Burnt

Bradley Cooper is now at the point in his career where his name alone can get stuff made. Back in the Jerry Bruckheimer/Don Simpson days that wasn't seen as a particularly big deal, but cinema is evolving and there are less and less actors who can make non franchise fare profitable - or at the very least attractive enough for the studios to cough up the cash to make them.

While not a particularly expensive production, 'Burnt' is Cooper's third financial failure in as many years. By that we mean he's now at such a high level (possibly only bettered by Di Caprio) that audiences expect a certain kind of film; but the charismaticleading man likes taking risks with more character driven fare. Granted, American Sniper's mammoth box office also helps, as does when said films work - generally with David O'Russell helming.

Previously Jon Favreau wrote and directed a love letter to fine food with indie flick 'Chef', which was a warm, fun and kind of effortless film. Cooper is more interested in the darkness that comes with genius - and his chef, Adam Jones is very much painted as one. He's an addict, and has basically messed up his life and is attempting to make amends. He also wants to get another Michelin star, taking him to the elusive 'three star club' which, Sam Keeley's apprentice tells us 'basically makes him Yoda'.

There's a certain level of obsession that comes with pursuing such a thing, and despite the best of intentions Adam can't help but slide back into that aggressivekitchen groove.

If there's one thing that's clear it's that this is very much a Bradley Cooper film; he looks cool, gets to showcase everything an actor could want and is excellent at all of it. It's easy to see why it was a passion project for him; the issue is that there are a slew of peripheral characters and subplots that suffer because the film is so in love with Jones. Maybe that makes sense given the rock star manner and high regard the profession is held.

But it's also fierce convenient that he can assemble a crack team essentially by strolling around London. His charm in the former scenes at odds with a messy mid-section also.

Still, the food looks delicious and there are enough real moments and interesting characters to make this intense world worth a reservation