Scott Hicks has created a wonderful feel good movie with his latest offering “No Reservations”.  Catherine Zeta Jones stars as Kate, a gifted chef at trendy Manhatten restaurant 22 Bleecker Street.  Kate is completely absorbed in her life as a chef to the exclusion of all else.  So it comes as a shock, when her sister is killed in a car crash, to find she has guardianship of her 10 year old niece, Zoe (Abigail Breslin).

Zoe misses her mother terribly and try as she might, Kate can’t seem to break through to her.  She can’t even get Zoe to eat, something which doesn’t sit well for a dedicated chef.

Into this situation comes Nick (Aaron Eckhart), an up and coming chef who is employed by Kate’s well meaning boss Paula (Patricia Clarkson) to assist Kate with the workload while she adjusts to life juggling a ten year old and a full time career.

Needless to say, all doesn’t go smoothly in love or war.  Nick is flamboyant where Kate is reticent.  What is worse, Zoe has taken a particular shine to him.

This is a delightful film, made all the better by some excellent performances, especially from the young Zoe.  Okay, it’s a bit of a chick flick, but has enough substance to keep even the most cynical fella happy.

South Australian residents will particularly enjoy Hicks reference to the local wine industry. 
(At a preview screening the audience clapped with delight.)

~ Pam Heinrich