Documentarians Chris Hegedus and D.A. Pennebaker collaborate here to record the nail-biting competition among 16 of the world's most promising pastry chefs at the prestigious MOF (Meilleurs Ouvriers de France) culinary awards trial in France (which ultimately boils down to which contestant's giant sugar sculpture will be the last to collapse). The filmmakers follow Jacquy Pfeiffer, co-founder of Chicago's French Pastry School, who heads to his native Alsace to prepare, as well as Regis Lazard (back for a second try after dropping his creation during his first attempt), and Philippe Rigollot, of the three-star restaurant Maison Pic. The final segment captures the human dramas playing out over the three days of the strictly supervised competition, where—in record time—these harried artisans fashion everything from garish sugar creations to intricately layered wedding cakes, boutique lollipops, and cookies, all under the eyes of the fussy judges. In the end, there are no big surprises when it comes to winners and losers in this rarefied world of the high-fashion dessert artist. DVD extras include a featurette with Pfeiffer, a filmmaker interview, and a “chocolate fashion show.” Although not up to the standards one might expect from the highly skilled Hegedus-Pennebaker duo (the husband-and-wife team who created The War Room, and both have produced fine works on their own), Kings of Pastry is nevertheless an enjoyable trifle. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (M. Sandlin)
Kings of Pastry
(2010) 84 min. DVD: $27.95. First Run Features (avail. from most distributors). Volume 26, Issue 3
Kings of Pastry
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