Menu: A short, weird kitchen comedy that barely holds together

Is it worth your time?

If you like vintage, bite-sized comedies from the era of big hats and forced manners, you'll probably get a kick out of Menu. If you want a plot that actually goes somewhere, stay far away. It’s mostly just people shouting in a kitchen.

I’ve seen better kitchen chaos in His Vacation, where the timing felt a little less frantic. Here, it’s like the actors are trying to break a world record for how many lines they can cram into ten minutes.

The duck situation

The whole premise is just absurd. A housewife terrified of her husband’s indigestion? It’s peak old-timey drama, but played for laughs. Watching the chef try to fix the bird is actually the best part. He has this look on his face like he’s performing open-heart surgery on a Thanksgiving turkey. 🦆

• The chef’s apron is distractingly white.
• The husband’s reaction to the dinner is… predictable.
• The kitchen set looks like it might collapse if someone sneezes.

There’s a moment where a sauce pan almost tips over, and the cameraman jerks the shot so hard I thought he’d dropped the equipment. It gives the movie this unrefined, sweaty energy that you don't get in polished modern stuff. It’s sloppy, but kind of charming.

If you liked the awkward social dynamics in Upstairs and Down, you might recognize some of the same tired tropes here. Honestly, though, this one is just a quick snack. Don't overthink it.

Also, does anyone actually cook duck like that? I’m no expert, but I’m pretty sure that’s not how you avoid heartburn. It’s completely ridiculous. But hey, that’s why we watch these old relics, right? For the sheer, unadulterated nonsense of it all. 🍳