On DVD: No Reservations

 

 

Directed By: Scott Hicks

Starring: Catherine Zeta-Jones, Aaron Eckhart, and Abigail Breslin

 

Kate (Catherine Zeta-Jones), master chef, runs her life like her kitchen: planned, controlled, and perfect. Though forced to go to therapy sessions by her boss, she avoids analysis by preparing elegant meals for her therapist (Bob Balaban). However, her hiding away from the life in the kitchen soon meets its end when she has to take responsibility for her orphaned niece Zoe (Abigail Breslin). Also, while she takes a week off to get Zoe situated, her boss hires a playfully zesty, opera loving sous chef named Nick (Aaron Eckhart). Of course, Kate despises his presence in her kitchen. To Kate’s chagrin, Nick’s tasty personality soon finds its way through Kate’s shell.

 

The Movie

 

Originally advertised as a romantic comedy, No Reservations does not fit so snugly into that category. Romance and levity are major components of the film, but this film has a heavier quality than most romantic comedies. Kate’s character is a slightly over the top caricature of an exacting personality who lets no one in, but Catherine Zeta-Jones plays this role so close to a believable person. (Trust me I’ve met a few like her). Also, the film rests heavily upon how Kate deals with the death of her sister and taking care of her grieving niece. What does make this bearable is that Kate grows as a person from this experience and actually opens up to let a little love in. This movie might better be billed as a lighter dramatic character study.

 

Obviously No Reservations as a title plays on the restaurant business and Kate’s personality. Kate is brimming with reservations about life and love, but has no trouble telling off a customer or two who question her foie gras. And, she wonders why her boss made therapy mandatory! Although Kate keeps her nose in the cook book, she has to start letting others in when she takes responsibility for Zoe. But this comes in small steps because back at work she feels threatened by Nick’s presence in her kitchen. However, Nick finds a way to get Zoe to eat again and soon enough Kate softens up to him and starts loving him.

 

There are some very darling scenes throughout the film. Most especially endearing is the dinner of pizza under the make shift safari tent in Kate’s apartment. This becomes the biggest turning point in Kate’s acceptance of Nick as a potential romantic interest. Also, the scene where Zoe and Kate take the day of from school and work and have a girls day is another great one. Even though there is a heavy quality in the film, these moments bring a great amount of light and heart warmth to this movie.

 

No Reservations has a lot of good talent making it a great production. The film was written with grace and balance. The characters are likeable, even Kate—because we want to see her open up—and the lines are smart. Director Scott Hicks also does a great job making sure the film is believable. He had the actors take a crash course in cooking in order to make them seem like real chefs. The acting is also top rate. Abigail Breslin, perhaps even better known now because of Little Miss Sunshine, is a delightful child to watch on the big screen as she shows great talent at such a young age. Also, Aaron Eckhart makes a charmingly playful chef and does a great job portraying the Mr. Right love interest. Catherine Zeta-Jones beautifully shows her character’s transformation in gradations.

 

Of course, a film with food always has an extra special place in my heart. Even though these are high end dishes, the scenes of quail and such are a little mouth watering.

 

8.5/10

 

The Video

 

Presented in widescreen and full screen format, the video quality is good. There is no graininess and the colors are vivid and crisp.  Why there’s even a full screen choice is odd in this modern day and age.  Blacks are deep and detail level is as good as you could hope for in a non hi def presentation.

 

8.5/10

 

The Audio

 

The sound is presented in Dolby Digital. There are no major balance issues as the sound quality remains solid throughout.  If you have the setup you’ll be surprised at the level of immersion provided by the audio of this film.  It’s no bombastic summer movie surround experience but there is some use of the surround speakers making you feel like you are being served!

 

8/10

 

The Packaging and Bonus Features

 

The DVD release of No Reservations comes in a standard aramay case with a scene of Nick and Kate back to back in a kitchen.

 

The only bonus feature is an episode of Unwrapped, where host Marc Summers interviews some of the film’s stars.  There’s no commentary here, no featurettes, nothing.

 

3/10

  

Overall (Not an Average) 7.5/10

The Review

The Movie 8.5/10

The Video 8.5/10

The Audio 8/10

The Packaging and Bonus Features 3/10

Overall (Not an Average) 7.5/10

 

-Chuck Knight