Review of Burnt (2015) by Matthew C — 22 Jul 2016

It goes without saying Bradley Cooper is huge talent. The course of his career has had some hits (big) and some misses. This is one of them.

What's frustrating about "Burnt" is that it's so predictable. Take his "The Hangover" character, make him rude and brash then throw him in a kitchen and that's "Burnt." I wanted to have some empathy for Cooper's character, but with every scene that quickly disappeared. Now, if the director wanted Cooper's role to be that of a tortured kitchen genius, that's nothing new either (meaning a tortured artist).

Cooper's supporting cast shine around a character that smothers them. Oh and I'll never say, "Plate" loudly ever.

There is a screenplay making the rounds in Hollywood about a hugely successful NFL closeted quarterback. It could gain some serious traction and in reading it I thought Cooper would be excellent in the role. It's an interesting character study and far from predictable. There is one major hurdle. No NFL team is willing to commit its franchise name. A fictional team compromises the story's credibility. Homophobia in pro sports throws an excellent character study on a dusty shelf.