Synopsis
After her mother's death, mediocre chef Amanda Shelton is having trouble attracting customers to her family's restaurant. While shopping for ingredients, she is given a magical crab by mysterious Gene O'Reilly. Afterward, Amanda's dishes suddenly become excellent, inducing strong emotional reactions in everyone who eats them. Tom Bartlett, who is preparing to open his own eatery, tries her cooking and falls in love.
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Cast
- Sarah Michelle GellarAmanda Shelton
- Sean Patrick FlaneryTom Bartlett
- Dylan BakerJonathan Bendel
- Patricia ClarksonLois McNally
- Lawrence Gilliard Jr.Nolan Traynor
- Christopher DurangGene O'Reilly
- Betty BuckleyAunt Stella
- Olek KrupaValderon
- Amanda PeetChris
- Alex DraperFrancois
Recommendations
- 63
Chicago Tribune
Falls prey to the all-too-contemporary problem of complicating the tale until the ending is not only obvious, but prayed for between yawns. [9 February 1999, Tempo, p.2] - 50
San Francisco Chronicle
It's a movie, a goofy little movie. Not so bad, but as far as food and sensuality go, ``Like Water for Chocolate'' still has the edge. - 40
The New York Times
It is a measure of the shortcomings of this genial, well-meaning but ultimately unenchanting film that scene after scene is stolen by the second bananas. - 30
Salon
When the enchanted crab is the most appealing character in a movie, you know you're in some serious metaphoric hot water. - 25
Entertainment Weekly
A tuneless variation on the working girl-captivates-Mr. Big formula that has propelled fairy tales as old as Cinderella. - 25
USA Today
The premise was a yummy one in the Mexican hit "Like Water for Chocolate," but it's best to pack Tums in case of heartburn this time around. [5 February 1999, Life, p.11E] - 20
Variety
Much like a botched souffle that fails to rise, Simply Irresistible is a bland confection that remains doggedly earthbound while attempting flights of romantic fantasy. - 20
Film Threat
Insipid, maudlin mush.
