Movie Review: The Hundred Foot Journey..good for the first sixty steps

I may be too late in writing this since most of you would have already gone and seen the movie. The reason I didn’t watch this one all this while, is because I hate it when a movie trailer gives away practically everything there is that a movie has, to offer in terms of plot and story and that’s exactly what I suspected to have happened with The Hundred Foot Journey as well. Having finally seen it after a lot of positive reviews from others though, I write about this one with fairly mixed feelings

For the most part I was quite satisfied with what was on offer and had the journey ended about 25 mins earlier than it did, I would have come out quite happy having witnessed the simple story told with a lot of heart and a beautiful soul. However, since they didn’t end it there and then dragged along with no sense of direction or purpose, with closing shots at 5 separate occasions, which misled you to believe that the movie was finally ending, while it actually wasn’t, the prime feelings on exiting the theatre were disappointment and frustration instead

Sometimes the best ‘effect’ you can create in a movie, is to treat it as simply and minimally as possible and let the story and its soul do all the talking. This is the method that seems to have been applied rather well in The Hundred Foot Journey (for the most part). The movie builds up nicely, character sketches are well etched and there is a distinct flow to the proceedings. There are some delightful departures from a cliched storyline as well, which further add to the merriment.

However, one glaring issue with this otherwise short and sweet journey is that with its ‘goody goody’ nature the overall narrative comes across as too weak. There is a sprinkle here and a dash there which could have rustled up quite the spice the movie so boldy professes but failing to be adventurous,  the dish it itself offers is ultimately quite bland. Add to that, the completely unnecessary drag of an ending, with a spillover of content that could span a good sequel in itself and a good story becomes more and more average by the minute

On the bright side though, Helen Mirren and Om Puri, the masterchefs in this particular recipe put their best foot forward and bring quite the spark to the dull canvas. Complimenting each other near perfectly, their characters’ bluster and indignant exchanges as well as the essaying of more poignant moments create some of the high points of this journey. It helps also, that they have among the best written dialogues as well. The young chef, sorry cook, and his cute love interest play their parts ably as well but do not manage much of an impact

Had the story ended much earlier than it did, the 100 foot journey would have been a soulful experience with albeit a weak storyline. Considering its current form though, I’d exercise caution before embarking on this  particular expedition