Despite the strenuous efforts of all concerned, the love story at the film's core never seems credible.

The mismatched couple at its center simply don't belong together, no matter how hard writer-director Derek Hui works to convince us otherwise.

From the sizzling griddle that opens the story to a hallucinogenic trip triggered by blowfish toxin, this engagingly goofy romantic comedy speaks the international language of food.

This is Not What I Expected is a fantastic film that makes quirky work in its favor with strong performances all around, especially from the two leads.