Simply Irresistible

I was surprised how much I enjoyed "Simply Irresistible."

I went because I like the leads from TV shows and I like magic realism .

I didn't mind that it rips off "Like Water for Chocolate" but I did mind how cheaply it was done with really lousy cinematography and poor lighting.

The cute script had the teens in the audience laughing out loud so it's too bad there was no directorial imagination. Bring on the fantasy scenes, please.

It also badly needed a choreographer, but it had nice music here and there.

Not the best romantic movie of the year.

(Originally written 2/13/1999)

It's interesting to see Sarah Michelle Gellar play a character in a low-key fashion. I recently rented the campy (and hilarious) Cruel Intentions to see her give a performance so unbelievably over-the-top I couldn't stop laughing. Also, the less said about her role in I KNow What You Did Last Summer the better. Though impeccably shot sequences in and around New York give the film a glowing lusture, the script and the characters don't live up to the glow and seem to blend in with the scenery. It's supernatural themes seem to get left behind when there's a moment of pesky plot to spoil the visual pleasure, and I'm not convinced that anyone on screen wanted to be there at all. Also, why does a young woman on the verge of bankruptcy dress so well and have such impeccably styled hair? And why would she wear designer outfits whilst making sauces? It's odd. It seemed to be a Vogue photo essay in search of a Meg Ryan-esque romance.

Is this movie a masterpiece? No. But it is charming for what it is, and it's a regular rewatch for me. I'm a sucker for magical realism, movies about food, and 90s nostalgia, so this checks a lot of boxes for me. The supporting characters alone are worth watching for, especially Patricia Clarkson!

It's a light, feel-good 90s rom com with magical food. Don't expect anything too deep, and try to ignore Sean Patrick Flanery's utterly mediocre and boring character (who hates the idea of food that is both delicious AND magical? Come on). He is really the only thing I hate about this movie and he doesn't deserve SMG's character at all, but I honestly love it otherwise. Imo it's worth watching!

I'm sorry but I love this movie! I know it's gotten terrible reviews but it's this was not made to be an Oscar winning film. It's a quirky little romantic comedy with touches of magic and wonder. The acting is great and with the amazing Patricia Clarkson you will find yourself giggling the whole movie. Let's face it.. this is not a box office hit. But if you want a beautiful feel good movie to calm you on a Saturday afternoon while you drink your cup of tea.. look no further. It will be put into your "guilty pleasures" bank as soon as you finish it.

This is Sarah Michelle Gellar's best movie! Unpretentious, genuine young lady battling the reality of small business and about to see her whole world go down the kitchen drain when she is saved by wonder.

And that is what this story is about wonder.. and food.

For me the details are everything. The plot is simple and that is probably what disturbs a number of the reviewers.. but they admit it themselves.. and they can't put their finger on it. Here we finally have a story where everything suddenly goes right. And wouldn't you like that to happen to you at least once! The movie has name players but not A-listers. The story features a great deal to do with savouring the taste of food, and who would go to see a movie based on food? Yet.. there are few pictures I enjoy more than this one. I am not a SMG fan, but in this motion picture Sarah is absolutely perfectly cast. It is her 13 Going On 30 role!