I’ve never actually eaten tortilla soup, but I imagine it tastes spicy, perhaps a bit tangy, and would likely please my palate. Unfortunately, Tortilla Soup the film needed a few more chilies in the pot to overcome its mostly predictable, cliche, and rather uninspired story.
I admit that I enjoyed watching the preparation of the food (what is it about seeing people prepare food that is so romantic?). I think I could have watched a whole film of Hector Elizondo (or his hand-double) cooking beautiful food and been satisfied. Now, this isn’t to say that the rest of the story was unappealing, only a bit more bland than I would have preferred. I can’t say that I really expected more out of the film, but I hoped for a bit more kick along the way or at least a pleasing aftertaste.
For lovers of food, Tortilla Soup may tickle the taste buds; for lovers of film, it’s a mediocre appetizer one nimbles on in anticipation of a more appealing entree (Julie & Julia, perhaps?).
