No Reservations Reviews

• See Kate cook

  
  By A37PV5GMP2ILJC on 2007-12-22
  Billed as a romantic comedy, there are two things you should know about this movie.
  1. It's not a comedy
  2. It isn't very romantic
  
  Catherine Zeta-Jones plays Kate, an obsessive master chef who works so hard at her profession that she has no time for heating anything except pots and pans.
  
  Abigail Breslin plays Zoe, Kate's niece. She's not feeling very sunshine-y since the tragic event that leads up to her having to live with Kate.
  
  Aaron Eckhart plays Nick, an opera singing all around good guy who's hired as Kate's sous-chef without her prior approval.
  
  
  Short Attention Span Summary (SASS)
  
  See Kate cook
  Cook, Kate, cook
  See Zoe
  Poor Zoe
  Zoe has to live with Kate
  Kate hasn't a clue
  See Nick
  Nick cooks too
  See Nick and Kate cook
  See Nick and Kate fight
  See predictable ending
  
  
  This is a very light movie that will be a good choice for spending a lazy afternoon watching cable when you've nothing better to do. Zeta-Jones is good, even though Eckhart steals every scene he's in, but the main attraction is the food. As a matter of fact, it's quite likely that you'll find yourself getting hungry for gourmet treats about half way through the movie.
  
  Shallow but watchable, the thing that ruins this movie is that darned predictability thing.
  Rated: 3.5 stars
  
  
  
  Amanda Richards, December 22, 2007
  
  
  
  

• Food, drink, music, and taking a chance

  
  By A3M6RVUVZOQZLB on 2008-02-15
  Once upon a time there lived a grown-up woman, renowned in all the land for her fabulous cooking. But as is often true when someone excels in one area, that person lacks in all others. This remarkable chef (Catherine Zeta-Jones) has a lovely sister who excels in being a mom to daughter Zoe (Abigail Breslin). As is often the case these two sisters had a father unremarkable for being a nonexistent father. So these two sisters choose to live their lives without men.
  
  Then a terrible thing happens: the mother/sister dies in a car accident, leaving Zoe with the aunt who is a chef also famed for keeping her distance from people. Enter Kate and Zoe, struggling to deal with first, the loss of their beloved, then this new situation and environment. Child and woman, these two, have difficulty meeting on a common ground. There is no spark, no warmth between them. It's not that Kate resents poor Zoe--she just cannot connect with her. It's not that Zoe resents Kate--she is just too sad.
  
  Enter Nick, the slight-of-hand, the guy with the charm and wit, but good charm and sensitive wit, who can read people. He is the synapse who clicks the two--child and woman into a synergy of three people. The loveliest part of the movie is the time the three spend the day together, just doing and being.
  
  Zoe needs to be loved, Kate needs only her job, and the restaurant owner needs a sous chef until Kate adjusts to her new role as a caretaker. Nick (Aaron Eckhart), the sous-chef needs to be needed, not that he is wimpy. He is quite gregarious and fun-loving, but he likes cooperation and congenial surroundings, light-heartedness amidst an often chaotic profession. Kate is all about being serious and professional.
  
  When faced with change, people themselves must change or remain static and find themselves left behind specifically in relationships. When Nick begins to woo Kate, he is so cool. Instead of pouncing on her like a wild beast, he leaves her wanting more--just a kiss, just a kiss. Clever man!
  
  The ending far surpasses what is expected and I will leave it at that. Aaron Eckhart brought exactly the right charisma to his role. He looks the part of a temperamental chef without being one. Catherine Zeta-Jones is finally showing just the blush of aging and it becomes her. She plays her reserve with just the right coolness, exhibiting just a trace of passion below the surface. Any child could have played the girl. On the verge of prepubescence, Abigail Breslin simply did not display her usual cuteness, whether the director, the role, or Abigail herself.
  
  As much a part of the film as any character is the romance of food and wine and music, much of it opera arias with some Italian love songs thrown in. As a matter of fact, I have already ordered the CD. One of the female waitstaff walks through the kitchen to tell Nick that opera is great music for lovemaking just as he said. It certainly is when Kate and Nick finally do kiss. I kept wondering if Michael was watching his wife film this scene. It's a good one.
  
  Not Academy Award material, but definitely date fare. And, oh husbands and wives, it might remind you of that first fire of your love for the other. A wonderfully pleasant little movie!
  
  About the title: To eat in the restaurant in this story, one must make reservations. However, for love of any kind, no reservations are required.
  
  
  

• Another Love Letter to Food Snobs

  
  By A3I7OX03X6KDMN on 2007-07-29
  The idea of having two characters come together despite their obvious personality conflicts is as old as the silver screen itself. However, with the help of a strong, intelligent script the familiar can be overlooked and the situation can seem fresh. "Something New" is a prime, recent example of this story done right. "No Reservations", on the other hand, misses the mark as it is familiar to a fault. The script exists sans edge or excitement, and we know exactly where it is going every step of the way. Catherine Zeta Jones plays Kate, the type of woman I work very hard to avoid in my daily life, she is driven, righteous, and anal retentive. To her, that mean, nasty disposition is just a byproduct of being one of the most respected chefs in all of Manhattan. She has no time for love or fun or life because, by golly, she needs to perfect her safran sauce and quail (gag me). But since she is stuck in a Hollywood movie her life must throw her a curveball, in this case it comes in the form of a car crash which kills her sister and saddles her with her 9 year old niece Zoe.
  
  So will Zoe soften Kate's outlook on life, showing her that there is more to it than careerism for the sake of careerism? Will Kate find some ideal studmuffin who will teach her the virtue of love? Let's just say that this film never met a risk worth taking. Said ideal studmuffin is played by Aaron Eckhart who steals the movie and provides enough charm to almost make the whole experience worthwhile. Catherine Zeta Jones, not nearly as young or pretty as her publicist has led her to believe, sleepwalks through the movie giving me further proof that "Chicago" will forever stand as her one good performance. I liked the scenes with Kate and Zoe because while they were lightweight they were also spiked with realism. Kate is so clueless that she serves Zoe fish for dinner, complete with eyeballs. I'm sure she saw this as perfectly acceptable because if it is good enough for her fans on Bleeker Street then it must be good enough for anybody. But for most of the film we are left to stare at dead air as pretty yet pretty uninteresting characters pat themselves on the back over what good cooks they are.
  
  After "Waitress" and "Ratatouille" earlier this summer this is the third film that caters to food snobs. Which is fine, they are trendy nowadays and all, but we can hardly call these movies realistic portraits of the restaurant business. Hairnets don't mesh well with movie stars so they just go without. I've also never worked in a restaurant where the whole staff gets together and eats a meal together before work as though they are some sort of family. Maybe it exists but it is not the norm. At least "Waiting...", crude as it was, kept it real. Meanwhile my hobby, film snobbery, is nothing more than a joke to film producers. In the past five years the only two movies to touch it have been "Cinemania" (great, great movie) and "Film Geek", both which showed my people in the most unflattering light imaginable. But that aside, this film is far too predictable for its own good. Providing fairy tales to the people is what movies do best, but here they couldn't even be bothered to mildly tweak an old one. **3/4
  
  

• A Recipe for Life

  
  By A18G7GG53G2X8A on 2007-07-23
  There'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.
  
  

• Forgettable

  
  By A1TWTULVD6F22O on 2007-07-28
  The trailer portrays a sophisticated romantic comedy and focuses on the romance and the high anxiety of chef Kate (Catherine Zeta Jones), the kitchen terror of the restaurant "22 Bleeker St". Moviegoers expect to see the beautiful Zeta Jones act like Gordon Ramsay of TV's "Hell's Kitchen", only to be tamed by fellow chef Nick Palmer (Aaron Eckhart).
  
  In reality, the film, which I screened last weekend, is more of a sad family film of loss and redemption, with some light comedic touches. And while I did enjoy it at the theater, overall, it is a forgettable movie.
  
  A remake of the German "Mostly Martha", the film has executive chef Kate anticipating a visit from her sister and niece, when the sister is killed in a traffic accident. Niece Zoe (Abigail Breslin, the moppet from "Little Miss Sunshine") survives the crash and is brought to live in Kate's somewhat ascetic existence. She is overwhelmingly sad and disconnected from her new life.
  
  While trying to juggle sudden motherhood with career, Kate is forced to put up with a newly hired sous chef, Nick. Nick brightens the kitchen with his costumes, his love of all things Italian, his opera, his willingness to put up with sulky Kate. It is Nick who bonds quickly with Zoe, and acts as a catalyst between the two ladies. What saves "No Reservations" is the insouciance of Eckhart's character, and his chemistry with Breslin. But for a sizeable portion of the film, the prevailing feeling is sadness, for the plight of young Zoe and the cold containment of Kate in dealing with the situation. Zeta Jones plays her character frosty, cool, and with little ability to empathize with the plight of Zoe. Even her apologies, when she forgets to pick Zoe up at school, etc., seem forced.
  
  And it is this character vacuum that causes the movie to be something less than it might have been. With some spark and volatility, combined with the slickness of Kate's kitchen, the endearing qualities of both Zoe and Nick, the film could have been a winner. Let's say, with Kyra Sedgewick, in the Kate role, the film would have been
  far more engaging. Zeta Jones continues her reign as one of the screen's most beautiful leading ladies, and we know she has depth (proving it as Velma in "Chicago" and with her cameo in "Traffic"), but this genre of films doesn't bring it out, and she is ultimately responsible for the movie being one where I would recommend:
  
  "Wait for the DVD"
  
  
  
  
• Bland
  By A4JP4T1F95D0A on 2008-03-29
  This romantic comedy is likable but extremely predictable. Catherine Zeta Jones plays a chef at an upscale NYC restaurant who has devoted her life to being a great chef. So much so that she doesn't have time for anything else. Her sister is killed in a car wreck on the way to visit leaving her with her daughter to raise as her own. Meanwhile the new assistant chef is a carefree guy who brings big changes with him. Can you see it coming? Catherine doesn't like him at first, but then....Yes you guessed it. The story is okay and the acting is good enough, but there is nothing new here. This is a good rental to watch with the girlfriend or wife.
  
  
• I have reservations
  By A2SJ844SZY824J on 2008-02-26
  This film is a complete rip of the German film, Mostly Martha, line by line, scene by scene. Very little original here.
  
  Mostly Martha is a fantastic film and frankly, I had reservations (pun intended) about seeing this film because I didn't want to ruin the wonderful taste in my brain of the original.
  
  Why remake what is already a great movie? Just to get it in English? That's a sad commentary on American audiences.
  
  While most of the actors in this movie are fine in other films, they do a terrible job compared with their European counterparts; Catherine Zeta-Jones just is no Martina Gedeck who put in a spectacular performance as Martha.
  
  I urge anyone reading these reviews and considering this movie to check out Mostly Martha, it's a gem of a movie and a much finer portrayal of what is a great screenplay.
  
  
• Falsely advertised as a romantic comedy/summer hit
  By A25QJBK33C4O0R on 2008-02-18
  Falsely advertised and promoted as a romantic comedy/charming/summer hit movie, as noted in other reviews here at Amazon.com this movie is not a romantic comedy, or at least not a prototypical romantic comedy.
  
  There's romance in the story, but it's not the prime focus. There's also comedy, but again, not the prime focus.
  
  Mostly there's a story of an overly stressed and tightly wound head chef for a busy restaurant in a big city environment who has inherited her sister's only child and has been somewhat forced to work with a chef she didn't get to select and approve of before his hiring.
  
  The movie is entertaining enough to rate 3 stars, but in trying not to be any one type of movie there seems not to be much of an identity here at all.
  
  People that have worked in the restaurant business, or who are interested in the restaurant business may enjoy the film a bit more than others as it offers a bit of a behind the scenes look at the restaurant business. Then again, you could turn the TV on and watch Hell's Kitchen, Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares, the Food Network or similar material to gain some of the same insights.
  
  Again, as another reviewer here mentions, if you are a fan of either of the stars, you also might get more enjoyment from the movie.
  
  On Blu-ray disc the picture looks good, audio levels were consistent, background music not overly distracting.
  
  Worth the purchase? Probably better as a rental for most.
  
  
• A Revitalized Romantic Recipe
  By A3EE0H0NWQ9QVL on 2008-04-27
  'No Reservations' is a low-key romance with a lot of heart. Catherine Zeta-Jones plays Kate, a head chef of a fancy restaurant who's a serious perfectionist to the letter. (She even confronts customers who complain.) When her sister and Zoe (Abigail Breslin), her neice, come to visit, a terrible car accident leaves her sister dead and Zoe an emotional wreck. Taking time off, her quietly assertive owner/manager (Patricia Clarkson, 'Lars and the Real Girl') replaces her with a temp, a skillful and freewheelin' sous chef, Nich Palmer (Eckhart). Holding her career dear, Kate must come to terms with her newfound responsibilities raising Zoe while keeping her job and making new discoveries as Nich helps her to lighten up and discover how the other half lives. An exuberant lunatic, he plays the kitchen like a conductor of the arias he's so fond of. Beautiful music and Nick's heartfelt love for Italian culture give the film the proper ambiance it needs.
  
  Taking familiar dramatic ingredients, the characters and timing are all combined to make a truly palatable viewing experience. Engaging performances by Zeta-Jones, Eckhart, Clarkson, and Breslin give this romantic dramedy the right touches. Catherine Zeta-Jones won my heart for her performance, and Aaron Eckhart, whose multi-faceted acting ability has been best as the villain, proves he's a worthy romantic lead. (I was one of the few who wasn't impressed with 'Conversation(s) With Other Women' even though I liked his dour performance as "the guy" with Helena Bonham Carter.) Carol Fuch's winsome screenplay (based on 'Mostly Martha' by screenwriter, Sandra Nettelbeck) sets the right mood, taking the movie through courses of comedy and seriousness with nearly flawless timing. Very light, romantic, and engaging.
  
  
• 2 1/2 - Has Some Flavor But You Expect Some Sizzle
  By A3M2WW0PO34B94 on 2007-08-03
  About midway through "No Reservations", Zoe (Abigail Breslin) turns to her aunt, Kate (Catherine Zeta-Jones) and says...
  
  "Aunt Kate, you don't have to do that..."
  "What?"
  "Try so hard."
  
  It occurred to me this is an apt analogy for the film itself. Director Scott Hicks ("Shine", "Snow Falling on Cedars") you don't have to try so hard to make things cute, romantic and adorable. If you have a well-written script with all of the right elements, everything will come together. Don't force it.
  
  Kate (Zeta-Jones), the exacting chef at a well-regarded small restaurant in Manhattan, is very uptight and spends all of her time thinking about food, her restaurant and her career. Her sister and her niece (Breslin, "Little Miss Sunshine") are on their way for a visit when they get in a car accident. Suddenly, Kate is her niece's guardian and has to deal with a new young girl in her life. Kate's boss (Patricia Clarkson) asks her to take some time off, but she stops by the restaurant to find Nick (Aaron Eckhart), her new sous chef stirring things up in the kitchen; he plays opera, he jokes with the staff, he's a good guy. But Kate suspects he is trying to steal her restaurant. When she returns to work, she begrudgingly puts up with him because he claims he wants to work with, but that doesn't mean she will like it.
  
  "No Reservations" is based on a German film called "Mostly Martha". It has been sometime since I have seen the original, but I remember enjoying the film. It wasn't earth shattering, but it was an enjoyable experience. "No Reservations" seems to be a fairly straightforward remake. Both films tell virtually the same story, with some character names and the location changed. But "No Reservations" seems excessively "Hollywood", as though they have drained all subtlety out of the story and tried to make it more `understandable' for the broad audience it will receive in this country.
  
  "No Reservations" is not a bad film. Zeta-Jones and Eckhart are both good, and I felt they were able to build some actual chemistry. Breslin is also good as the young lady who finds herself without a mother and has to deal with this. But it is an extremely predictable film.
  
  On "Ebert and Roeper", Roeper and his guest reviewer gave "Reservations" thumbs up, noting it was a nice film for the summer and seemed to praise the fact they could predict everything that would happen before it happened. Unfortunately, they hit the mark right on the head. This is part of the reason I feel Hicks is trying to hard to get a reaction from his actors and from us. And also why the film is simply mediocre. If you can catch it on cable, you won't turn it off. But take the time to go to a theater or rent it? No way. Not worth it.
  
  After Kate returns to the restaurant, she is reluctant to work with Nick, but her boss insists. Kate's sous chef is about to leave to give birth and she needs some help. At one point, they have a blow up and Nick won't stay unless Kate says she needs him. This scene has been done, and done, and overdone in millions of romantic comedies. Of course, the fact she says she `needs him' is a metaphor for the impending romantic complications. What do you think she does?
  
  When she becomes resigned to having Nick around, Kate tears the menu in half and gives Nick a portion of it. But he objects, "Your portion is larger than mine". She half-heartedly brandishes a knife and he sheepishly slinks away.
  
  Throughout the story, Kate makes periodic visits to a shrink (Bob Balaban), a practice enforced by her boss because Kate is so highly strung; she confronts customers when they make a complaint. Unfortunately, you realize really early on the shrink will start using cooking terminology to help Kate with the problems in her life. So when he started to talk about how Kate knew "the best recipes in life are the ones she creates" the film completely lost me. This was the last straw. For your next film, Mr. Hicks, don't try so hard.
  
  Catherine Zeta-Jones is a good actress, but she has had mixed success in her film career. In "No Reservations" she seems very consistent in her creation of the super controlling, but also super uptight chef. Everything in her life is about her job and her food. When a neighbor, Sean (Bryan F. O'Byrne) asks her out, she makes up a rule about not dating neighbors; she doesn't have the time or the energy to devote to a relationship. Everything is about her food and her career. Then, when Zoe enters her life, Kate realizes she has to take care of her niece and tries to make her feel comfortable, but she doesn't become June Cleaver overnight. It takes some time for her to open up to her niece and for her niece to feel comfortable around her. This is realistic and makes her performance good. After they move in together, Kate naturally tries to get Zoe to eat, but Kate's idea of food and Zoe's idea of food are two different things. The first thing she serves her niece is a whole roasted fish, complete with eyes, and some sautéed squash.
  
  Later, after Nick (Eckhart) starts working, Kate has no choice but to bring her niece to the restaurant with her. Naturally, Zoe is drawn to Nick and he realizes she is not eating, so he fixes a big bowl of pasta and gets her to eat. When Kate realizes this, she looks at him and mouths "Thank you". He nods back. This is the beginning of their relationship and it is a little too precious to be realistic.
  
  Nick's purpose in the story is to charm the socks off of Kate, something that has apparently happened very rarely. Eckhart does a good job of making this character interesting. He is the complete opposite of Kate; he likes to play music in the kitchen, get the staff motivated, let them have fun. He is serious about food, but when Kate intones, "That restaurant is all I have. It's what I am." We know Nick doesn't feel that way. He replies, "It's only a small part of you".
  
  Naturally, because Nick is such a lovable guy, he is also going to charm Zoe's socks off as well. Zoe arranges for Nick to come over and cook on their day off. Zoe has a plan and has only let Nick in on the details. Whole roasted fish again? Not on your life. But Zoe has more plans than simply food. This is a cute idea, but it crosses the line and becomes saccharin sweet.
  
  Abigail Breslin does a good job of portraying Zoe's grief. As a young girl, she doesn't know how to deal with the feelings of loss she experiences after her mother dies. She is afraid, lonely and unsure about what will happen. After she moves in with her aunt, she tries to be brave (when Kate leaves her alone for a few hours to go to the restaurant) but ends up barricading herself in her room. As the story progresses, she gradually becomes more and more accepting of her aunt. As with Zeta-Jones, Breslin makes this believable because they never rush into each other's arms for a big hug. There is too much going on for them to become so close, so quickly.
  
  As I said "No Reservations" is not a bad film, it is just so predictable. If you have seen any romantic comedies in the past, you will probably be able to chart out the entire film about ten minutes in.
  
  
  
• A poor remake of "Mostly Martha"
  By A165I0IOV3BN23 on 2008-02-02
  I absolutely loved "Mostly Martha" and therefore was a bit sceptical about a remake to begin with - unfortunately this version didn't even come close. It has none of the warmth of the original. And it totally lacked the intriguing dialog and relationship between niece and aunt. Although I liked all actors in other movies - here they just failed.
  
  
• lame
  By A12HF5HWY2K4AX on 2008-03-09
  Do yourselves all a huge favor and rent Mostly Martha, the German version of this movie which came out first and has loads more charm and chemistry.
  
  
• Lots of "reservations" about this "light fare" rom-com.
  By ATXL536YX71TR on 2007-07-24
  Have you ever sat in the theatre and found yourself saying "Oh, I remember seeing that scene in this or that film before" so much so that you know and expect everything to come out just a certain way? Not that this is bad per se, but certainly NO RESERVATIONS is not original ideas brought to the screen!....A workaholic woman who needs some edges chipped off and softened to experience the real essence of life (Catherine Zeta-Jones): a charmingly cute and "together" man to enter her too well ordered world (Aaron Eckhart): and an adorable orphan who needs love and has needs to give and receive(Abigail Breslin).This film seemed borrowed from the characters of Charlotte Bronte, Jane Austen,THE COURTSHIP OF EDDIE'S FATHER and most in particular the Argentinian Academy nominated SON OF THE BRIDE and the German film MOSTLY MARTHA.There is nothing at all new in NO RESERVATIONS so have NO EXPECTATIONS.It is a formulaic,feel-good,all-works-out in the end film.There are the necessary touching moments that help you feel with the three characters, but there is really nothing here that has not been done so many times before and better. Abigail Breslin, fresh from her triumph in LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE, is the Dakota Fanning-Haley Joel Osment of the moment.Scripts will abound for her at her age and then we and Hollywood will get tired of her as she starts to mature. On the other hand, it is great to see Zeta-Jones back, but with none of the "meatiness" of roles like CHICAGO and TRAFFIC that allow her to be the multi-facted actress that she is.Aaron Eckhart seems typecast again in roles that keep defining his career as the breezy guy who defrosts lady's cold troubled hearts!.All-in-all, NO RESERVATIONS is a pleasant enough one time view,but there is not much that is tasty and tempting enough to reserve a table a second time!
  
  Excellent companion film would be MOSTLY MARTHA which seems to be where this film drew it's inspiration.
  
  
• I have no reservations about No Reservations
  By A1QYCR2SH9LHRB on 2008-01-24
  I loved this movie. I went to see it on a date, and while it might be a tad predictable, it's a clean, heartwarming movie and definitely worth seeing. Clean, PG movies are hard to come by, and this one tells a great story. I admit that at a point the story moves a little slowly, but that's somewhat like life as well. Great performances by Zeta-Jones & Eckhart. They have real chemistry and are fun to watch. It's nice to see Catherine in a lighter role for a change as well! Watch it for a fun date movie or just for a sweet story. It's nothing more and nothing less.
  
  
• Light and fluffy and delicious!
  By A1CQ6D4JIG4C3Z on 2008-02-13
  A lot of people seem to be saying, "Don't watch this awful remake! Go watch Mostly Martha, the original!" I say, by all means, watch Mostly Martha, but don't bypass this version.
  
  It's true that if I had watched this without having seen the original version, Mostly Martha, I would probably have liked it even better. This American version is really too close to the original, right down to the appearance of several characters (Leah, the sous-chef, for instance). For this reason, if you try to compare the two, it comes off as a half-hearted reproduction, Mostly Martha's reheated leftovers.
  
  In many ways, it does lack some of the heart and depth of Mostly Martha. The characters are not as deep and intense, so their relationships aren't as meaningful to the audience. Kate is not quite as tightly wound as Martha, not quite as isolated--so her sudden inheritance of a child and the infringement of a stranger in her kitchen are less difficult and less meaningful. Zoe is much happier and lively than Lina ever is, and is not as scarred by her mother's death, so her struggle to accept Kate is again less meaningful. Nick, I felt, was outstanding--he was different from Mario, but equally effective. I actually preferred Nick, in fact, as I found Mario bordered on annoying at times, while Nick was more appealing all the way through (and Aaron Eckhart is certainly better looking!).
  
  So why did I give it four stars? Well, I'm a sucker for a good romance. I feel that if I hadn't seen Mostly Martha, I would have given it four stars as a good romantic comedy. That is what is, and that is, I think, all it tries to be. It is fun to watch, the characters are sympathetic, the acting is excellent, the chemistry between Zeta-Jones and Eckhart is wonderful, and the plot is engaging, if predictable.
  
  I also don't mean to say that No Reservations loses all the heart of Mostly Martha. I think it retains it pretty well, while simply lightening up the plot a little. Overall, I actually prefer this version in many ways. I preferred the story without the presence of Lina's father, who to me interrupted the story considerably in Mostly Martha. And if the characters here are a little less intense, they were easier to relate to, for me at least. I found the romance between the leads more convincing here, and the ending considerably more satisfying than Mostly Martha's. Kate and Nick, by the end, actually seemed a little more human than Martha and Mario ever did, and if the ending is predictable...well, some of us like happy endings!
  
  No Reservations may not fill you up with emotion like Mostly Martha, so don't coming looking for a full-course meal. This a essentially romantic comedy, the soufflés of the movie world: light and fluffy and delicious.
  
  
• "You bring a chef from an Italian restaurant and I am the one in therapy?"
  By A2RDR5G65D9H84 on 2008-02-21
  Sometimes 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.
  
  
• A Movie That Doesn't Offend
  By ANOU9KKD1KAWA on 2008-02-22
  This movie, although probably considered silly by many, is at least a movie that you would feel confortable watching around kids. It is both humorous and sad in spots. It is difficult to portray all of the workings of a restaurant, family and love story in 104 minutes, but it did a likeable job. The acting isn't anything great, but it is entertaining and at least it isn't filled with the type of language most movie producers feel are necessary. A welcome treat!
  
  
• Great Foodie Flick
  By A24W58SI8TV04U on 2007-11-06
  This movie was excellent! The acting was superb and the cinematography, although not breathtaking, was perfect for the film. The kitchen life was handled with just the right blend of reality and romanticism.
  
  
  
  
• Tastes like pre-packaged
  By A1RNMPOY4XIAA8 on 2008-02-06
  No Reservation, although an entertaining film does not have the slightest trace of originality unlike the many gourmet dishes Kate cooks up. It follows the formula or outline of most romantic comedies so closely it feels pre-packaged and almost every scene is entirely predictable.
  
  
  It follows as story of a famous chef Kate, played by the always-stunning Catherine Zeta-Jones, who's sister has just dies in a car accident, forcing Kate to take in her sister's only daughter, Zoe (played by Oscar nominee Abigail Breslin). While taking time off to deal with the loss and adjust to having a child at home, a new chef, Nick (Played by Aaron Ekhart) is hired by the restaurant. Once Kate returns to work she feels threatened by the new chef, thinking he is trying to take over her kitchen and career. As the two work together they find themselves falling for each other.
  
  
  The cast does a fine job, Catherine Zeta-Jones sensually sophisticated, Aaron Ekhart well I have to admit I felt he was sort of picked because of his perfect "model" features but he still does a fine job. Abigail Breslin does a wonderful job reminding us why she received that nomination at such a young age.
  
  
  The main problem with this film was its' script. I thought the characters weren't developed quite enough. It almost seemed as an outline example for romantic comedies. As I watched the final scene I smirked having already figured it out a long time ago.
  
  
  One thing that helps partially salvage this movie is the pure fascinating culinary imagery, and despite all the negativity in this review it is still a moderately entertaining film for when you want something simple, brainless, and light. It does deliver some fresh laughs and let's face it Catherine Zeta-Jones and Aaron Ekhart...need I say more...I mean talk about hot couples!
  
  
  
• Touching&Light-Hearted Film
  By A3SYMLB8JSW5VD on 2008-02-22
  This was a very good movie. It starts with Kate as a chef at an elusive restataurant who's a bit of a control freak. Who has emotional issues seeks solace in her job. That's is until her sister dies in a car accident and has take care of her niece Zoe. She's finds her world turned upside down finding it hard to raise Zoe but then trying to fight her attraction to the sous-chef played Aaron Eckhart. It has some funny moments and lot of reflection. But you will enjoy this movie.
  
  
• A nice, light-hearted drama
  By A2ZE73RFY0GD3K on 2008-03-02
  This is a satisfying low-key Saturday night flick to watch while enjoying a good (and big) meal -- the very opening, a discussion about preparing quail for the table, will make you extremely hungry, thus you want to be eating when it begins. The story is good, and believable, and it contains no trashy language or contrivances... a real break from the usual Hollywood fare. For once, the DVD cover did not deceitfully imply this is a comedy, as has been done with many other movies merely to lure renters/buyers. It does have light moments, but it is substantially a soap-opera chick-flick, but not a bad one. Suitable for the entire family; enjoy.
  
  
• Very cute movie
  By A3O6OFF2AY1UFD on 2008-03-05
  This was a very cute, decent movie and we thoroughly enjoyed it. It was also heart touching. It's one I would buy.
  
  
• unconscionably awful
  By A1GA6QARREG33V on 2008-04-02
  Like many reviewers, I choose to write about films or music that I like. Not this time.
  No Reservations MIGHT have gotten two stars from me if I hadn't seen Mostly Martha -- Catherine ZJ is easy on the eyes, though less so in htis movie... But this remake is slavishly true to its inspiration, even to the music, while lacking all real emotion or strength. And given that Mostly Martha is a remarkable movie, how could this movie ever have been made? Some sense of self-respect should have moved all involved in this version to petition to have their names removed from the credits.
  Mostly Martha is funny at times, and tremendously powerful at others -- it's a sympathetic portrayal of grief and compulsiveness, all shown with such restraint that its impact is intensified. Martina Gedeck, as she proved in Lives of Others, is a tremendous actress. And the little girl is really good.
  So either see Mostly Martha and skip this, or never see Mostly Martha so this won't be so awful.
  
  
• No Reservations, served well
  By A1GHUN5HXMHZ89 on 2008-06-02
  If you enjoy romantic dramas I would say this is a pretty decent one. However, this is not a romantic comedy. Comedy means funny and it isn't funny very often. The main character or heroine, Kate, feels she is missing out on something in her life and her psychiatrist makes that abundently clear. When she loses her sister in a car accident she is left with a niece, Zoe, that is overwhelmed with her mothers death. The two try to cope with the loss. Meanwhile Kate is working as a top ten chef in a elegant New York restaurant. As she and her niece are working out their issues Kate takes some time off to spend with Zoe. When Kate returns she finds there is a new sous chef, Nick, that is hansom, funny (assumed as we see people laughing, but we never hear the jokes), and a pretty good chef that could be running his own kitchen. Kate sees this as a threat to her position and goes ballistic. Eventually she calms down and Nick and her relationship starts to blossom. My wife and I enjoyed it. Good quality DVD with decent replayability.
  
  
• Few Reservations
  By A1EHTFVSD0H7I6 on 2008-02-14
  If charmed by the previews, or any of the actors, you'll probably enjoy No Reservations.
  
  The storyline is classic boy meets messed-up girl who struggles with her issues and inner angst then falls hard..until..THE CRISIS format. But if you are considering renting or buying it you probably aren't looking for art or plot twists.
  
  There are a few charming moments, much so-so stuff, a little melodrama or overkill, lots of food show and tell but it's a feel good movie and holds its own as entertainment. I actually teared up at one scene, and laughed at a few more.
  
  I loved Aaron Eckhart's character's attitude and playfulness even if he's not completely fleshed out. Catherine Zeta-Jones plays uptight well and her subtle humor adds to the mix. Abigail Breslin gets to exercise her emotional muscles as she hits all five stages of grief on screen.
  
  If you don't expect brilliance and Oscar worthy flick but are looking for warm feel-good almost perfectly clean entertainment you'll not go too wrong. Some subtle sexual overtones and a few off-color comments give it the PG rating.
  
  
  
  
  
• One of the Top 10 Chick Flicks of all time.
  By A2V4P6IRCK1P70 on 2008-02-17
  This one is going to be a classic among women who like their romance sweet and sensible and their stories familiar but fun. I hope someone is paying attention because Eckhart and Zeta-Jones could be the Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan pairing for the 21st century. It's a bit of a stretch seeing him as an opera buff, but other than that, he's flawless. His acting is directly on point and the character is written as a hero with a modern sensibility - not quite a metrosexual, but not the strong silent type either. He expresses his feelings openly in a wonderfully sexy way.
  
  Catherine Zeta-Jones is pleasant in her part, in that odd way she has of seeming like an every-woman character in spite of her stunning looks. You feel as if you've known this character. The story line with the sister is predictably sad and played for effect, but the little girl is a scene stealer - she's entirely believable.
  
  Some of the antics at the restaurant stretch your ability to suspend disbelief, but it's never so over the top that you can't see it happening that way in a place much better than you've ever worked in. It's all tied up in the requisite but perfect happy ending. I'll watch this one over and over and it's one I'll make all my girlfriends watch, too.
  
  
• Ms Little Sunshine shines
  By A1EOLRV216BXJ9 on 2008-03-02
  One might feel a bit disppointed if food and cooking are what they primarily look for in the film. Surprisingly, the film is more about the blossoming relations between the workalcholic Kate (Catherine Zeta Jones), Zoe (Abigal Breslin) and the upcoming Italian chef Nick (Aaron Eckhart). The scene stealer is Zoe. She is beautiful, young and a natural. Her mourning over her loss of her mom, pillow fight with aunt Kate, making pizza with Nick and her being tempted by Nick's homemade spaghetti were all shot wonderfully. Her tiny and intelligent face spoke it all. Catherine Zeta Jones was gorgeous but she didn't look like a top French Head Chef at 22 Bleecker. She, however, looks perfect as a loving aunt, an overworked career woman and will make any man fall for her. Aaron Eckhart is so convincing as a popular and passionate chef. No wonder people inside and outside the kitchen love him.
  
  This film is so well-knit (perhaps because the German film Mostly Martha is such a success) that it is a delight to watch. I love the New York streets, the old apartment, staircase and natural lit corridor at Kate's apartment. The supporting cast look more French and in the restaurant business than Kate - the restaurant owner Paula (Patricia Clarkson), Kate's right hand chef Leah (Jenny Wade). Zoe's mom (Arija Bareikis, American Embassy) and Zoe actually have such similar facial features. She looks like a French Chef too. Having said that, Catherine Zeta Jones looks good in this role but this time (unlike Chicago) she cannot transform it into an exclusive Catherine Zeta Jones role only. Her therapist(Bob Balaban), with his quiet voice and rooftop clinic overlooking New York buildings, is fun to watch.
  
  A warm, beautifully shot and well cast movie. Even the food lovers won't have much to complain in the end.
  
  
• Mostly Not As Good As Mostly Martha
  By A2XL6WVE7ODZCP on 2008-03-17
  My wife and I watched this because we had seen the original of it, a German film titled "Mostly Martha," which was much better, subtitles and all. The actors were better looking in the American edition, but they weren't anywhere nearly as convincing as in the original. I say this even though I'm a sucker for the nine-year-old "Sunshine" girl. Rent "Mostly Martha" to see a film I'd rate 5 stars.
  
  
• This Story Has Been Told Many Times Before - Better
  By A2UFR8MW8V1XQT on 2008-03-22
  The only redeeming feature of this film were the images of the food, which looked delicious. So kudos to the prop master. Pity the rest of the film made me sick. Tripe may be a delicacy, but not on film. This film plods along like dinner at the Olive Garden; wait 45 minutes for something to happen (get a table; plot development), wait another 30 minutes for something to happen (see your waiter; plot development), wait another 45 minutes for something to happen (get your mediocre food; plot development), and then realize that the whole thing was a disappointing waste of time.
  
  Kate and Nick, the not-so-dynamic duo, should have been pastry chefs, because this film is all about empty calories; saccharine sweetness for the film diabetic. Here is the synopsis: High strung woman (HSW) ends up with kid who is broken up about her mother's death until she gets her stuffed menagerie back. HSW meets boy, doesn't like boy. Little girl "tricks" HSW into liking boy. Boy starts taking over HSW's restaurant. Actually, that's about all I know because I decided I would rather sleep than waste more time on this film. But here's a bold prediction: HSW breaks up with boy, little girl does something cute to get them back together, little girl does a burlesque to the memory of mom - oh wait, wrong movie.
  
  Ultimately this film should have been called "No Reason." As in, there was no reason for this film to have been made. It's theater fodder and rental chain fluff. I will not denigrate women by calling this a "chic flick," as I watched it with three women, all of whom thought it was vapid nonsense. This movie is what happens when somebody in Hollywood watches too much Food Network and buys a sausage grinder.
  
  
  
  
• So-So Romantic-Comedy/Chick Flick
  By A3AOKQCH0YBZDS on 2008-04-17
  I've seen better romantic comedies/chick flick then this one. This movie was billed as a romantic-comedy, but wasn't very comedic as it deals with death/loss/grief and other life issues. Overall this movie is predictable, which made it both boring and slow. Also, Catherine Zeta-Jones character is pretty flat and one dimensional.... I think there could have been more substance overall in the storyline to make this a better movie.
  
  

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