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Archives for : Jon Favreau

Movie Review: “Spider-Man: Far from Home” Spins a Web of Fun

(l to r) Numan Acar, Tom Holland and Jacky Gyllenhaal in Columbia Pictures’ SPIDER-MAN: ™ FAR FROM HOME

We’re all still recovering from the events of “Avengers: Endgame”. There were traumatic losses, epic battles, and a perfect ending to that chapter of the Marvel Universe. Luckily, we’ve been treated to another “Spider-Man” sequel, giving us something to help heal those emotional wounds. Now if you haven’t seen “Endgame” yet, shame on you! Also, stop reading any further. (Spoiler Alert!!)

After the devastating loss of  Tony Stark (Robert Downy Jr.), the city questions who will be the new “Ironman”? As Peter Parker (Tom Holland) mourns the death of his mentor, the last thing he wants is to fill his shoes. No, instead he just wants to be a normal, love-struck teenager. That’s right,  the first hour of “Spider-Man: Far from Home” is basically a romantic comedy. And I’m fine with it.

Peter is getting ready for his science club’s Europe trip, on which he plans on telling MJ (Zendya) how he really feels for her. He’s tired of the superhero gig, and wants to be a 16 year-old kid for once. Thus we follow Peter on many failed attempts to sit, talk, or flirt with MJ as he, also, has some competition for her heart. And it only gets worse when Peter discovers Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) and a “mysterious” new superhero, Quentin Beck (Jake Gyllenhaal) need his help to take down destructive mythological creatures. 

“Spider-Man: Far from Home” may not be as complex as the adventure we just closed on, but it’s just as fun. Coming off such a heavy film, it was nice to sit back and see these characters in a more comical setting. The movie still carries the essence of “Spider-Man: Homecoming”, but it’s much more lighthearted.

The visual effects are fine, and there are some thrilling action sequences. But as in all Marvel films, the characters are lovable. Tom Holland continues to charm every time he’s on screen. His classmates are the source of most of the laughs, and please give me more Happy (Jon Farvreau) and Aunt May (Marisa Tomei).

Though there are times “Spider-Man: Far from Home” gets a little messy and you might struggle to find out where it’s headed, it is still smart and does an excellent job of continuing Peter Parker’s story.

This is far from any other Marvel movie, and the filmmakers know that. Just go in with an open mind and trust that you’re in for a much needed, entertaining trip.

*Be sure to stay for the two end credit scenes.

Rating: 4/5

“Spider-Man: Far from Home” opens July 2.

Top 5 Appetizing Scenes from Films

Thanksgiving is tomorrow!  Besides watching football and spending time with family, we will also be stuffing our faces.  If you’re looking to get that hunger started and ready for a turkey day feast, then be sure to watch my top 5 most appetizing scenes from films!

5. Honey I Shrunk the Kids– Cookie Scene

After Wayne Szalinski (Rick Moranis) accidentally shrinks his son, daughter and two other neighborhood teens, the children end up taking a long sweaty, dirty, journey in the backyard trying to get home.  It’s a rough voyage without food or water.  So when the four kids stumble upon a giant oatmeal cream pie, we’re not only relieved for them; we’re wishing we too could be scooping gallops of cream on our cookies.

 

4.  Harold& Kumar Go to White Castle– Eating White Castle Burgers Scene

harold-and-kumar-go-to-white-castle-burgers-560x330

Nothing makes the hunger grow fonder than being under a certain influence.  Once Harold (John Cho) and Kumar (Kal Penn) make it their mission to have some White Castle burgers, the audience must endure an endless amount of ridiculous obstacles which creates anxiety and angers our stomachs.  Spoiler Alert: When the two finally make it to White Castle, the concluding gorge is deliciously satisfying.

 

3. Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory– “Pure Imagination” Scene

Let’s face it, as a kid (hell, even as an adult) we wished we could have tasted the scenery of this factory.  Chocolate waterfalls, giant gummy bears, and even an editable tea cup flower!  “If you want to view paradise, simply look around and view it”—Valid lyrics toward an epic scene, because we can only hope that Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory is a replica of heaven.  Until then, visits to underwhelming candy stores will have to do.

 

2. Hook– The Imaginary Dinner Scene

peter

As we ache for Peter (Robbin Williams) and these children, our stomachs begin to growl watching a character that is starving get taunted by children mock eating invisible food.  Thankfully, we receive a massive payoff when Spielberg pulls the camera back to reveal a real-life spread of piping hot meats, fruits, cheeses and colorful pudding-type desserts.
This scene is quickly followed by an unforgettable food fight.

 

1. Chef– Grilled Cheese Sandwich Scene

grilled cheese

Most of you haven’t heard of this movie and might be wondering why a film released just this year has landed in the top spot.  Chef is the definition of food porn!  I challenge anyone to see this movie and not feel tormented by the close up shots of Chef Carl Casper’s (Jon Favreau) delectable dishes.  This entire film features continuous scenes of enticing meals, but the masterful preparation of a simple grilled cheese will make you long for that very sandwich.  Watching the Chef and his son take a crunchy, cheese-oozing bite, gets your mouth watering and leaves your taste buds in envy.

 

Honorable Mentions: Pulp Fiction: Five-dollar Milkshake Scene, A Little Princess: Waking Up to Breakfast Scene, Julie and Julia: I Love Butter Scene

Movie Review: “Chef” is an Appetizing Delight

Jon Favreau’s recent passion project takes the audience on a charming and delectable ride of self-discovery.

Carl Casper (Favreau) is a high strung chef who has spent years building up his name within the food industry.  But when one bad online review by the top food critic in LA gets blasted all over twitter Carl seems to take it personally and can’t shake the negative remarks.  This leads him to get on twitter himself, and start a fight with the well-known critic who has quite the following.  Eventually, the two are face to face in the restaurant and Carl has a major breakdown.  He completely goes off on a screaming rampage.

Unfortunately for Carl, the general public was there to witness and film the entire thing.  After the video of his explosion goes viral, Carl is unable to find work in any LA restaurant.  But this downfall goes uphill quick, once Carl recognizes that this is really a blessing in disguise.  The truth is he’s dreadfully unhappy with his life.  Besides the fact that he has been unable to truly share his unique culinary skills, he is also divorced from his wife (Sofia Vergara) and barely knows his son (Emjay Anthony).

During a last minute trip to Miami, he is inspired by the cooking that started it all and decides to start up a food truck.  Thus, beginning the predictable yet heartwarming road trip of father/son bonding and realizing what really makes you happy in life. Chef also showed how a “hater’s” words can also be the fuel that pushes you to succeed at your dreams.

The magnificent ensemble cast is rounded out by Scarlett Johansson, Dustin Hoffman, John Leguizamo, Bobby Cannavale, and many more.  You can’t help but fall for the charisma of this film.  It is easily relatable to anyone who feels passionate about doing anything they love.  And as a film critic myself, I felt motivated by the fact that Carl was making his love for cooking a career no matter what the stipulations were.  I also felt a little bit of guilt for any bad review I have given in the past.  Obviously I can’t stop, but know that all reviews from an objective standpoint.

The film also greatly exemplifies the use of social media.  It is amazing how fast one tweet or Facebook post can become an internet sensation.  And if used correctly, it can be the best marketing tool.

Be sure to either eat before or dine during, because the mouth-watering dishes prepared throughout the film will have your stomachs growling.  And honestly, there is nothing you can eat after this movie that will be as satisfying as the dishes you have just seen. (Speaking of, can I get the recipe to EVERYTHING that was cooked in this film?)

Chef is a simple story that isn’t looking to compete with box office blockbusters (However, I did enjoy it more than Godzilla).  It’s a fun family film with a star-studded cast that includes plenty of laughs and a sincere message about following your heart.

Rating: 4/5

Chef opens in select theaters May 16.

“Chef” Official Trailer HD

Originally posted on RedCarpetCrash.com