Davis P
No Reservations (2007) is a movie that has different aspects to it. It's ONE story with MANY layers. I personally consider it a family based drama above anything else, but it is also a romance, then, its sprinkled with some comedy here and there. And I love that this movie has many layers to it, I think it makes it stronger overall. There's a little something for everyone here. The cast handles their roles very well, I think every cast member was perfectly cast and they are all accomplished actors so it's no shocker that they give fine performances. Catherine Zeta Jones (Chicago, Mask of Zorro) was excellent, you can feel her pain and every single emotion her character is feeling through her performance. Just the same, you can do the same with Aaron Eckhart. Also, Abigail Breslin, who showed incredible talent at such a young age, does a great job with her role. Everyone's chemistry is so spot on too. Eckhart and Jones have electric romantic chemistry, I loved the well filmed somewhat love scene between the two. But their chemistry is not limited to the physical, their dialogue between one another and how they relate and form a connection is wonderful to watch. That's another thing, the film's writing. I found that the writing worked because it showed the audience what the characters were struggling with, it gave them depth, which made it so much easier to relate to them and to care about what happened to them. All in all, this is a lovely story to watch. 10/10! Highly recommend!
SimonJack
For anyone who hasn't seen the 2001 German film, "Mostly Martha," this movie will pass as a good story. But, those of us who have seen the original have a standard with which to compare. Thus, my rating of six stars for "No Reservations." The performances here are okay, with even more humor written into this all American version. But, that's precisely one of the big drawbacks to this film compared to the original. In "Martha," much of the substance of the film flowed from the differences of two countries – Germany and Italy. The principal characters fit that scheme. But the biggest aspect is the seeming naturalness of the original film. It was an original story and it seemed to flow naturally. Whereas, one is more aware of the acting in this movie. Naturally, the script has some changes as well. But, this movie is never able to bring out the nuances of Martha from the original. Kate, played by Catherine Zeta-Jones, doesn't seem to be the same intense, then conflicted, and gradually warming character. And, Aaron Eckhart's Nick seems more of an amiable, good-hearted character – a nice likable guy one might see in any restaurant kitchen. Rather, in "Martha," Mario stands out as a character in the Hamburg kitchen. Sergio Castellitto played the part as a foreigner who nevertheless knows his business and is welcomed. Again, this isn't a bad film. Most people will enjoy it. But for those who have seen the original, it comes across as very light and just so-so.
Maxim Who Cares
Most terrible adaptation of "Mostly Martha". Entirely missing a point of a struggling child and an OCD aunt. Scenes are taken word for word. The kitchen flare is most obnoxious. I wouldn't want to be a "proud" writer of the screenplay, nor I would want to be a director of this rip-off. Not surprisingly, the quintessentially Hollywoodesque actors, who clearly had nothing to do that year decided to avoid real life with this production. Let me list: cheesy dialogs and phrases, full make up during an industrial kitchen job, completely ignored psychiatrist character, the young girl was not made for this role (she belongs in the fairy-tale movies). It also made less than twice the budget, while making roughly four times gross box office of a movie that was made in 2001 (and it's in damn German language!). Unless you are really drunk with a bucket of B&J's, there is no reason to waste your time.
Crystal25
I watched this movie tonight and I absolutely enjoyed it. I can't say I found it a comedy-romantic drama but rather a sweet family friendly movie. This movie has a sweet and emotional story line. The actors are all great but Catherine Zeta-Jones ( who is so beautiful) and Abigail Breslin ( who is so super talented) are superb. The story line is predictable but it is the emotions portrayed by the actors that has made the movie watchable. If you are looking for a movie with real comedy and romance then this is not for you. I didn't find anything much funny here nor is there much romance. In fact the romance part is quite brief. But what I found nice here are the portrayal of: love of a brilliant chef for her work, the relationship between an aunt and her niece which grows more lovely throughout the movie and of course the sweet romance between the main leads.So if you are up for a nice family movie, then this is the movie to watch.
AD
