THE MENU – Review by T.J. Callahan
The Menu : Play with the raw materials of life
The Menu is a multi course meal full of meaty madness served up rare…as in bloody. It’s Get Out meets Hell’s Kitchen. No one will be allowed to pack their knives and go when a sadistic chef, played by Ralph Fiennes, invites a group of foodies to his exclusive restaurant on a secluded island to stir their pots and make their blood boil. There are no substitutions. All the guests are there for a reason…they upset the chef at one time or another and he’s ready for revenge.
The Menu is chock full of ingredients for a tasty black comedy. There’s an All-Clad supporting cast including Judith Light, John Leguizamo and Anya Taylor-Joy who seems to relish her role as the only guest able to poach some of Fiennes’ chef power. The script is a savory satire of those pompous and pretentious cooking shows where emulsions and foam are the stars. The film also boasts seasoned pros on the production team with Will Ferrell and Adam McKay making sure your bouche is amused.
The Menu is devilishly delectable. Fiennes is so coarsely ground he will shake and stir you. He’ll offer Hannibal Lechter a side of fava beans and a nice chianti. Latecomers get no fruit cup. So, if you have a strong stomach, masticate on The Menu. It’s a creative culinary adventure that won’t leave you chopped. My husband, Ricky, gives it 2 forks up. The Menu is worth the calories. I give it a 7.
