Only some of the characterizations exhibit subtlety, though most of the performances have considerable charm.

Thanks to a perfectly blended ensemble led by Hector Elizondo, in his best screen role to date, Tortilla Soup is a warm-blooded winner with equal emphasis placed on taste buds and heartstrings.

Though the cast are willing, the movie plods along in need of the zingy flavours and hot spices we see going into Elizondo's cooking.

Héctor Elizondo shines as the family patriarch