No Reservations

By far the best thing about it is Zeta-Jones.

The cynic would like to write this off as empty grown-up hooey, "Baby Boom" without an ounce of bang. But you can't do it, because the thing's so charming and frothy and delightful and sentimental and beautifully shot and well-acted and sincere that it takes a good couple of hours before you start craving real nourishment.

It's handsomely shot by Stuart Dryburgh and nicely acted, and if it tastes a bit bland, you'll soon forget that, along with just about everything else about it.

Even the food - usually the centerpiece of a restaurant movie - is oddly uninspired. Despite Zeta-Jones' best efforts, barely a moment here feels organic, or fresh.

The movie is focused on two kinds of chemistry: of the kitchen, and of the heart. The kitchen works better.

No Reservations is pretty much the dramatic equivalent of a burger and fries, however pretty the presentation.

It takes a winning recipe and adds some distinctly Hollywood flavors...The result is a botched job.