Chef

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2:45

Chef

R

2014

1h 55m

Comedy

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

87%

Tomatometer

188 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.

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

01/05/2015

3.5/5

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.

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Laurence Phelan

Independent (UK)

07/07/2014

4/5

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.

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Kate Muir

The Times (UK)

07/07/2014

3/5

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.

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Don Shanahan

Every Movie Has a Lesson

Jul 17

4/5

Like the lead character he wrote for himself, "Chef" is a chance for Favreau to get back to the character-driven chatter-filled roots that made him great in the first place.

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Danielle Solzman

Solzy at the Movies

12/31/2024

4/5

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.

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Richard Crouse

Richard Crouse

02/01/2021

3.5/5

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

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Jace E

@thefilmguy 6d

There is an authenticity to "Chef" that is a joy to watch. The cooking moments are captivating. I loved the story and seeing El Jefe pick up pieces of each city they pass through. On the flip side, some of the plot points are overly convenient (Martin just shows up?), some of the dialogue is redundant and the romantic element is half-baked. The best part of this movie is Carl's relationship with his son, Percy. I really enjoyed this one. Best Character: Percy Best Quote: "Mom! Dad wants me to cook on his truck!" - Percy Best Scene: Grilled Cheese

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Brendan B.

@filmzone May 18

Maybe the most relaxed and enjoyable movie of all time. Just real conversations, funny quips, surprisingly stacked cast, and the best damn grilled cheese I’ve ever seen on screen.

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Russell C

@Russe67 May 17

One of Jon Favreau’s best. Great cast and great as a delightful pick me up but beware you may be hungry for a cubano after. Because of language and rating not recommended for children but good for teenagers and up. I’ve re-watched this one many times since it came out and it will definitely become a classic . Jon Favreau , director of Iron man 1,2. Mandalorian etc has my vote to be CEO of Disney but I think he will rather prefer to continue to act and direct.

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Kristofer K

@kbkaizer May 13

A feel good story of a father who gives up his title as head chef to rediscover his passion and invest in his family via food truck.

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Jill A

@jitylu May 10

Loved this movie. Loved the appearances of famous actors. Loved the fun of this movie. Jon Favreau was excellent. It was thoroughly entertaining and that's what I want in a movie.

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Noah A.

@noahatad415 May 1

Jon Favreau knows how to tell an endearing story. Some things elements feel mildly dated but true to life. It was a delight to watch and anyone with daddy issues may not have dry eyes by the end.

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Jon Favreau

Director

Jon Favreau

Carl Casper

Sofía Vergara

Inez

John Leguizamo

Martin

Scarlett Johansson

Molly

Dustin Hoffman

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24:28

Chef: Trailer 1

2:45

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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: 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