I have a feeling there is a direct correlation between your enjoyment of this movie and the amount of estrogen in your system.  It’s only fair.  This summer, guys have been able to enjoy Transformers and Live Free or Die Hard, so it’s time for people who don’t feel the height of entertainment is stuff blowing up (we go back to that with The Bourne Ultimatum next week).                             

Catherine Zeta-Jones stars as Kate – a big time New York chef overly dedicated to her restaurant, and under dedicated to her personal life.  Sadly, on the way to visit Kate, her sister dies in a car accident leaving behind her adorable young daughter, Zoe (Abigail Breslin).  Now, Kate has to figure out how to balance work and her new responsibilities as a mother, and it’s not getting any easier when the boss (Patricia Clarkson) hires a new #2, Nick (Aaron Eckhart), who Kate suspects of wanting to take over her kitchen. 

Will Kate and Nick find a good balance to the new kitchen staff line up?  Since this is a movie, will they fall in love after sparring for a while?  Can Kate learn how to be a Mom to Zoe?

No Reservations has no surprises, but it is lighthearted and loving enough to make up for it.  It’s one of those movies that is entirely predictable, yet, you don’t care.  Director Scott Hicks dutifully follows the romantic comedy formula as we see Nick and Kate trade barbs and fleeting glances, learn more about each other, and develop those telltale sparks in their eyes as they learn each one is not so bad.  However, the script from Carol Fuchs and Sandra Nuttelbeck seems torn into two. 

Fuchs and Nuttelbeck want No Reservations to be a romantic comedy on one hand, and a story about a new family forming on the other.  This leads to each part of the movie never developing much past the obvious and superficial.  We have a feeling Kate and Nick will get together because opposites attract in these movies.  You have a hunch Zoe will adjust to her new surroundings as Kate receives help from other people who are good with kids.  You get the picture.

No Reservations ends up being likable because of Breslin, Zeta-Jones and Eckhart.  After stealing everyone’s heart in Little Miss Sunshine, Breslin continues to be a ray of sunshine in this film by acting super cute and super charming.  Zeta-Jones and Eckhart trade some nice lines back and forth, while Bob Balaban is perfect as the dry, deadpan therapist trying to help Kate manage it all.  I kind of wish he would get his own spin-off movie.            

No Reservations is easygoing entertainment and laughs. 

2 ½ Waffles (Out of 4)

No Reservations is rated PG for some sensuality and language. 

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