Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #655 in DVD
• Released on: 2008-01-28
• Rating: Parental Guidance
• Format: PAL
• Original language: English, Portuguese
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 100 minutes

Amazon.co.uk
Achieving balance in one's life can be a difficult process, but master chef Kate Armstrong (Catherine Zeta-Jones) leads a regimented, very ordered existence running the kitchen of an exclusive restaurant and revels in the sense of power and control her career affords. When Kate's sister is unexpectedly killed in an automobile accident and her 9-year old niece Zoe (Abigail Breslin) moves in with her, Kate's life is turned completely upside down and she is suddenly forced to split her focus between work and family. Enter a newly hired, fun-loving, opera-singing sous-chef Nick Palmer (Aaron Eckhart), whom Kate perceives as a serious rival, and thus begins an impassioned struggle on Kate's part to rein in Nick's exuberance and maintain control over her kitchen staff. Even as they clash, Kate is inexplicably drawn towards Nick, eventually coming to the realisation that Nick offers something that she needs both in her restaurant kitchen and her new life with Zoe. Based on the screenplay for Mostly Martha, Catherine Zeta-Jones carries the lead well in this romantic comedy and there's a nice chemistry between herself and Aaron Eckhart, as well as a poignant performance by Abigail Breslin. And, of course, and the food looks simply scrumptious. --Tami Horiuchi

DVD Description
Master chef Kate Armstrong (Academy Award winner Catherine Zeta-Jones) lives her life like she runs her kitchen at a trendy Manhattan eatery with a no-nonsense intensity that both captivates and intimidates everyone around her. Kate's perfectionist nature is put to the test when she "inherits" her nine-year-old niece Zoe (Abigail Breslin), while contending with a brash new sous-chef who joins her staff. High-spirited and freewheeling, Nick Palmer (Aaron Eckhart) couldn't be more different from Kate, yet the chemistry between them is undeniable. Rivalry becomes romance, but Kate will have to learn to express herself beyond the realm of her kitchen if she wants to connect with Zoe and find true happiness with Nick.

Synopsis
When a top chef (Catherine Zeta-Jones) gains unexpected custody of a little girl (Abigail Breslin), her life gets thrown off course. Things get even more complicated when some sexy chef competition (Aaron Eckhart) enters her kitchen and her heart.

Customer Reviews

a poor romantic comedy
I stopped watching this film after 45 minutes or so.There is something unnatural and forced about the interaction and dialogue between the two chefs and the storyline isn't interesting enough to help the viewer forget it.I would bet this is the worst film catherine zeta jones has starred in in her life.

Good remake of Bella Martha
I loved the original film German film "Bella Martha" (retitled Mostly Martha in the UK), and when I saw a clip of this film it seemed strangely familiar the camera angles were the same, the timing was the same, and then I realised that it was a remake. I'd agree that perhaps this film is not quite as good as Bella Martha, because the characters are not quite so gritty - But the Americanisation is quite limited - no heavy smoking and the story about the downstairs neighbour has been reduced to the point where it didn't need to be there at all. But for those who don't want to spend a couple of hours watching a German film, with or without subtitles, I'd recommend this film highly. It has like Adrienne Shelly's, Waitress a depth that many other romantic comedies don't have.

Okay but serious issues considered
Yes, this film is fine for Sunday afternoon watching. there are some very serious issues addressed here and we thought that this was well acted on the part of Catherine Zeta-Jones, Ekhart and the young girl actress but it's not all that funny because it's over-shadowed by the deep sadness running throughout the whole movie. Dont get me wrong, there are some very funny parts which will have you roaring with laughter, but it's one of those films that when you sit and think about it afterwards, it's not the comedy side of things which sticks in your mind. I think it's worth a watch, but i dont think i'll be rushing out to buy it. I'll sit and watch it again when it comes on normal tv, but it is forgettable - not Zeta-Jones' usual stuff, but still very good performances from the main cast.