Alan Dee’s film preview: Chef is a streetfood snack, Walking On Sunshine is a cheery cocktail

Everyone loves cooking shows – Masterchef, Come Dine With Me, Ready Steady Cook. So why not a cooking movie?
Jon Favreau stars in ChefJon Favreau stars in Chef
Jon Favreau stars in Chef

Jon Favreau, looking these days as if he’s been tucking in a little too freely to the contents of his fridge, is the star of culinary comedy Chef, and he’s roped in a fair few of his Hollywood mates in the search for a hit recipe.

Favreau, more commonly found behind the camera at this stage in his career, reverts to acting duties in a cast list that also includes Dustin Hoffman, Robert Downey Jr, John Leguizamo, Scarlett Johansson and Oliver Platt.

It’s a slight tale about a creative chef fed up of the daily production line who turns an old taco truck into a street food sensation, all the while reconnecting with his roots.

Jon Favreau stars in ChefJon Favreau stars in Chef
Jon Favreau stars in Chef

l More feelfood fun for the summer comes courtesy of Walking on Sunshine, in which X Factor winner Leona Lewis makes her acting debut.

It’s a romantic musical packed with singalong 1980s hits – the title should have given it away –and combines a touch of Streetdance cred with Mamma Mia! sentiment.

And you will be singing along with the soundtrack, you just won’t be able to help it.

Not Sunshine On Leith, perhaps, but it’s still got charm.

l Some people will tell you that Mrs Brown’s Boys is the funniest thing to hit comedy for a generation. Some people will respond with a stony face and a sign.

But there are obviously more of the former than the latter, and Brendan O’Carroll’s dragon in drag has been a big enough hit on the small screen to merit the traditional movie take.

If you like this sort of thing, Mrs Brown’s Boys D’Movie will tickle your funny bone – but flops featuring Harry Hill and Keith Lemon are fresh in the memory, and the family farce is more than a little wearing over a feature length 96 minutes.

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