Falls prey to the all-too-contemporary problem of complicating the tale until the ending is not only obvious, but prayed for between yawns. [9 February 1999, Tempo, p.2]
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San Francisco ChronicleMick LaSalle
San Francisco ChronicleMick LaSalle
It's a movie, a goofy little movie. Not so bad, but as far as food and sensuality go, ``Like Water for Chocolate'' still has the edge.
It is a measure of the shortcomings of this genial, well-meaning but ultimately unenchanting film that scene after scene is stolen by the second bananas.
30
SalonMary Elizabeth Williams
SalonMary Elizabeth Williams
When the enchanted crab is the most appealing character in a movie, you know you're in some serious metaphoric hot water.
25
Entertainment WeeklyLisa Schwarzbaum
Entertainment WeeklyLisa Schwarzbaum
A tuneless variation on the working girl-captivates-Mr. Big formula that has propelled fairy tales as old as Cinderella.
25
USA TodaySusan Wloszczyna
USA TodaySusan Wloszczyna
The premise was a yummy one in the Mexican hit "Like Water for Chocolate," but it's best to pack Tums in case of heartburn this time around. [5 February 1999, Life, p.11E]
20
VarietyJoe Leydon
VarietyJoe Leydon
Much like a botched souffle that fails to rise, Simply Irresistible is a bland confection that remains doggedly earthbound while attempting flights of romantic fantasy.