Burnt

After scruffy, rebellious Adam Jones (Bradley Cooper) shucks a million oysters as self-imposed penance, he leaves New Orleans and moves to London, determined to regain the fame he once enjoyed as a celebrated, two-Michelin-starred chef in Paris before addiction to drugs and alcohol ruined his reputation. Hired as head chef by his old frenemy/maître d' Tony (Daniel Brühl), Adam is obsessed with winning that coveted third Michelin star, the highest possible rating from the French restaurant guide. Towards that end, he convinces miraculously forgiving Michel (Omar Sy) to work for him, along with Italian ex-con Max (Riccardo Scamarcio), David (Sam Keeley), and Helene (Sienna Miller), the latter a talented, yet insecure sous chef and spunky single mother. Directed as a character study by John Wells, Burnt's tale of Adam's comeback is predictable from the get-go, including his relationship with longtime rival Reese (Matthew Rhys). The most memorable scenes here take place in the chaos of the kitchen, where the authentic prep-and-plate sequences were supervised by English celebrity chef Marcus Wareing. Unfortunately, the strong supporting cast (Uma Thurman, Alicia Vikander, Emma Thompson) is given too little to do, and there are far too many melodramatic subplots. Optional. [Note: DVD/Blu-ray extras include audio commentary by director John Wells and executive chef consultant Marcus Wareing, an “In the Kitchen with Bradley Cooper” behind-the-scenes segment (24 min.), “Q&A Highlights” with Wells and the cast (24 min.), deleted scenes (10 min.), and trailers. Exclusive to the Blu-ray release is a bonus UltraViolet copy of the film. Bottom line: a solid extras package for a disappointing film.] (S. Granger)