Oh give it to the Europeans for managing to give us comedies that are borderline slapstick without being over the top. Chef's Special is definitely one of the funny highlights of the 2009 lineup. It stars some of the famous comic actors in Spanish cinema. I hope to laugh with you at the theater.Added 10/14: What a great turnout for the film last night! Everyone seemed to have a really entertaining and laugh-filled evening. Glad that we were able to include this one at the last minute due to a delay in its DVD release. =)
This was a great movie, and could have easily been and opening or closing movie. It had elements of comedy, drama and romance, all linked into one well constructed plot. While a few points were predictable, the main story line made several turns in directions I didn't expect.
ReplyDeleteMy only criticism of the movie is that the translations (sub-titles) were at times generic and missed the more nuanced wit and innuendo in the banter between the lead characters. There were several double-entendres that were not translated well, and the more "colorful" language was watered down to common swear words that didn't always match in meaning. Even with that, it was still a great movie!
This film was a lot of fun and well done. I agree, I could have seen this as a possible closing film. It combined comedy and drama pretty easily. It was worth seeing. Find it if you can.
ReplyDeleteIt will be out on DVD soon. This was an early favorite by the committee. Originally, it was set to be released on DVD in July so we were not considering it. Then the date kept getting pushed until it was past the ImageOut dates. I'm glad it did as I was able to sneak it in the lineup at the last minute.
ReplyDeleteJust a fun, light, entertaining movie that the audience seemed to enjoy very much. I'm glad I caught this one, and I'm glad the DVD release got pushed back...to the nicely attended audience could see it at the festival.
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ReplyDeleteGood movie - light hearted and cute!
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ReplyDeleteSweet and good-natured, but I find the characters so irritating that I don't really want them to continue to live.
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ReplyDeleteDefinitely entertaining!
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ReplyDeleteTypical good Spanish cinema - wacky, fast paced film where gender just is ... human relationships have problems of masked communications ... with verve and fun, those Spaniards break through to freedom, liberation, and thus, happiness. One of the best so far.
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ReplyDeleteVery uplifting. Good to see a supposed world sports figure come out. Nice to have a gay couple give stability to a fractured family.
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ReplyDeleteWow movie!
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ReplyDeleteLoved it! Good message and lots of fun!
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ReplyDeleteReally loved this movie.
Very funny.
The ending was a little too Hollywood - but otherwise a top movie.
Ballot comment from Diana R.:
ReplyDeleteExcellent film. First I've seen {smiley face}.
Ballot comment from Thomas W.:
ReplyDeleteWonderfully entertaining.
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ReplyDeleteI like the kid's perspectives of not so simple families and how a gay father deals with being a dad.
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ReplyDeleteExcellent! REally fun! Lots of laughs! Love Spain! Top ten film.
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ReplyDeleteBest comedy so far.
Ballot comment from Steven F.:
ReplyDeleteLoved it so much!
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ReplyDeleteGreat movie. It's nice to see a happy movie rather than that sick shit from the other day.
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ReplyDeletePerfect!
Ballot comment from Christopher R.:
ReplyDeleteGlad I finally got to see the whole thing - worth the wait! I think it really speaks to the strength of our line-up that we've included a number of films in ordinary time slots that easily could open or close the Festival.
Ballot comment from A.L.:
ReplyDeleteGreat Spanish gay film industry! This one has perfect timing and great politics - equality.
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ReplyDeleteExcellent. A great story with a great ending. Nice comedy.
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ReplyDeleteExcellent! Best film I've ever seen at ImageOut - EVER!
Ballot comment from Robert M.:
ReplyDeleteFast moving, good acting, very entertaining. One of those general audience pleasers!
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ReplyDeleteWow ... funny, sexy, tender, and wise too. Loved it!
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ReplyDeleteMy favorite so far.
Great Spanish filmmaking - witty, funny.
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ReplyDeleteExcellent! Best of Festival, by far!
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ReplyDeleteTerrific comedy and great themes. Bring it back for general public!
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ReplyDeleteVery good! An interesting story told well.