For anyone who hasn't seen the 2001 German film, "Mostly Martha," this movie will pass as a good story. But, those of us who have seen the original have a standard with which to compare. Thus, my rating of six stars for "No Reservations."
The performances here are okay, with even more humor written into this all American version. But, that's precisely one of the big drawbacks to this film compared to the original. In "Martha," much of the substance of the film flowed from the differences of two countries – Germany and Italy. The principal characters fit that scheme. But the biggest aspect is the seeming naturalness of the original film. It was an original story and it seemed to flow naturally. Whereas, one is more aware of the acting in this movie.
Naturally, the script has some changes as well. But, this movie is never able to bring out the nuances of Martha from the original. Kate, played by Catherine Zeta-Jones, doesn't seem to be the same intense, then conflicted, and gradually warming character. And, Aaron Eckhart's Nick seems more of an amiable, good-hearted character – a nice likable guy one might see in any restaurant kitchen. Rather, in "Martha," Mario stands out as a character in the Hamburg kitchen. Sergio Castellitto played the part as a foreigner who nevertheless knows his business and is welcomed.
Again, this isn't a bad film. Most people will enjoy it. But for those who have seen the original, it comes across as very light and just so-so.
The performances here are okay, with even more humor written into this all American version. But, that's precisely one of the big drawbacks to this film compared to the original. In "Martha," much of the substance of the film flowed from the differences of two countries – Germany and Italy. The principal characters fit that scheme. But the biggest aspect is the seeming naturalness of the original film. It was an original story and it seemed to flow naturally. Whereas, one is more aware of the acting in this movie.
Naturally, the script has some changes as well. But, this movie is never able to bring out the nuances of Martha from the original. Kate, played by Catherine Zeta-Jones, doesn't seem to be the same intense, then conflicted, and gradually warming character. And, Aaron Eckhart's Nick seems more of an amiable, good-hearted character – a nice likable guy one might see in any restaurant kitchen. Rather, in "Martha," Mario stands out as a character in the Hamburg kitchen. Sergio Castellitto played the part as a foreigner who nevertheless knows his business and is welcomed.
Again, this isn't a bad film. Most people will enjoy it. But for those who have seen the original, it comes across as very light and just so-so.