Get a reservation for No Reservations
Written: Aug 26 '07 (Updated Aug 28 '07)
|
Product Rating:
|
|
| Bang For The Buck |
 |
|
|
Pros: Fine actors, directed well and nice score. Believable story.
Cons: Music may have been a little loud at times or out of sync with mood(dubbing)
The Bottom Line: This is heart warming story that will appeal to adult that had their fill with sequels.
|
|
|
| solohans1's Full Review: No Reservations |
Beset by the mind numbing barrage of summer block-buster sequels, I needed a reprieve in the form an adult oriented drama that appealed to a more serious side than just my entertainment fix. I recognized this in 'No Reservations' upon reading a capsule provided by the local movie theater's website. I was curious by the way the capsule was written as much as by what it attempted to explain. The capsule seemed to almost over analyze the plot and character motivations, but it did it's job to draw me to the movie.
I liked the idea of casting choice of Zeta-Jones for the lead Kate. I like what she brought to the movie. I thought she had enough warmth under the driven, mechanical nature of a successful business woman, so necessary for today's career environment. Abigal Breslin is a natural choice here as well as she rides to coattails of success from 'Little Miss Sunshine.' I didn't recognize the male lead character 'Nick' played by Aaron Eckhart, but I approve of his acting. Eckhart is a fresh face to the familiar.
The movie explored quite a few of the troubles that plague modern life. Dysfunctional family was touched upon quite heavy in many examples. Divorce, absentee parents and death all contributed to family woes. I didn't get the idea that our characters used these problems as excuses, but it was clear that they motivated their actions. So, while the characters were far from perfect, they exhibited strengths to live their daily lives with honor.
The score was written by Philip Glass whose style reminds me of John Williams in that it is light-hearted. Perhaps heavier on piano than string. There were a couple of catchy tracks in this movie that enhanced the moods. One piano inspired track was played during more somber moments and the other faster tracks were played during happier times while everyone was getting along. The movie also included a contemporary track that will appeal to the younger generation. Incidental music did not detract from the picture.
The photography was excellent as to be expected from a director of Hicks(Scott) 's caliber. Hicks is a very thoughtful director and each shot is set up evoke some specific emotion. There is more going on in a Hick's feature than just the action of the story through the actors, so attune your senses to that if you will to get the full benefit of his movies.
The story of 'No Reservations' as I'm sure you've heard by now does follow a certain formula. But, I believe it is directed, written and acted well enough to take the viewer beyond the formula. At least it did for me. I found myself immersed in the story and cheering for the characters. I started to care about the characters and became interested in their lives. This movie is a tear jerker from the moment it begins because it's believable and draw us into it's 'reality.'
The plot revolves around a single woman named Kate(Catherine Zeta-Jones) who is a career driven executive chef. She's very much a control freak and can't let go of control. Two specific events change this. One, she becomes a caretaker of her neice, Zoe (Abigal Breslin) who lost her Mom, Kate's sister in what we assume to be a traffic accident. Two, which is an offshoot of One, a new, unconventional sous chef is hired in the kitchen where Kate works to fill in during Kate's interim. Kate's carefully controlled environment is now changed introducing new challenges. Kate must adjust to the new conditions and maybe find romance along the way.
Bob Balaban plays Kate's therapist to help her along this journey, but it seems like Bob is more a taste tester than a therapist. Kate's therapist does manage to slip a few bits her way through his bites.
Patricia Clarkson plays the restaurant's staunch owner and as referee she diffuses tensions that begin to mount between employees and sometimes even guests.
The film is set in New York, but doesn't over advertise this fact. We know it's the Big Apple from the bright yellow taxi's and the wonderful living quarters.
In the end, this heart warming movie will leave you cheering and I think you will enjoy this for a change.
The film deals with adult situations that younger children couldn't relate to, so I don't recommend this for children under 12. There are mild sexual situations. There is no violence in this movie, but some of the characters do get enraged at times.
All I can ask more from this movie is that they don't make No Reservations II
Recommended.
Recommended:
Yes
Movie Mood: Feel-good Movie
Film Completeness: Looked complete to me.
Worst Part of this Film: Music
|
|
|
|
Epinions.com ID:
solohans1
|
|
Location: Southwest
Reviews written: 89
Trusted by: 9 members
About Me:
Epinion visitors rock!
|
|
|
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.