32/28
In the heart of a bustling Times Square kitchen, dreams and despair collide as workers chase the elusive American dream. Our Love. Written by Al Hazan Performed by The Starr Sisters. An unpopular opinion: Not every movie needs to be 2.5 hours long. "La Cocina" (which I’ve been wanting to see since its Sundance premiere) is a prime example of this, feeling unnecessarily drawn out and lacking in depth. While the film has its strengths, like its exploration of multiculturalism in a Manhattan restaurant, too much of the film feels disjointed and unfocused. The narrative tries to juggle too many elements, making the plot feel disjointed and uneven. At times, it feels like it would have worked better as a play than a film. But there are parts of La Cocina that really stand out. The multicultural dynamics in the restaurant setting are fascinating, and I wish they had explored them more deeply. The cinematography is stunning, especially with the black and white imagery giving it a striking artistic feel. But despite these highlights, the film’s ambition ultimately outweighs its execution, making it more of a missed opportunity than a compelling watch. From Alien: Romulus to Road House, take a look at some of our favorite posters from 2024.