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Chef

Play trailer 2:45 Poster for Chef R Released May 9, 2014 1h 55m Comedy Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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87% Tomatometer 187 Reviews 85% Popcornmeter 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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Chef

Chef

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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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Critics Reviews

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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 Danielle Solzman Solzy at the Movies Coming on the heels of Iron Man 2, filmmaker Jon Favreau delivers his most personal film yet as a chef responds to a food critic by going back to his roots in 2014's Chef. Rated: 4/5 Dec 31, 2024 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 Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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HOWARD T Loved the food, the music & the plot :) Rated 5 out of 5 stars 04/15/25 Full Review Cody G I just really really loved this movie Rated 5 out of 5 stars 04/11/25 Full Review Jamie W One of my favourite feel good films that makes you want to find that passion in your life and go after it! Amazing cast and lovely dialogue. Inspirational and heart warming, with a little more cinematography would have been rated perfect. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 04/01/25 Full Review Bryan B Jon Favreau’s Chef is a love letter to food, family, and passion, all rolled into a delectable tale of reinvention. The film is the story of Carl Casper, a talented chef whose creative spark has been dulled by the constraints of a rigid restaurant owner. When a public altercation with a food critic costs him his job, Carl embarks on a journey to rediscover his culinary voice, reestablish his connection with his son, and savor the beauty of life’s simpler joys. What makes Chef truly perfect is how it resonates on every emotional level. It’s a story brimming with heartfelt humanity. You feel Carl’s frustration, his vulnerability, and ultimately, his triumph. The relationship between Carl and his son, Percy, is especially touching—it captures the beautiful imperfection of fatherhood with raw honesty. Watching their bond evolve is both heartwarming and relatable, leaving a mark on anyone who’s ever navigated the tricky waters of familial love. Comedy flows naturally throughout the film. It’s not the loud, over-the-top kind, but the warm humor that feels like it could only come from life itself. Whether it’s the banter among the food truck crew or Carl’s social media misadventures, the laughs feel earned and perfectly timed. Visually, the movie is a feast. The food is shot with such reverence that it feels almost spiritual—you can practically smell the grilled cheese sizzling in the pan or taste the Cuban sandwiches fresh off the truck. But beyond the culinary aesthetics, the film’s pacing and storytelling are equally flawless. Every scene serves a purpose, every character contributes, and every emotion feels authentic. Favreau not only directs but leads the charge as Carl, delivering a performance that’s understated yet deeply compelling. The supporting cast, including Sofia Vergara, John Leguizamo, and Scarlett Johansson, add layers to the story without overshadowing its heart. At its core, Chef is about rediscovering joy—whether it’s in your work, your relationships, or the simple act of making a perfect sandwich. It’s a celebration of passion, resilience, and the beauty of starting over. From the script to the soundtrack, there isn’t a single misstep. This is a rare film that truly has no flaw—it’s uplifting, heartfelt, and endlessly rewatchable. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 03/27/25 Full Review Audience Member Love the slice of life and its a very fun and chill movie to watch Rated 4 out of 5 stars 03/19/25 Full Review Stephen L Jon Favreau’s Chef is a light, heartfelt, and irresistibly charming film that blends food, family, and personal reinvention into an effortlessly enjoyable experience. Favreau directs and stars as a once-celebrated chef who, after a public meltdown, finds new purpose in a cross-country food truck journey with his son and best friend. What makes Chef stand out is its warmth and authenticity. The film avoids heavy-handed drama in favor of a breezy, feel-good tone, carried by Favreau’s likable performance and a strong supporting cast, including John Leguizamo, Sofia Vergara, and Dustin Hoffman. The cinematography captures food in a way that is downright mouthwatering, making it as much a love letter to cooking as it is to self-expression. Though it plays things safe narratively, Chef is a joy to watch—a film that radiates passion and positivity, leaving you satisfied in the best way. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 03/16/25 Full Review Read all reviews
Chef

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Movie Info

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
Sergei Bespalov, Jon Favreau
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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