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A flashy, smooth, somewhat snakelike, defense lawyer in Chicago (Downey), returns to his small hometown for his Mother's funeral and encounters the father (Duvall), he resents and dislikes, and soon has to defend. The stoic, stubborn, Duvall has long sat on the bench as judge and is involved in an accident in which one of the criminals he long ago sentenced is killed. Is it truly an accident or revenge for past sins. The plot moves quickly, passionately, and the side stories with Downey's two brothers, who have dealt with their share of frustration and disappointment yet held the family together, is both sweet and haunting simultaneously. Another twist involves Downey's high school sweetheart and her daughter. Unlike some stories of this genre, this movie has all the elements of a hit: great cast, wonderful script, twists and turns, and a satisfying ending. Back in the heyday of the 70's and 80's, and in my humble opinion, this movie would be the favorite for best picture, best actor, and best supporting actor. 4 stars
These next two films will make you laugh, cry, and leave you incredibly hungry!
2. The 100ft Journey: Helen Mirren, Om Puri, Manish Dayal
A large Indian family loses everything in India and decides to leave for France. The brakes on their van fail in a small village and they decide to set up their restaurant directly across from Helen Mirren's Michelin rated French restaurant. A feud ensues between restaurant owners, witty and subtly at first, then a bit more harrowing. However, the only one who truly suffers is the Mayor but not too horribly. A friendship begins with two cast members on opposite sides of the road which not only leads to a bit of competition but also to a sweet romance between several cast members. This film is what I used to call a feel good movie and shows the best of independent film making where the cast and plot are not the only stars, but also the landscape, setting, music, and food are as necessary and loved as much as the performers and script. 5 stars
3. Chef: Jon Favreau, Scarlett Johansson, Robert Downey, Jr.
Favreau has proven himself a fine director and writer, however, I still enjoy watching him act. He always seems to have a wonderful time when he steps in front of the camera, and Chef is no exception to this as he takes on all roles of director, screenwriter, and actor. He calls upon his Iron Man friends, Downey and Johansson, who lend extraordinary performances in small supporting roles. In contrast, Jon Leguizamo and Emjay Anthony, as Favreau's friend and son, create wonderfully sweet characters that are real, sincere, and lovable. The story begins with Favreau as the head chef of a popular restaurant owned by Dustin Hoffman, who admires and truly appreciates Favreau but doesn't give him the culinary freedom he so desperately desires. Following the crude and hurtful remarks of a food critic, played wonderfully by Oliver Platt, stating Favreau has grown predictable and has lost his cooking soul, a tweeting war begins that causes Favreau to quit his job. His sweet ex-wife, played by the stunning and supportive, Sofia Vergarra, encourages him to take a trip to Miami with her and their son, to return where it all began for Favreau. She also arranges a meeting between Favreau and her husband before Favreau, the ever charming and sleek Downey, who provides him with an old, rundown, food truck, and the journey begins. Leguizamo quits his job as sous chef at Favreau's former restaurant and flies to Favreau's side and between him, Favrea, and Anthony, they begin their trek from Miami to L.A., stopping along to way for brief stops in major cities where they provide the population with Cuban music blaring from the food truck, and wonderful location influenced gastronomical delights, and along the way, a father rediscovers his relationship with his son. This movie will have you tapping your toes and rubbing your empty belly at the same time. 5 stars
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