The Menu

      A very black comedy that satirizes pretentious rich "foodies" that starts off deliciously but halfway through goes completely off the rails.  It's a clever premise that loses its charm and complete believability once it descends into shock and awe. 

      It's a great cast, including Anya Taylor-Joy, Ralph Fiennes, Nicholas Hoult, John Leguizamo, Janet McTeer, Judith Light, Reed Birney, Hong Chau and Paul Adelstein. Unfortunately, as written, most if not all the characters are unlikeable and deserving of the eventual outcome. It reminded me of the hot TV show at the moment, "The White Lotus", set in a restaurant rather than a luxury hotel. Characters you don't necessarily like, but it still holds your attention.

     Mr. Fiennes is channeling his Nazi commandant from "Schindler's List" as the celebrity chef presiding over the luxurious dinner. He holds the cast and your attention even as things begin to unravel. Secrets are revealed and blood is spilled but unfortunately it all becomes totally ridiculous.

     Check please!