17 November 2022

Gluttons for Punishment

 

A new release, "The Menu," offers an eat-the-rich fable, set in the world of high-end gastronomy. Film critics can't help themselves with the food puns.  Here's a sample platter of Gene Shalit wannabees from Metacritic, where the film, starring Ralph Fiennes, has a 71 rating.

 

Paste Magazine, Matthew Jackson:
"The complexity, both tonally and visually, is there to tease out the film’s black genre heart, and it’s that heart that makes The Menu a delicious and deeply filling experience that will make you beg for a second helping."



Associated Press, Jake Coyle:
"Even as The Menu teeters unevenly in its third act and things get gruesomely less appetizing, its greasy last bites succeed in capturing one common aspect of molecular gastronomy: The Menu will leave you hungry."



IndieWire, Christian Blauvelt:

"The Menu does do one thing exceptionally well: it holds your attention and makes you think for a time that any outcome is possible. That alone is something to salivate over."



Washington Post, Ann Hornaday:
"'Eat the Rich' might be a popular theme this movie season, but The Menu takes the idea to extremes that finally overpower the palate."


The Guardian goes back for seconds!

Peter Bradshaw:
"It is well-acted and well directed by Mylod with tasty side plates of droll humour."

Benjamin Lee:
"The Menu might not nail some of the more substantial courses but it’ll do as a light snack."



Empire, Siddhant Akhala:
"It’s deep-fried junk disguised as gastronomy; it may not fully satisfy, but it’ll fill a hole."


And the winner is ...

 
The Playlist, Charles Bramesco:
"Everything on the menu of The Menu looks good enough, but once its moldy tirade against the one percent has been fully dished out, it’s plain to see there’s not a whole lot of meat on the bone here."

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