Friday, August 14

Movie Review: Vatel (2000)



Length: 1 hr & 43 mins
Released: 2000
Genre: Drama
Rating: PG13
Where I Got It: On Netflix

SUMMARY:

In 1671, Francois Vatel, a master chef, entertainer and steward, is hired by the Prince de Conde to prepare an important feast for the upcoming arrival of King Louis XIV. However, it will take nothing short of a miracle to prepare a fete fitting for royalty while Conde's provinces rest on the verge of financial ruin. Vatel, however, is a culinary genius possessing a heightened sense of resourcefulness with which to resolve each new crisis that threatens to damper the festivities. He is caught off guard by only one unforseen factor -- the ravishing beauty of royal newcomer, the regal Anne de Montausier. Not only has she caught the king's eye but also those of Vatel and the king's nasty aide the Marquis de Lauzon. To the monarch and the marquis she is but a sexual conquest, but Vatel and Anne recognize the decency and honesty in each other, qualities in short supply in the rarefied world in which they exist.



TRAILER:





REVIEW:

A random find on Netflix. It's historical, has some good actors in there, the Sun King's reign, and I was bored. It seemed like a good mix. But alas....'tis not amazing and profound like many reviews had promised. 

Was it something that entertained me? Sure! Was I overly impressed? No. 
The acting was decent, besides for the lovely Uma Thurman. Please, please stick with action flicks. Dramas are not your strong suit my dear. It really isn't. It's like Brad Pitt attempting comedy. Please stay away from my dramas and my historical films. I BEG YOUUUUUUU!

The romance between Vatel and Anne was awkward as all Hell. I love the guy who played Vatel and he did a wonderful job. But ugh...maybe if Anne was played by someone NOT Uma Thurman. Was the romance even real? If not then please don't add it. NOT every movie needs a romance. I would have been fine with Vatel's story. If it was a real thing...wow...a SUPER impossible love. I must research this......

The shining glory of this film was the fact that it was told in Vatel's POV. He is one of the best in Europe and everyone, including the King, wants to hire him. However, Vatel is loyal and dedicated to the Duke. It was lovely to see what it takes to enchante the court of France during the Sun King's reign. It was hard to please that fellow as everyone knows. It was rough and tough, but the results that Vatel and his crew made was beautiful!

NOT THE BIRDS! GAH! I cried during this scene. I cannot say what happens, but I was NOT pleased. Anne is NOT WORTH IT VATELLLLLLLLLLLLL! *sobs*

The ending was good, but it done very cheesy. A wonderful actor, but the scene was done cheesy. 

In the end, this was okay. My expectations MAY have been to high and it let me down. Plently of good actors (except for one who needs to stay with action films), and an interesting story line, a great time period for a drama. The romance was awkward. The ending was cheesyily done. I was bummed. It was entertaining and I LOVED it was set in Vatel's POV, but it let me down on a whole. In the end...I shall stamp this with 2 stars.


Re-watch?: No




















3 comments:

Blodeuedd said...

I think I watched it years ago, meh

Melliane said...

I don't think I've seen this one yet I confess but I think I'll pass now...

Carole Rae said...

B, very meh.

Melliane, its def a meh as B said.