Review of The Hundred-Foot Journey (2014) by Billy P — 26 Aug 2014

The Hundred Foot Journey is a nice, feel good movie with some inspired performances from Helen Mirren and Om Puri.

The story of an Indian and French restaurant at war in France is at it's most fun when the two are constantly trying to out do each, from buying up all the ingredients that the other would need at the markets, to attempting to burn the other place down. I felt that some of the relationships progressed and changed a little too fast though, and possibly a little too conveniently.

But that is what this kind of movie is all about, like I said earlier it is a 'feel good' movie. And definitely a 'feel hungry' movie. Food-o-holics will be kept salivating at the amount of gratuitous cooking scenes.

The biggest problem I had with this movie is the amount of side characters that weren't capitalised on. The entire extended Indian family, besides the main characters, are basically glorified extras, they don't really do anything other then run around in the background, maybe get an occasional line or two but there were a few missed opportunities that would have really cemented these characters as the comedic relief.

The Hundred Foot Journey will appeal to people who love their food but I don't think it has anything on Jon Favreau's 'Chef', the other foodsploitation flick of the year. If you like this kind of movie the big screen is a must, otherwise it would be fine to watch on your TV at home when it's released on DVD.

3/5.

'I'll turn the music down, but I'll turn the heat up!' - Papa.