The Hundred-Foot Journey (12A) - 'story feels like it's been reheated a few too many times'

HFJ-0087r In DreamWorks Pictures' charming new film "The Hundred-Foot Journey," Hassan (MANISH DAYAL, center) serves his father (OM PURI) Beef Bourguinon á la Hassan, a classic French dish with an Indian twist, as Madame Mallory (HELEN MIRREN) explains its significance to French chefs. Photo: Francois Duhamel ©DreamWorks II Distribution Co., LLC. All Rights Reserved.

George Byrne

Comedy/Drama. Starring Helen Mirren, Om Puri, Manish Dayal, Charlotte Le Bon. Directed by Lasse Halstrom. Cert 12A

Clearly aimed at the grey euro market, at least The Hundred-Foot Journey knows what it’s about and goes about its business with honest efficiency. Om Puri heads an English-Indian family who wind up in the South of France to establish a restaurant, only to pitch up a hundred feet away from a Michelin-starred joint run by the snooty Madame Mallory, played by Helen Mirren.

Yes, it’s the old culture clash plot with a predictable romantic angle thrown in when Indian chef Hassan (Manish Dayal) becomes smitten by French food and Madame Mallory’s sous chef Marguerite (Charlotte Le Bon) looks like she might fancy something spicy and oriental. Director Lasse Halstrom has form with foodie movies, giving us Chocolat some years back, and he certainly hasn’t lost his knack. It’s a pity that the story feels like it’s been reheated a few too many times.