No Reservations

Light and fluffy and delicious!
A lot of people seem to be saying, "Don't watch this awful remake! Go watch Mostly Martha, the original!" I say, by all means, watch Mostly Martha, but don't bypass this version.

It's true that if I had watched this without having seen the original version, Mostly Martha, I would probably have liked it even better. This American version is really too close to the original, right down to the appearance of several characters (Leah, the sous-chef, for instance). For this reason, if you try to compare the two, it comes off as a half-hearted reproduction, Mostly Martha's reheated leftovers.

In many ways, it does lack some of the heart and depth of Mostly Martha. The characters are not as deep and intense, so their relationships aren't as meaningful to the audience. Kate is not quite as tightly wound as Martha, not quite as isolated--so her sudden inheritance of a child and the infringement of a...

A Recipe for Life
There's a light, good-hearted nature to "No Reservations" that's quite pleasing, if a little predictable. This is just as much a story of life as it is a story of romance, and we all know the formulas such films follow: a person's world is rearranged when someone new enters his or her life, and the laughter, tears, and conflict will be plentiful. I expected nothing less from "No Reservations," which is probably why I was able to enjoy it. This is a charming, funny, touching film that casts away any qualms about being formulaic, which is a good thing for anyone in need of romantic escapism. I don't dare question how realistic the events of the film are; this is not a film that bothers with realism, but rather with the idealism that life is supposed to work in a specific way. At times, it's a welcome diversion.

The plot concerns Kate (Catherine Zeta-Jones), the executive chef of an upscale New York restaurant. We immediately get the sense that hers is a very organized,...

Bland
This romantic comedy is likable but extremely predictable. Catherine Zeta Jones plays a chef at an upscale NYC restaurant who has devoted her life to being a great chef. So much so that she doesn't have time for anything else. Her sister is killed in a car wreck on the way to visit leaving her with her daughter to raise as her own. Meanwhile the new assistant chef is a carefree guy who brings big changes with him. Can you see it coming? Catherine doesn't like him at first, but then....Yes you guessed it. The story is okay and the acting is good enough, but there is nothing new here. This is a good rental to watch with the girlfriend or wife.

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