Common Sense Media Review
By Mieke VanderBorght
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Misogynist, sexist gags are disturbing, not amusing.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Natale da Chef
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In NATALE DA CHEF, though Gualtiero's (Massimo Boldi) wife is a wonderful cook, his experiments in the kitchen produce disgusting dishes. When a failing caterer makes a deal with a competitor to lose a bid to cater the upcoming G7 conference in return for getting his debts paid off, the caterer sets out to find the worst kitchen staff he can. In comes Gualtiero as the head chef, along with a sous chef who's lost his sense of taste and smell, a wine waiter who doesn't drink alcohol, and a pastry chef who, instead of making cakes, jumps out of them at bachelor parties.
Is It Any Good?
This ridiculous comedy is painful to watch with its failed attempts at crass gross-out humor, slapstick, insults, and incredibly disturbing treatment of women. The plot, in which a caterer knowingly but secretly puts together a team of incompetent kitchen staff in an attempt to lose a competition, is rather inane. But with the right treatment it could have turned out some funny moments. Unfortunately, everything in Natale da Chef is so exaggerated and in such bad taste as to make it disturbing. The objectification of women is appalling, as is the lighthearted treatment of what could reasonably be considered sexual assault. There's also uncomfortable cultural insensitivity toward two men from India.
There are a few bright spots, such as a running gag on a police officer's name, a cute back and forth about a pet pig's name, and a few almost-clever jokes about G7 world leaders. But they're few and far between and do little to save the movie from itself. Natale da Chef portrayal of sexual harassment and assault as a comedic plot point sends a very disturbing message.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how women are treated in Natale da Chef. In what ways are women objectified by the men around them? Are there examples of men who treat women with respect?
What messages does the movie send about men's attitudes toward sex? What would be the consequences of such behavior in real life?
What makes gross-out/slapstick humor funny? Does it work in this movie? Can a movie go too far with this kind of humor? If so, who decides what "too far" means?
Movie Details
- In theaters : December 14, 2017
- On DVD or streaming : April 11, 2018
- Cast : Massimo Boldi , Dario Bandiera , Rocío Muñoz
- Director : Neri Parenti
- Studio : Medusa Film
- Genre : Comedy
- Run time : 97 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : August 5, 2022
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