TASTING MENU

 

THE PLOT THUS FAR

As one of the world’s best restaurants opens for its final evening, a couple in the midst of a divorce who made their reservation a year ago (before separating) reunite for a once-in-lifetime meal.

WHAT WE THOUGHT

“Tasting Menu” is a foodie movie. The film opens on an amazing restaurant getting ready for its final evening of service. A couple tries to reunite over a meal, while staring down their divorce. Other people show up just to eat. The senses are overwhelmed, but everyone can sit back and appreciate the food. While the film is under 90 minutes, if you can’t dig the subject matter, then this might not be for you. I know that I’ve heard from a ton of readers that don’t get foodies or how presentations of food can be appealing on film.

Appreciating good food is hard for a visual medium. For every “Babette’s Feast” or “Big Night”, you could a ton of imitators. While I won’t compare “Tasting Menu” to the two pinnacles of the sub-genre, this film finds its way. That’s a tall order for a film that’s not about anything. There is a ton of subject matter that gets batted back and forth, but no one really adds to the overall narrative. What kills me about the film is how the last half of the film doesn’t even pay attention to the meal. If you’re going to make a film about wonderful food and then split the focus, somebody needs to say something about the food! Won’t someone please think about the food?!?

The DVD comes with no special features. The A/V Quality is strong enough. The transfer lacks major punch-up. Still, I appreciate the loud clarity of the Dolby 5.1 track. In the end, I’d recommend a purchase.

RELEASE DATE: OUT NOW!