review

Jeff M

No pun intended, but if I were to put all the ingredients I love about movies into a computer, this is probably as close to the perfect result as just about anything I've seen. Simply put, this is why I love movies, and it joins a very short list of motion pictures that I truly adore. During the last few years, I've developed a real love for cooking and baking - it has become not only my outlet when things get rough but also a means of expressing myself and my love for those for whom I cook. And I've never seen a movie that quite exemplifies the passion and artistry of food. And surprisingly, it's also one of the great love stories between a father and son - I haven't been this moved by a parental relationship since Kevin Costner played catch in FIELD OF DREAMS. It's subtle and delicate and feels totally true to life, which is what affected me so much. I had to reach for Kleenex three times. That never happens. Heck, even the outrageous Sofia Vergara manages a thoroughly engaging and believable performance! Like a favorite recipe, this is a motion picture I imagine I will be revisiting and savoring for years. This is one of those rare occasions when a movie hits you on a personal level that can't be ignored, and I enjoyed every last second of it.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/26/24

Full Review

Tijs v

It's got comedy and good food, what more could you want

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/18/24

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dave e

One of my favorite movies, Trust me, if you enjoy food movies this will be one of your favorites too!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/24/23

Full Review

Ashley H

A fun, entertaining, and heart warming film. A must see movie for a family night. Using Twitter was such a smart move, Love it! Nobody needs to die or go nuts or have a disease to make a great movie, there could be just so much love.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/08/23

Full Review

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Jon Favreau

Director

Jon Favreau

Carl Casper

Sofía Vergara

Inez

John Leguizamo

Martin

Scarlett Johansson

Molly

Dustin Hoffman

Riva

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Chef: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

After a controlling owner (Dustin Hoffman) pushes him too far, chef Carl Casper (Jon Favreau) quits his position at a prestigious Los Angeles restaurant. As he tries to figure out what his next step should be, he finds himself in Miami. Carl joins forces with his ex-wife (Sofía Vergara), best friend (John Leguizamo) and son (Emjay Anthony) to launch a food-truck business, and the venture provides a chance to reignite his passion for cooking -- as well as his zest for life and love.

Director: Jon Favreau
Producer: Karen Gilchrist, Molly Allen, Mark C. Manuel, Ted O'Neal, Gleb Fetisov, Oleg Teterin, Marina Bespalov, James D. Brubaker, Jere Hausfater, Philip Elway, Tim Smith, Paul Brett, Anne Sheehan, Jerry Fruchtman, Peter Fruchtman, Craig Chapman
Screenwriter: Jon Favreau
Distributor: Open Road
Production Co: Aldamisa Entertainment
Rating: R (Some Suggestive References|Language)
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): May 9, 2014, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Sep 16, 2014
Box Office (Gross USA): $31.2M
Runtime: 1h 55m
Sound Mix: Dolby Digital

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