Food Porn: Episode Three

September 8. 2014

Destination: ArcLight Cinemas, Sherman Oaks

Cost: $13.50 plus gas

I completed the food porn cinema trifecta last night after traveling to Sherman Oaks to see The Hundred-Foot Journey.  In this summer of food films, I've already consumed Chef and The Trip to Italy. Each movie had its own distinct flavor: Chef was peppery, bursting with Latin rhythms, foul language and exuberance, Italy was tart, sun soaked and funny like a kumquat, while Journey blends eastern spice with refined elegance.

I've long been a fan of director Lasse Halstrom, (Who’s Eating Gilbert Grape, Chocolat, My Life as a Dog) and actress Helen Mirren almost always chooses interesting projects, so I knew The Hundred-Foot Journey would not be horrible. It featured breathtaking scenery of the south of France, good acting with fresh faces, and glistening shots of tantalizing food. The smart owner of a food truck featuring Indian cuisine should park his coach near the theater exit.

The story tells of an Indian family relocating to Europe, accidentally landing in a small French village and opening an ethnic restaurant across the street from a Michelin-starred fine dining establishment, owned and operated by the haughty Madame Mallory (Mirren). The immigrant family’s son is a singularly talented cook who learns about haute cuisine, life and love as the story unfolds. The film was almost too beautiful and perfect, which made sense once I learned Oprah Winfrey and Steven Spielberg were producers. I enjoyed all aspects of it – writing, acting, directing, photography, sound – but would have preferred it be a little rougher around the edges.

The Trip to Italy was an astonishing delight but probably not to everyone’s taste.  A mash-up from a BBC sitcom directed by Michael Winterbottom, it tells the tale of two comedian friends road-tripping through Italy, reviewing six restaurants in six days while listening to Alanis Morrissette, reading poems of Byron and getting into all kinds of shenanigans. I’m a big fan of British humor, and this flick made my cheeks hurt from laughing. The goofy impersonations alone were worth the ticket price. 

Speaking of ticket prices, I paid a little extra for the ArcLight experience in Sherman Oaks last evening. I've been curious about the poshness advertised by ArcLight and other luxury cinemas. I really appreciated the lack of pre-show advertising, limited trailers and stylish environment. There was a distinct improvement in the film and sound quality. But the seats weren't very plush: molded and non-reclining with headrests that thrust my noggin forward in an uncomfortable position. Also, if an establishment offers a bar on premises, it would be nice if patrons were allowed to bring a glass of wine into the theater. Just sayin'. Nevertheless, the slight premium I paid made a visit to ArcLight (and the restaurant-heavy Sherman Oaks Galleria) more like a fun night out that just a schlep over to the movieplex.