It's such a treat to see such an endearing slice o' life in the middle of this blockbuster season. There's not a single comic book character in sight.

The result is a small, unashamedly feel-good film that makes up for what it lacks in dramatic jeopardy with gentle comedy, heartwarming family scenes, ladles of food porn, and time spent among characters you like.

Chef is a foodie-gasm of a film, directed by and starring Jon Favreau as a designer cook past his sell-by date, who goes on a road trip from Miami to Los Angeles to find his soul -- and soul food.

Had Mick Jagger kept playing Satisfaction, the Stones would have never released Sticky Fingers. 'Chef' is Favreau's soulful Sticky Fingers.