No Reservations Film Review - A Must See This Summer

From Academy Award-nominated director Scott Hicks and Academy Award-nominated producer Kerry Heysen comes the romantic drama No Reservations.  A wonderfully made adaptation of Sandra Nettleback’s 2001 German feature Mostly Martha, the film had me laughing at, crying for and sympathizing with the characters all the way through.  You really felt as though you got to know each of the main characters on a one-on-one basis which really helped you to see the same situation from different walks of life.  I’d say it’s quite appropriate being that there’s always more than one side to a story.




Catherine Zeta-Jones as Kate Armstrong, Aaron Eckhart as Nick Palmer, and Abigail Breslin as the adorable (and extremely wise beyond her years) Zoë, have an on screen chemistry that could not have been duplicated with another cast.  Excuse the expression, but they act their butts off in this feel-good film!  The way each individual characters’ personalities were portrayed by the actors really made this movie come to life.  I almost forgot I was watching a movie altogether!




Taking place in New York, the first scene begins with Catherine Zeta Jones steaming things up in the kitchen at a classy Manhattan restaurant as a brilliant chef who lives her life like she runs her kitchen; with a straightforward, no-nonsense intensity that both fascinates and daunts everyone she knows.  What I loved about this movie is that it wasn’t hard to get into.  The film gently claimed my attention all the way through.  It’s a warm-hearted feel good movie that had me in a great mood for the rest of the night.  A real inspirational film that makes you feel like change really is possible.  Whether it’s forced or not!




I had to say I was a bit bummed with the heart-wrenching tragedy towards the beginning of the movie that put Kate's purist nature to the test when she "becomes heir to" her nine-year-old niece Zoë.  While doing her best to build a healthy relationship with her niece, Kate finds herself competing with a spontaneous new sous-chef with a zest for life that joins her staff.  Vivacious and unrestrictive, Nick Palmer couldn't be more different from Kate, yet the chemistry between them is irrefutable.  Rivalry turns to romance, however Kate will have to learn to convey herself beyond the realm of her kitchen if she is ever to bond with Zoë and find true contentment with Nick.




The movie was a tad predictable, but in a fun way.  I don’t know about you but I always get a kick out of guessing what will happen next, and having that feeling of satisfaction when I’m right.  If that’s not your cup of tea, don’t give up on this one just yet.  Its’ predictability doesn’t in any way detract from the entertainment value and the great storyline.  




There’s not much of anything negative to say about this film except that it may not be an exciting movie for the kids. Of course I couldn’t help but notice that as Kate and Nick were talking to each other through an open car window, it was rolled down.  But as they switched camera angles to show him drive away, the window was up.  I was so into it before that point that it almost felt like a snap back to reality.  Other than that, it was the only time I realized that it was just a movie and the characters just actors.  Usually I prefer that doesn’t happen until I leave the theatre…or later if it was really good.  Either way, I definitely wouldn’t mind seeing it again.  Although, I wouldn’t say I see a sequel coming on this one.  To sum it up, No Reservations is a great movie with an ending that satisfies. But I still felt the movie was so wonderful I almost wished it didn’t have to end! Bon appétit!


To see more go to http://www.noreservationsmovie.warnerbros.com/