What's Cooking?

Ruehl is particularly good, even when the script calls for histrionics Besides, having almost all of the families tied together in one form or another is a ridiculous plot contrivance, and it only helps muddle an already convoluted script - one that needed a lot more humor to balance out the melodrama. ... Full Review

But because the stories are so skillfully threaded together, the movie doesn't feel like an exercise: Each of the stories stands on its own. The Latino Thanksgiving starts uneasily when the kids are at the supermarket and run into their dad ( Victor Rivers ), who is separated from their mom ( Mercedes Ruehl ). ... Full Review

Chadha and co-writer Paul Mayeda Berges accomplish this by an inspired structure coupled with some of the smartest dialogue heard in an American film this year. Every element of the film gleams, but its script is exceptional, its wit bubbling with seeming spontaneity from what is actually a rock-solid foundation. ... Full Review

an old-fashioned, feel-good movie.... ... Full Review

In the films best written scene, she finally convinces her husband she doesnt want him. This is particularly true in the storyline involving the Nguyen family, which turns into a combination of an afterschool special and a public service announcement about gun safety. ... Full Review

We see potatoes prepared by hand, mixer, spoon, and food processor and the assortment of turkey presentations is one of the movie's best treats. They should also be sure to check out the movie's official website at "What's Cooking" for some of the movie's most delectable recipes! ... Full Review

Together, they paint a charming picture of a modern family life that is still, in its way, old-fashioned and traditional..... ... Full Review

In the film's best written scene, she finally convinces her husband she doesn't want him.....In one of the film's best scenes, she sits at the kitchen counter....The only saving grace in this well-worn scenario is the talented Mercedes Ruehl.....Ruehl's measured delivery is refreshing alongside the unevenness of the other performances and the film's inconsistent tone..... ... Full Review

What's Cooking" is a solid little film that should endure as a holiday favorite.....Maury Chaykin ("Mystery, Alaska") is terrific as Herb Seeling, a man mad about his dachshund Marty, his hot tub and his twin grandchildren....Sedgwick and Margulies are a believable couple dealing in their different ways with Rachel's mystified parents.....remains lively until the film's latter section where Chadha wisely dispenses with the music to rachet up the growing tension of her (and cowriter Paul Mayeda Berges') stor ... Full Review

But alas, many of the ingredients in this movie melting-pot quickly become so sweet as to spoil the soup. It suffices to point out that while this movie does contain a so-called surprise ending, the press materials "WOULD GREATLY APPRECIATE [MY] NOT REAVEALING THE "SUPRISE" ENDING," but I don't think you would be very surprised if I told it to you. ... Full Review