​FILMS

the hundred-foot journey

The Hundred-Foot Journey (Drama/Comedy): 69 out of 100: This is a likeable enough film which is hampered by some melodramatic scenes that play on the audience's emotions. This can be attributed to the direction of Lasse Hallström, who usually makes inoffensive films that require a bit more grit and urgency. Most of his films have pacing issues but this is not as bad as some of his other efforts, although there are some slow motion scenes to accentuate the melodrama.

 

Helen Mirren is delightful as always but her role doesn't require her to stretch her acting muscles. The other cast members perform with skill although the romance subplot isn't particularly interesting, unlike the food preparation scenes which really do make your mouth water.

 

There are some great location shots of Paris while the music by Oscar winner A.R. Rahman ranges from the vibrant in the food preparation scenes to the syrupy in the melodramatic scenes.

 

This is the ultimate food porn movie so be prepared for a visual food fest.

Starring Helen Mirren and Om Puri
(122 minutes)
Parental advice: Mild themes and infrequent coarse language
Additional scene during or after credits: No
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yEO1TWeM5JU (Movie trailer)

(Reviewed on Monday 4th August, 2014)