Burnt Review
RYAN: This is a new drama starring Bradley Cooper that turned out to be a hot ticket for my movie club! So many people entered for this one. I didn’t realize it was on the radar for so many folks.The screening was packed! After seeing it now, I get it. I loved it. It’s on my short list for top 10 faves of the year. It’s so passionate. The food you see, the characters and story – passion courses through it all.
CHUCK: It was clear from the turn out tonight that America has a bromance with Bradley Cooper. Everyone loves him and wants to see him. From the get-go, the movie does a great job illustrating the ego of so many chefs working in kitchens. From personal experience, working in restaurants, I’ve met chefs like this. It’s an archetype.
RYAN: I had no idea how intense they could be, how fast paced the kitchen in a restaurant could become – so heated, pun intended. It’s a frenzy, chaotic place.
CHUCK: Kitchen Nightmare is a reality show but also has a grasp on what it’s like in many kitchens. Perfection is expected. A bad dinner service can destroy a new restaurant.
RYAN: Those scenes almost have an action quality to them. You’re on the edge of your seat as they’re plating food. The stakes are high. There’s a sense of urgency.
CHUCK: Well if you mess up one dish, the whole table is messed up. As far as the plot, it was somewhat predictable to me. But it was really fun seeing the great chemistry between the cast.
RYAN: Bradley Cooper & Sienna Miller played Hubby and wife in American Sniper last year, so they work great and you feel it for sure. She’s adorable in this and likable and it’s a great role for a woman because she’s very commanding as well. And for Brad, it’s as good a role he’s ever had.
CHUCK: He is one of the most solid actors out there.
RYAN: He does comedy and drama, both, so well. And the supporting cast is so strong – Alicia Vikander, who has become my second fave actress, behind only Nicky Kidman – killing it again in this movie.
CHUCK: Emma Thompson…
RYAN: Can we talk about her wardrobe in this film? She was wearing unidentifiable garments.
CHUCK: I’ve never seen anyone look so frumpy.
RYAN: What was she wearing? Is she a nurse or a tent? She’s needs to be in Fashion Police. As for Daniel Bruhl – I wasn’t a fan of his before this movie and he’s so endearing in this; quite unexpected.
CHUCK: And Matthew Rhys from TV’s Brothers and Sisters and The Americans.
RYAN: It was fun hearing him in his native accent. He’s great in this as well. We must talk about the food – it’s art. It’s not like the movies where you say, “don’t go in hungry.” But this food is like fashion.
CHUCK: It’s haute cuisine. It’s not like Big Night or No Reservations where you watch the film and salivate immediately
RYAN: I felt a rousing feeling like you feel in a sports movie – when you don’t care about the sport but the story sucks you in and you’re so invested by the end – this movie does that to you as well. It’s like a sports movie that way.
CHUCK: I found it very engaging that way as well.
RYAN: It’s endearing and sweet. You may wanna go back for seconds.
