Chef's Special

By: Alejandro Morales
In-House Review - Jul 15 2009

Peppered generously with sardonic humor, Chef's Special is a boon for fans of Spanish gay comedies such as Bear Cub and Boystown. Our titular chef, Maxi, has plenty on his plate. In addition to corralling the unpredictable staff at his high-end restaurant and suddenly reuniting with his estranged children, things only get more chaotic with the arrival of a gorgeous and well-known soccer player just down the hall. This celebrity neighbor's presence sends everyone into a tailspin, from Maxi's lovesick female roommate to his star-struck sports-fan son. As Maxi and the people in his orbit wrangle with romance and family ties, there are bruised feelings aplenty, and the unexpected introduction of a secret gay affair is enough to whip poor Maxi into more than a few fits of foul-mouthed pique. But through debacles at karaoke bars, confessions on national television, sundry misadventures in new parenthood, and the highly anticipated arrival of a prominent food critic to his restaurant, Maxi must learn to juggle the dynamics his children and other loved ones bring to the table - an act with over-the-top, hilarious results. (Spanish with English subtitles)

By: Amos Lassen

"Chef's Special"

Family Comedy

Amos Lassen

There is a lot of talk about "Chef's Special" as being a family comedy with gay characters and it is suitable for broad audiences. The gay characters are seen as people with good and bad qualities. They are neither perfect nor "poor" members of society-they are just people.
Maxi (Javier Camara) feels that his life is perfect. He is a famous and sought after cool who owns a high class restaurant in Cheuca, Spain ( a district of Madrid where many who live there are gay). He also is gay but his life is problem free. He was once married (a mistake) and his son suddenly finds him. At the same time a new neighbor moves in who just happens to be a very attractive Argentinean ex-soccer player.
Quite naturally comedy follows and even though some of the scenes are quite sexy, this is a wholesome film that all can enjoy.