No Reservations Movie
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Storyline
TAGLINES
Something's Cooking This Summer
Life isn't always made to order.
A master chef, Kate (CATHERINE ZETA-JONES) lives her life like she runs the kitchen at upscale 22 Bleecker Restaurant in Manhattan—with a no-nonsense intensity that both captivattes and intimidates everyone around her. With breathtaking precision, she powers through each hectic shift, coordinating hundreds of meals, preparing delicate sauces, seasoning and simmering each dish to absolute perfection.
| Catherine Zeta-Jones | Kate |
| Aaron Eckhart | Nick |
| Abigail Breslin | Zoe |
| Patricia Clarkson | Paula |
| Jenny Wade | Leah |
| Bob Balaban | Therapist |
| Brian F. O'Byrne | Sean |
| Lily Rabe | Bernadette |
| Eric Silver | John |
| Arija Bareikis | Christine |
| John McMartin | Mr. Peterson |
| Celia Weston | Mrs. Peterson |
| Zöe Kravitz | Charlotte |
| Matthew Rauch | Ken |
| Dearbhla Molloy | Anna |
| Scott Hicks |
6.40 out of 10 (3687 votes)
Visitor Reviews
"You bring a chef from an Italian restaurant and I am the one in therapy?"
posted on 29 Aug 2009Sometimes it is impossible to be objective about a movie, and other times, drawing comparisons is unavoidable. This film is a remake of one of the best movies I have ever seen, so right from the start, it is being measured against the high benchmark of Mostly Martha.
The story is definitely there, since it follows the original pretty faithfully, but I prefer the acting and pace of the earlier version. In a typical "Hollywood fashion" this movie runs at a considerably faster pace and shows us more vibrant characters, which is not necessarily a good thing. As others have pointed out, this is not a romantic comedy, but a drama, which has a pretty significant portion relating to the world of food, and a little bit of comedy.
Bottom line is, the movie is OK; and if I had never seen the original, I would probably rate it a star higher; but even though I tried, I could not avoid the comparison. I would recommend those considering watching this movie and who tolerate films with a slightly slower pace, to go for "Mostly Martha" instead.
Not a romantic comedy
posted on 29 Aug 2009I agree with the reviewer who pointed out that although billed as a romantic comedy, this movie is neither very romantic nor a comedy. The whole story of the sister dying and her little girl coming to live with Kate is really quite sad. I have to assume CZJ was drabbed down a bit for this role. Aaron Eckhart has a great time with his part - an opera singer he is not, but a great lover of life, yes indeed. There is not a whole lot of chemistry between the leads, but thank God Nick is there to help Kate get used to the idea of being responsible for another human life, because she really struggles. I am somewhat ambivalent toward this movie. I wanted more in terms of character and relationship development. How well did Zoe know her aunt before she had to come live with her? Really, if Nick was such a catch as a sous-chef, why didn't he have a job as head chef at another restaurant? And without giving away the ending (except to say that it very much reminded me of the end of Waitress), the journey between the penultimate scene and the final scene would have made a pretty good movie in itself. However, I was consistently entertained and occasionally touched, and I think I will have to look up Mostly Martha now.
A Recipe for Life
posted on 17 Aug 2009There's a light, good-hearted nature to "No Reservations" that's quite pleasing, if a little predictable. This is just as much a story of life as it is a story of romance, and we all know the formulas such films follow: a person's world is rearranged when someone new enters his or her life, and the laughter, tears, and conflict will be plentiful. I expected nothing less from "No Reservations," which is probably why I was able to enjoy it. This is a charming, funny, touching film that casts away any qualms about being formulaic, which is a good thing for anyone in need of romantic escapism. I don't dare question how realistic the events of the film are; this is not a film that bothers with realism, but rather with the idealism that life is supposed to work in a specific way. At times, it's a welcome diversion.
The plot concerns Kate (Catherine Zeta-Jones), the executive chef of an upscale New York restaurant. We immediately get the sense that hers is a very organized, controlled world; while not explicitly critical or demeaning, she is fiercely protective of what she's worked so hard for, namely her position at the restaurant. Here's a person that's strong on the outside but deeply insecure on the inside, exemplified by her inability to receive criticism (never complain about the food she prepares; you'll definitely regret it). For these reasons, she's ordered into therapy. She pretty much dominates her own sessions with incessant discussions on food preparation--appetizing, yes, but not exactly enlightening. Her therapist (Bob Balaban) is initially unable to ask any questions or give any advice. Clearly, she's afraid to let anyone examine her personal life.
Her world is turned upside down when her sister dies in a car accident, leaving behind a daughter, Zoe (Abigail Breslin). Because there's no father in the picture, Kate is now faced with the responsibility of caring for her. But will she know what to do? A child has never been a part of her life; being a chef is the only life she's ever known. She knows virtually nothing about Zoe, not even her favorite color. Furthermore, Zoe has lost her mother, meaning she'll need the extra emotional support Kate may not be able to give. It will be an adjustment, and a tough one at that; not only is Zoe unwilling to eat, she's also unwilling to let Kate get close.
In this regard, she takes right after her aunt, whose defensiveness runs on high after a new chef is hired. Nick (Aaron Eckhart) is a man with a bright, free-spirited approach to cooking: he listens to opera; he actively engages the other chefs; he's charming and witty. Kate finds him threatening, and initially treats him as such by being cold, critical, and distant. But when she decides to bring Zoe to work with her one night, she notices how well Zoe and Nick get along. He even gets her to eat. Thus begins a strained friendship that the audience knows will progress into something more. Of course, that's exactly what the audience hopes will happen. Quite simply, Nick is fun to be around and Kate is not; their coming together allows her to lighten up and let someone in emotionally.
As the film progresses, the relationship between Kate, Zoe, and Nick develops, not necessarily as it would for a family, but rather as it would for a group of friends. I never once thought that Zoe would ever see Nick and Kate as parental figures, which is just as mature on Zoe's part as it is sad. Likewise, I never once thought that Kate saw herself as a mother, despite her growing love for Zoe. The dynamic between these three characters is complex, especially when a number of other conflicts are introduced. For one thing, Zoe fragile state causes problems at school. It also threatens to ruin everything Kate has tried to accomplish. Both are trying, but it's clear that a lot of emotional baggage remains.
Herein lies the film's major weakness: most of Kate's emotional baggage is undefined. We do get a couple of brief mentions, such as her mother's passion for cooking and her father's absence from her life. But none of this is properly developed, and that made her controlling behavior seem less understandable and more uncalled for. Still, I was taken by the dramatic tension between her and Nick; watching an uptight person letting their guard down is both entertaining and uplifting. And I was definitely moved by her attempts with Zoe, who's just begging to be hugged and soothed and reassured that everything would be all right. There's a moment when she watches home video of her mother; Kate sneaks in, sits down, and holds Zoe tightly. You can practically see the emotion dripping off the screen, which is probably why it's effective.
Equally as effective is the growing love between Kate and Nick--a love that can go in any direction but ultimately treads the expected path. I've seen enough cinematic romances to understand that this is appropriate, maybe even necessary. "No Reservations" is the kind of film we occasionally want to see, if not for plausibility, then for the satisfaction of temporarily disappearing into a fantasy. It plays on our personal desires, namely those of happiness and well being in the midst of a crazy world. At one point, Kate says, "I wish there was a cookbook for life"; I found this clever, despite the overuse of the basic message. If it's possible for me to appreciate this kind of dialogue--or even a film with this kind of dialogue--then I think it's safe to assume that it's possible for you, too.
Like German Movie
posted on 13 Aug 2009This is just like the German movie Mostly Martha
But as it is in American movies compared to European movies, it tries to focus more on the romance, less on the depth of Martha's psychosis, so it just makes it less of a romantic comedy and a little darker... is it a romantic comedy or what--this movie should have been more focused...
If you like cooking movies, check out Ratatouille
A nice little movie, no more & no less
posted on 09 Aug 2009A pleasant, entertaining remake of the 2001 German-language film, "Mostly Martha". Slicker and less complex than the original film, "No Reservations" is nevertheless warmly filmed and warmly acted, and will capably provide an evening of quality home entertainment to those who take the plunge. Appealing actors, many "joy of good food" moments, a few misty-eyed scenes, later happy developments, what more can one want? Every movie doesn't have to be dense and complex. The DVD features excellent picture and sound, and a twenty-minute "behind the scenes of the film" piece that originally appeared (appropriately enough) on the Food Channel.
Delightfully Sweet
posted on 02 Aug 2009In Manhattan, the workaholic Kate (Catherine Zeta-Jones) is the chef of the 22 Bleecker Restaurant owned by Paula (Patricia Clarkson), who sent her to a therapist (Bob Balaban) because she has no other interest in life but cooking and controlling her kitchen. When her only sister dies in a car accident, Kate becomes the guardian of her niece Zoe (Abigail Breslin), who can not overcome the loss of her mother. Paula orders Kate to take a couple of days off to care of Zoe; when Kate returns to the work, she finds that Paula hired the sub-chef Nick (Aaron Eckhart) without her approval. Nick explains that he is honored of working with Kate, but the jealous Kate does not trust in him and believes he wants her position. When Zoe gets close to Nick and invites him to have dinner with Kate and her, she changes her feelings for Nick. But when his work is recognized by the clients of the restaurant, Kate believes she committed a mistake."No Reservations" is delightfully sweet, with a nice romance supported by the magnificent chemistry of Catherine Zeta-Jones and Aaron Eckhart; a good story; a wonderful soundtrack; and the visual of splendorous dishes. The beauty of Catherine Zeta-Jones is awesome, and I really loved her character and this entertaining feel-good movie. My vote is seven.Title (Brazil): "Sem Reservas" ("Without Reservations")
Very Enjoyable
posted on 30 Jul 2009Katherine Zeta-Jones plays a master chef at a NYC restaurant with no time for anything or anyone else in her life. That is, until her niece (Abigail Breslin) comes to live with her, then subtle changes begin to take place. During this time, a sous-chef (Aaron Eckhart) is hired at the restaurant (without her knowledge) and he brings with him several changes, both to the restaurant and to Katherine Zeta-Jones' life. The script is light and easy and the acting excellent. This is a cute movie and worth viewing.
Catherine Zeta-Jones is perfect.
posted on 29 Jul 2009Limited in its own kind of movie,we could easily say that No Reservation is a great movie.Of course,not Citizen Kane or Victor Victoria, but i think that it contains a lot of cute keys of reading that let him become something bigger than a simply,weak remake. Scott Hicks is a fine director, a man that really knows how cinema is made. The cinematography of this flick is simply amazing, and most amazing of everything is Catherine Zeta Jones' character,Kate.Miss Zeta Jones is a great actress, too good and overrated, and in this movie she shows her great abilities and her powerful talent in bringing on her own shoulder an entire picture. Even Aaron Eckhart,Patricia Clarckson,Abigail Breslin,Bob Balaban and Lily Rabe give great performances.
I certainly have MY Reservations...
posted on 23 Jul 2009The trailer sparked some interest with me. A sob story that turns warm and fuzzy with zippy little comedy lines along the way - or so I thought. No Reservations opens: Kate is a chef and a damn good one, so scrupulous and intense in her career that she finds herself ordered to visit a therapist by none other than her boss. Thus, it becomes the clichéd tale of a career woman's world turned topsy turvy by a death resulting in her becoming the guardian of a young child. Similar to Raising Helen - and can I also point out that the poor little bereaved child in it was also Abigail Breslin.I have to admit I found the film a tad dull. I almost laughed at the dreary piano tune in the background, it was almost satirical. It felt a little lifeless, even Catherine wasn't looking her usual radiant self.Yes, it was sad when Zoe realised her mother was dead, when she looked at photographs or watched videos and tears welled in her eyes - I probably would have cried had I not been in the cinema! However, there wasn't enough to lift our spirits in the rest of the film - and I feel this is what Hicks wanted to achieve. The genre title is romantic comedy but the film genre feels confused.Acting is not really an issue here. I find it difficult to question casting because I find it difficult to feel any real passion for this film. One thing it did achieve was to make me hungry watching the countless mouth watering dishes served.I enjoyed Kate's reactions to customers which hassled her - something positive I can say. I feel a lot was missing though, there seemed to be a lot of little stories within that were never really fully told. It was as if there were little consequences for actions - which made it unconvincing.To conclude, a slightly dull - somewhat watchable romantic drama that could probably have been lifted with a better soundtrack and needed a little more comedy to fit into the romcom genre. It's received split views so go, see it for yourself - however, expect something a little different than you see in the trailer.
See this only to be able to tell others not to see it.
posted on 18 Jul 2009If you need any more explanation than what others have said before me, let me be plain... this movie leaves you feeling depressed. Even when it gives you a happy ending, whoops I've blown it for you... 90% of a depressing film with a 10% happy ending is ummm, what is that? A depressing film!
The cast is likable enough, you will forgive them only perhaps because you have seen them in other films which you liked. This is one of those films you have to ask yourself, why did these actors agree to make it?
It had no chance of being a blockbuster, or even an indie sleeper, and if this was made out of love, well then that love seems to be for the German original "Mostly Martha". Why not just refund everyone and buy a big billboard in every major city that says, go see the original.
1 star for the movie, another star for Abigail Breslin who is worth watching even in a crappy "romantic comedy" masquerading as a fun date movie. Yes by all means bring someone to this movie, that is if you plan on breaking up with them! But wait, what was the worst part of this film? No it wasn't the actors, or the plot, it was the food. This is a food movie that doesn't even leave you feeling hungry in the end.
No reservations....
posted on 16 Jul 2009Hmmmm....I went to see this movie at the movies because of its rating. Big mistake. The language was a bit off for a pg rating! The romance just wasn't there. It was a silly movie with no depth. What were the characters thinking? It just felt like they threw this movie together. I think it could have been WAY better.
Very predictable
posted on 05 Jul 2009Yes, it was a very predictable movie..but that's not a bad thing.It was a time waster and after seeing several slasher movies prior was a nice change of pace.The restaurant kitchen scenes were too fake for me - as a partial owner or a restaurant in Downtown Vancouver, BC, I know the operations of something that is supposed to be that busy and how a kitchen operates.Not that I will get into that here. However there were many safety and health matters overlooked.However seeing his plate of pasta, it looked pretty poorly created and undercooked with no real substance to it. It looked bad. The pizza looked absolutely horrible - almost as bad as a Dominoe's pizza.If there is one thing I know how to cook, it's pizza...damn straight...after traveling across North America and Europe, I have to come across only a handful of places that serve up a good slice. Now as a sous chef as he claims to have been, his pizza dough, crust and topping are sorely lacking.With his skills in Italian cuisine, he should have been able to dress that pizza like a dream...and he did not...which means that even in New York City - where pizza is supposed to be king, the best chefs can not make a piece of pie worth $1.00 a slice.It looked undercooked, the topping were cut too large and the cheese had not properly melted...thus means once again...I am still by far a better pizza cook that even a CHEF in one of New York's finest dining restaurants...which is OK by me.Because I will never give my secret.
don't believe the average score
posted on 05 Jul 2009I was prompted to review based on the low average score. I assumed that it was the acting though all three of the main characters were striking. Granted it is a love story and predictable, yet their interaction was fresh and thus authentic. Often such movies contain bloated characters for Reader's Digest or a soup commercial; but look at the cast in this one! Yes there are classic themes in this one but I do not think that these take away from this piece. I would say that the title may have been more catchy to the public as just "Reservations." Perhaps the cinematography is the weakest in this movie I still believe it warrants more attention.
A Quiet Movie
posted on 30 Jun 2009I'm surprised by the low overall rating on this movie. While it isn't Oscar material, it is certainly better than mediocre. No Reservations doesn't have the goofy factor that many romance movies have, which I appreciate. Instead, this movie quietly develops the characters as we spend time with them. I thought the cast was excellent, and the characters believable. It was a satisfying way to spend a couple of hours.
No Reservations Soundtrack is as good as the movie
posted on 27 Jun 2009The new movie, No Reservations, starring Academy Award®-winner Catherine Zeta-Jones (Chicago) and Golden Globe® nominee Aaron Eckhart (Thank You for Not Smoking), is destined to become the romantic film of the summer.The soundtrack to this movie, in-stores now, is a musical masterpiece which starts with a generous helping of Italian arias performed by world-renowned tenor Pavorotti, Renata Telbaldi, Joan Sutherland, Carlo Bergozzi, and Joseph Calleja. Next, contemporary ingredients were added such as; Michael Buble, Liz Phair, Paolo Conte,& Ray Gelato and combined with original music by Oscar-winning composer, Philip Glass. The end result is the perfect collection of music to compliment this traditional love story set in modern times. Please click below to hear some music, see the movie trailer, and much more! http://www.classics.umusic.com/noreservations/
great I love this film
posted on 20 Jun 2009this is a film about a woman (Kate) who is the head chef at this fancy restaurant. She is completely engulfed in her career. That she barely took time to sleep, much less stopping to smell the roses. That is until her sister and niece come to visit. But on their way there is a horrible car crash and the only survivor is her niece Zoe. Zoe, helps Kate learn to stop and smell the roses that life has to offer. And Kate helps Zoe learn to live with out her mother. And by never forgetting her mother Zoe realizes that life goes on.
A fresh take on romantic comedy
posted on 11 Jun 2009No Reservations is an enjoyable film for those who enjoy romantic comedies and the art of culinary because this movie captures both. For those who did not watch the original "Bella Martha", movie watchers will find this movie enjoyable and a fun take on the genre. Aaron (Nick) and Cathy (Kate) do a great job of playing opposites. Aaron does a great job of making you laugh and becomes the most likable character in the movie. His character is the most fun and Aaron gives a great performance. Cathy does a great job of playing the obsessive executive chef on 22 Bleeker. It's fun to watch the attraction that plays between them and the difficulty that their jobs plays in their romanceThe character of Zoey annoyed me sometimes but it didn't take to much away from the movie. I wish Zoey was less of an attention grabber.If you were to watch this movie without comparing every part of it to its original "Bella Martha" you will enjoy it. People didn't like the different take on Nicks character but it fit better with its American setting. Nick is the most fun in the movie and is a great take on the fun and charismatic friend we would all want to have. It fits well in its American setting. Although the movie may feel predictable, its enjoyable. From the direction and especially the musical score to the film make this a fun romantic comedy for all ages.I would recommend this movie to anyone who are looking for a typically fun and fresh take on the genre. It's not often when you can revolve a romantic comedy from a kitchen and get away with it.
Wish for More
posted on 29 Aug 2009It has its moments and the major cast members are great, but it's so predictable that even they seem bored with it. It's cute, yes, and worth a one-time viewing, but it could have been so much more.