"The Menu" is not going to be one of the best movies you ever see. Nor will it be one of the worst films you ever see. But one thing that it will do is keep you interested and borderline-riveted. I guess it could be worse.
This savory concoction comes from the directing and producing folks that bring you HBO's "Succession." That is a show I have kept watching despite the fact that I hate every single character in the cast. Well, holding true to form, you won't find many of the characters in "The Menu" likable either.
Indeed, here's a film that could have been pitched as follows: A show on the Food Network finds itself on the Sci-Fi Network. Sounds weird? It sure is. But, again, nothing ever prompted me from looking away from the screen.
Ralph Fiennes plays one of those super-pretentious chefs who look at his meals as if they are artwork. He has an exclusive restaurant called the Hawthorn on an exclusive and remote island. Celebrities, movie folks, lofty food critics, and assorted other rich people pay big bucks for a five-course evening. Except, on this one night, the chef has a paring knife to sharpen. Within the first 30 minutes, you know this is going to go off the stove burners pretty fast. And, by the way, President Biden will note that they use gas stoves in this film.
As each course is served, things get weirder and weirder and weirder. It's like what might happen if Bobby Flay was released from a mental hospital. As for dessert, trust me when I tell you that you will never look at smores the same way again.
But, indeed, your interest has been held and you can't say that about a lot of movies these days. I recommend it. I don't recommend it. Whatever. It's your call.
Just don't eat before you go to the theater.
LEN'S RATING: Three stars.
Dinner last night: Salad.
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