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In a summer of absolute blockbuster films like Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey and the eagerly awaited Spider-Man: Brand New Day, we’ve been spoilt for choice, but if you’re in the mood for a biopic that slows things down and tells a deeply personal story about finding your way in the world and the mentors who can set you on the right path, then Tony is the film for you.
Based on the early stages of Anthony Bourdain’s illustrious career as one of the most prominent chefs the world has ever known, Tony is sure to be one of the biggest hits of the summer. The film has already proven itself to be a winner with our Cineworld Unlimited members who were able to see an early Secret Screening.
The film is now showing at a number of Cineworld locations, but if you want to know a bit more about the film before you book your tickets then we’ve got you covered with four reasons why Tony needs to be on your summer watchlist.
The man himself
From shows like The Bear to movies like The Menu, the world as we know it is now obsessed with chefdom, what goes on behind the scenes at restaurants and how the sausage is made, so to speak. Although there are plenty of celebrity chefs we can point to who helped to get the industry to where it is today, it was Bourdain’s seminal book Kitchen Confidential that really blew the lid off the whole thing.
After showing everyone just how gruelling yet rewarding a career as a chef could be, his turn as a presenter on shows like Parts Unknown and No Reservations depicted the unifying effect of food, whilst aiming a spotlight at the numerous culinary cultures around the world that are worth hopping on a plane for.
With an encyclopedic knowledge of food and a persona that was effortlessly cool, it’s no wonder why Bourdain has become one of the most celebrated chefs in recent history. To have a film that dives into a snippet of what made the man who he was is just too good a dish to pass up.
A sizzling cast of stars
One of the most eye-catching aspects of Tony, aside from its source material, is that it boasts a wonderfully varied cast of rising talent and established names. Bourdain himself is played by Tony Sessa who folks may already know from his outstanding turn in The Holdovers, which saw him match veteran actor Paul Giamatti beat for beat.
Elsewhere you have Leo Woodall, who has already charmed his way into the hearts of many following his appearance in Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy, but it’s Antonio Banderas who stands tall as the most recognisable talent on the billing. We’re here for anything Banderas turns up in, but seeing him cast as the chef who decides to take a chance on Bourdain is inspired casting.
Director Matt Johnson is on a roll
If you haven’t yet heard of actor/director Matt Johnson then there’s a good chance that Tony will be the project that puts him on your radar. The man already has a cult following for being one half of Nirvanna the Band the Show, and while there’s no denying that he has an ear for comedic timing, he’s already shown off his chops for directing biopics with 2023’s BlackBerry, which told the story of the once beloved smartphone brand which was eventually run out of town by the iPhone.
A love of food
This one almost goes without saying but if you’re someone who loves to cook and understands the power of a good meal then Tony is a must-watch. In Kitchen Confidential, Bourdain goes into great detail about what makes a restaurant dish different from home cooking, and what it takes to become a truly accomplished chef, so if the film touches upon similar topics then Tony could be the perfect summer film for the culinary-inclined.
Was that enough to whet your appetite? Make sure to book your tickets to see Tony, now playing at select Cineworld locations.
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