There is something sweet in the way Zoe and Kate come to need each other, and the tentative nature of the relationship that develops. Zoe has lost her mother, and does not want a replacement; she has a fear of abandonment. Combine that with Kate's inability to make emotional connections and there is a recipe for disaster. What helps is that they are family, and they do care about each other, which brings them together, and they are able to work their way through the issues.
Then we have the issue of Nick in the kitchen. Kate, besides her emotional issues, is also a controlling woman, not mean, but has a specific way that she goes about business. So, when this new guy shows up with a vastly different demeanor, she is threatened by his presence, leading to a climate in which mistrust and dislike fester. The tale brings Zoe back into the fold when she plays matchmaker a bit, because she develops a daughterly fondness for the sous chef.
When No Reservations reaches its conclusion, it does not come to a definitive end. Rather, the trio have just moved beyond this stage of their life and everything is moving on to the next level. Like I said, it is not about plot or reaching an ending, but about this slice of life. This slice is finished, and it is time to cut another piece, but that is for another time.
Bottom line. A movie I did not expect much from ended up delivering a sweet cinematic experience, while also making me quite hungry. The performances were good, and the writing was nice. Nothing was overdone, nothing was played too comedically or too melodramatic. It cruises along, giving us a glimpse into the lives of these people. Nicely realized movie.
Recommended.
Article comments
1 - Lisa McKay
Congratulations! This article has been selected for syndication to Advance.net, which is affiliated with newspapers around the United States, and Boston.com, which will allow even more readers to enjoy it.
2 - Amy M. Goheen
My friend and I absolutely loved No Reservations. When it was over we both said we want to see more!! The acting was great, in my eyes, from all of the characters. A really feel-good movie. I have told so many of my friends to see it and "feel good"