Movies

I hesitated seeing this movie, having really enjoyed the original, 'Mostly Martha'. What a disappointment. Catherine Zeta Jones is a good actress but this wasn't her film. The original had poignant moments, perfectly punctuated with an incredible soundtrack. No reservations felt like it never connected. The food, the characters - nothing felt passionate. In Mostly Martha, the food came alive- every scene was filmed in such a way you could taste it with your eyes - the smells, the textures. The food in 'No Reservations' was in the background - rarely did we get a closeup of the preparation; the characters were not real enough to carry the movie without it. It was hard finishing the movie - many of the scenes felt awkward. See the original - it's a truly enjoyable movie; the soundtrack incredible.

This film is about an obsessive chef clashing with a carefree chef who invades her kitchen after a horrible accident killing her sister.I watched the original Bella Martha and instantly fell in love with it. I was hoping No Reservations would have the same charm and chemistry, but unfortunately it did not.No Reservations gets Americanised a lot, including the rather pointless addition of a therapist! Unlike Bella Martha, No Reservations do not even focus on nice food, which is a great pity. The relationship of Nick and Kate is poorly built up, and I think they don't have chemistry together. Fortunately, Zoe is a likable character, and Abigail Breslin acts very well.No Reservations is still entertaining, but it is a lot less charming and enthusiastic than Bella Martha.

NO RESERVATIONS is an entertaining and nice summer 2007 film which gives an audience a very interesting and intelligent female lead in Cathterine Zeta-Jones as a Chef in the high profile "foodie biz" of chic New York and has the talented Aaron Eckhardt as her protagonist and romantic counterpart. Abigail Breslin in her "little grab the heart" role, shots of the village, wonderful appetizing displays of food and the glam gal, Patricia Clarkson, keeping 22 Beeker running and filled with customers. Have I mentioned that this film makes you want to pay attention the next time in your city a very pretentious and high profile restaurant opens for business? And, reservations are needed.