I always set out to read and write a LOT over the holidays and for some reason I always fail. I never end up reading or writing anything. This past holiday however I actually managed to read a script!!! Yay, or maybe not... When I first saw The Menu show up in the theaters I thought to myself, that might be something I would like. But, then I read the script and I thought it was really really bad. Absolutely no chance I will spend money watching it now. Has anyone here seen the film or read the script? I'm amazed someone actually green lighted this thing. No likable characters and a stupid plot. Anyone care to try to change my mind?  :)

I read the first 50 pages in 2019 and stopped.

SPOILERS

Not really for me. Logic issues abound. Like how there wasn't a full on revolt from the rest of the patrons when the poor dude got his hand whacked off.

I half-expected the Blind Butler and the Deaf Server from Murder by Death to come out of the kitchen at any moment.

Overall - it kind of struck me as a concept that you could pull off as a Short, but not something that had the bones for a feature.

Maybe they fixed issues before finalizing the thing and the film will be fine - I'm not rushing out to see it

I saw this in the theatre about a month or so ago and was thoroughly entertained. Totally ridiculous with no redeeming qualities. I suggest watching it with someone that works in a high-end restaurant too.

Just noticed that the Menu is now on HBOMax.

Yes, I noticed it's already on HBO. I watched the first 30 minutes this morning while trying to work up a sweat. I have to say that to my surprise, what I've seen so far is better than the script. Very slick and well made and I've always loved Ralph Fiennes. One problem still remains though and that is the fact that none of the characters are likable. Other than possibly Anya's character Margot, but not really her either. She's just not as bad as the others. In the last few days, I've now watched The Glass Onion and part of The Menu. I'm wondering why they like to make films with elitist, arrogant, unbearable assholes? Maybe it's just me, but I'd rather watch a movie where an underdog getting something s/he deserves than these assholes getting what they deserve.

Quoted from Grandma Bear One problem still remains though and that is the fact that none of the characters are likable. Other than possibly Anya's character Margot, but not really her either. She's just not as bad as the others.

Agreed. I did end up liking her more as the movie progressed. Nuff said ;)

Quoted from Grandma Bear In the last few days, I've now watched The Glass Onion and part of The Menu. I'm wondering why they like to make films with elitist, arrogant, unbearable assholes? Maybe it's just me, but I'd rather watch a movie where an underdog getting something s/he deserves than these assholes getting what they deserve.

I've noticed that with many series lately that I really dislike all the characters and end up wanting them to get their just desserts. I think there's a topic elsewhere on SS but have you watched White Lotus?! Elitist assholes and the dregs of the earth all. Loved it, though.

I enjoyed this film. It was creative and fresh. It's a nice poke at fine dining, food critics and elitists who squander money simply because they can.

I didn't read the script, but Margot was the only person there who wouldn't kiss chef's ass and worship the ground he walked on, for that reason I did like her.

The tone did shift for me about midway. It took itself a bit more serious at first, but once the killings begin it gets pretty comical, which I didn't mind.

It's very well made, and the acting is great. In a year there wasn't whole lot of great films, I'd put this in the top ten of what I've seen so far.

James

Watched the film yesterday, really enjoyed it... doesn;t sound like I should be going back and reading the script though ;-)

Finally finished the film. I was surprised, because it's very seldom true, for me at least, but the movie was actually better than the script. Still not great or anything. I would rate it 3 1/2 out of five, but it was a lot better than the script, which I didn't care for at all. I read on that other SS site this morning that Carson rated it an IMPRESSIVE when he read it. No wonder he hates all my scripts. ;D

Anyway, the film was slick and glossy looking and the acting was great as well. I think that must have something to do with why it came across better than the script. Shows you what you can do with a $30M budget.

I still stick with my thought that there are no likable characters in this script or film. Some have said Margot kind of is, but IMO, she doesn't seem too bothered with finding her date dead or Elsa (?) dying, and of course everyone dying in the fire in the end. She actually watches the restaurant burn to the ground while eating a cheeseburger.

I also consider myself lucky for not knowing anyone who's this into food. They seem unbearable to me. I do know a few though who think they belong to that group and I refuse to go out and eat with them because they often send things back as if they are too good and sophisticated for the food served. :)

Quoted from Grandma Bear In the last few days, I've now watched The Glass Onion and part of The Menu. I'm wondering why they like to make films with elitist, arrogant, unbearable assholes? Maybe it's just me, but I'd rather watch a movie where an underdog getting something s/he deserves than these assholes getting what they deserve.

I'm also a little confused by this trend. I think maybe it lets audiences have their cake and eat it too -- we get to enjoy looking at the opulent wealth and flashy lifestyles while also reassuring ourselves that this movie is somehow populist and that it's an anti-elite movie.

I thought The Menu was a super enjoyable film but the problems you mention with it Pia, the unlikable and often quite passive characters, definitely stuck out while viewing(I didn't read the script). I think filmmakers are trying to deal with social and political passivity in interesting ways -- why do we as a culture and as humans keep letting the rich and powerful dictate things in a way that doesn't serve any of us? -- but they keep running into the issue that passivity just isn't fun to watch. Another recent one that attempted something similar and that just ended up annoying me was Speak No Evil.

Caught this on HBO a few days ago. Pleasantly surprised. Impressed, even. There're a number of things in it that would normally turn me off, but it was clear very early on that the film didn't take itself too seriously, which I appreciated. I was happy to meet it on its own terms and was largely entertained.

Quoted from Grandma Bear I'm wondering why they like to make films with elitist, arrogant, unbearable assholes? Maybe it's just me, but I'd rather watch a movie where an underdog getting something s/he deserves than these assholes getting what they deserve.

I guess it plays into the politics of envy maybe?

I read the script and watched the movie. Enjoyed both, too. But it's definitely an unusual film.

Quoted from Grandma Bear Finally finished the film. I was surprised, because it's very seldom true, for me at least, but the movie was actually better than the script. Still not great or anything. I would rate it 3 1/2 out of five, but it was a lot better than the script, which I didn't care for at all. I read on that other SS site this morning that Carson rated it an IMPRESSIVE when he read it. No wonder he hates all my scripts. ;D Anyway, the film was slick and glossy looking and the acting was great as well. I think that must have something to do with why it came across better than the script. Shows you what you can do with a $30M budget. I still stick with my thought that there are no likable characters in this script or film. Some have said Margot kind of is, but IMO, she doesn't seem too bothered with finding her date dead or Elsa (?) dying, and of course everyone dying in the fire in the end. She actually watches the restaurant burn to the ground while eating a cheeseburger. I also consider myself lucky for not knowing anyone who's this into food. They seem unbearable to me. I do know a few though who think they belong to that group and I refuse to go out and eat with them because they often send things back as if they are too good and sophisticated for the food served. :)

I was flabbergasted that Carson was impressed with the script. I do know he is very forgiving on logic holes sometimes. Stuff like zero explanation why ALL of the cooks and staff were on this suicide mission,

I have the same problem as you - if no one is likable, then we care if they die because??? It just becomes slaughter for slaughter's sake.  I thought they missed the chance to perhaps have one of the Chefs trying to escape the madness and the protag comes to the rescue.

The acting carried this one. I could watch Fienes in anything.