Absolutely Fantastic

It’s fine. It's literally the definition of a fine movie. You’ve seen it before, you know every beat and outcome before the characters even do. Only question is how much escapism you’re looking for.

A great movie, one of the best of this year. There was a bit of confusion at one point in the plot, but nothing serious.

One of the worst ways to make a cult movie is to set out to make a cult movie.

According to the back-of-the-box this film was a big hit in Spain. That's hard to believe as there are a lot of great films made in Spain and Chef's Special is the sort of pointless nonsense one usually finds in sitcoms on prime time TV.The plot...I'm not going to bother mentioning the plot other than the unbelievable romantic aspect of the story which involves a seemingly grounded former football star falling for a chef who is a complete buffoon.At best Chef's Special could be described as a farce (and that would be a very generous description) but it's really little more than cliché ridden slapstick full of awful characters. If you're looking for wacky gay comedy skip Chef's Special and watch The Birdcage again.

Maxi, the gay owner and chef of Xantarelle, a Madrid restaurant, is a man in search of the ultimate accolade that is given to places worth of a rating by the important Michelin Guide. Even though he is a talented cook, the cost for keeping such a high regarded eatery has taken its toll on him. When he is summoned to the hospital where his former wife is dying, he has to deal with another problem: he must face reality and take care of his son Edu, and his daughter Alba.Adding to Maxi's complications, he has fallen for a former soccer star, now a television commentator, Horacio, who has moved into the apartment across the hall from him. Alex, the female maitre'd has also set her eyes into winning Horatio's heart. Unfortunately, she has not a chance because Horacio is secretly in love with Maxi. Complications in their lives, and getting used to having the children around, play heavily into the new life he finds with his newly found family.Nacho G. Velilla, a notable producer in his native Spain, is making his directorial debut in this fast paced and often funny comedy, which he helped write. The main theme in the film takes a stand against homophobia in the person of a macho ex-soccer star who has the courage to come out to a wide audience in his sports program. The problems of raising what is considered a normal family is also another of the themes the film touches on. The best thing is the pacing Mr. Velilla gave the film, which turns out to be its best asset.Javier Camera is Maxi, the chef, a high energy individual who has no problem accepting his sexual orientation. Lola Duenas appears as the manager of the restaurant. Chilean Benjamin Vicuna makes us believe he is an Argentine former football star. The excellent Chus Lampreave shows up toward the end of the picture. She is a treasure in whatever role she is asked to play. It is the viewer's loss not to see more of this wonderful actress.

Nacho G. Velilla, primarily a writer & director of Spanish Television co-wrote & directed this delight.Even though there is much comedy there are serious moments as well.I have noticed that unlike comedies from The US & UK,films from Spain contain dramatic sub-plots. FUERA DE CARTA (Chef's Special) fits that genre perfectly.There are a few very silly scenes as well as a few dramatic ones.This is a tale of a middle aged quite flamboyant chef & owner of an up-scale restaurant. He was estranged from his family,his ex-wife dies in scene 2, leaving his near 16 year old son & 6 year old daughter in his care. His Maitre-d' is a sex-starved woman.I say no more, as you can guess & be right or wrong where this is going. Just go with the flow & enjoy.Some scenes are silly (as I said) & the film a a bit longer than a comic farce should be. Neither the comic or dramatic moments go overboard.The acting by all concerned is excellent, most are probably' well known performers in Spain.These ALL are seasoned actors.The food also is delicious looking as well.As I said this is a bit flawed & a a bit overlong, BUT I feel you all will enjoy it as much as I did. One reviewer said some scenes are homophobic, not so, as the actor saying the lines obviously had a stroke & does not realize what he is saying. (the mother in Golden Girls was the same way & no one thought she was homophobic)There are no hateful characters or situations,just regular people in comic,farce situationsRatings: *** (out of 4) 86 points (out of 1000 IMDb 8 (out of 10)

First, I should say that the movie definitely had some funny, enjoyable scenes. However, the movie was laden with way too many derogatory gay jokes. I was uncomfortable hearing so many bigoted, insulting, ignorant jokes. Many in the audience I was in laughed, but I squirmed at every "joke." Even in the movie's context of perhaps mocking homophobes, it was not necessary to have some many. Could you imagine a movie about African-Americans full of white characters spouting out a constant barrage of jokes about fried chicken and bananas and athletic prowess? And was it necessary for the main character to be such an effeminate stereotype? As for the plot, the director's soap opera experience was obvious; the plot had several wrenching shifts from light humor to attempts at deep seriousness. If you want to see good Spanish humor without the stereotyping and gay-bashing "jokes," I'd suggest Almodovar's many excellent comedies.