‘No Reservations' finds stars lacking right spice for romantic comedy

By Matthew Price

Published: July 27, 2007

Catherine Zeta-Jones stars as Kate, a buttoned-down top chef whose life gets scrambled in "No Reservations.”

When Kate's sister dies, Kate's 9-year-old niece Zoe (Abigail Breslin) moves in with her. Kate has her life perfectly organized with sets of rules controlling everything from her sleeping habits to her dating life to her recipes, which she puts into practice at the high-end Manhattan restaurant 22 Bleecker.

Kate tries to adapt to the newcomer in her home but has trouble anticipating Zoe's needs. At the same time, Kate's sous chef is planning her maternity leave. Kate's boss, Paula (Patricia Clarkson), hires a new sous chef behind Kate's back.

Aaron Eckhart plays Nick, the charismatic and unconventional sous chef who stirs up Kate's kitchen with his new recipes and his love for opera.

Trained on Italian dishes, Nick takes the job at 22 Bleecker to work with Kate even though he was offered jobs as a top chef elsewhere.

As Zoe, Breslin ("Little Miss Sunshine”) continues to show strength as a child actress. Zoe has trouble adjusting to school but finds a friend in Nick, who begins teaching her how to cook.

Kate, Zoe and Nick begin to spend time together outside of work, and Kate may be falling in love — but will she be able to share her kitchen?

"No Reservations” is a remake of the 2002 German film "Mostly Martha.” Unfortunately, the American cast of Zeta-Jones and Eckhart doesn't create much chemistry.

"No Reservations” sticks a little too closely to the standard recipe for romantic comedies and as such comes out a bit bland. Still, given the talent of Breslin and the sumptuous-looking recipes onscreen, some may find "No Reservations” acceptable comfort food.

— Matthew Price

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