SIMPLY IRRESISTIBLE Cast: Sarah Michelle Gellar, Sean Patrick Flanery, Patricia Clarkson, Dylan Baker, Betty Buckley, Larry Gillard Jr. Director: Mark Tarlov Screenplay: Judith Roberts Australian theatrical release: April 29, 1999 Reviewed by Luke Buckmaster
On the Buckmaster scale of 0 stars (bomb), to 5 stars (a masterpiece): 3 stars
Who would have thought that a film about Sarah Michelle Gellar learning how to cook would be as fun and amusing as Simply Irresistible? Yup, it's true. Long time producer Mark Tarlov reveals a lively energy in his first attempt as a director and creates a film that is, pretty much, irresistible. It would be pretentious to consider any of this film's elements as fresh or original, but they certainly feel that way thanks to Geller's appealing performance and Tarlov's direction. The film comes together very well, with a cute central romance that is a nice blend of passion and fun, with a little touch of magic thrown in for good measure.
Amanda Shelton (Sarah Michelle Gellar) is the owner and chef of a small, homely restaurant that she inherited from her mother. The restaurant is about to go bust because Shelton's cooking skills leave a lot to be desired. Tom Bartlett (Sean Patrick Flanery) is a suave executive for a famous department store, and the two first meet at a food market thanks to help of a mysterious crab seller. Sure enough, they bump into each other again and love is in the air. Suddenly, Shelton can now cook, and cook very well. Her dishes are so irresistible that Bartlett's boss (Dylan Baker) chooses Shelton to cook for an important corporate dinner at the launch of a new department restaurant. Shelton begins to grasp her unique ability to evoke emotion through her food, and an outrageous night of chaotic dining unfolds.
Simply Irresistible is film colored by bright and adorable performances and shaped by a screenplay that never makes the mistake of taking itself too seriously. The relationship between Shelton and Bartlett is too shallow to be believable, but it's a cute bit of fantasy fluff that doesn't feel dated or too modern. Though sometimes frustrating in its simplicity - the film purposely frustrates viewers by prolonging the final get together - watching Gellar and Flanery in these flatteringly good-natured roles is a treat. Simply Irrisistible is a surprisingly enjoyable picture with a kind-hearted temperament and a sweet, sentimental aftertaste. It restores faith that there is a little bit of magic in life that, like love, doesn't always make a lot of sense. Neither does this film, I suppose, but you won't hear me complaining.
Read more of my reviews at In Film Australia http://infilmau.iah.net
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