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Tony Review
IGN's review of "Tony", directed by Matt Johnson, examines the film's focus on a narrow, formative chapter of chef Anthony Bourdain's youth rather than attempting a full cradle-to-grave biopic. Drawing from the opening chapters of Bourdain's 2000 memoir "Kitchen Confidential", the film portrays its teenage protagonist without the reverence typical of celebrity biographies, instead presenting him as cocky, selfish and flawed yet driven, in a performance the reviewer praises as one of Johnson's strongest works to date.
Set in Cape Cod during the mid-1970s, the story follows teenage Tony (played by Dominic Sessa) as he lies about a college fellowship to pursue his crush Nancy (Emilia Jones), ending up working as a dishwasher for a melancholic chef named "Chef" (Antonio Banderas) and learning about adult life through colleagues including Sal (Leo Woodall). The reviewer highlights strong supporting performances and praises the film's kitchen-set energy, comparing its tone to Johnson's earlier film "BlackBerry" and to "The Social Network" in its portrayal of youthful, reckless ambition. Tony opens in select US cinemas on 7 August before a wider release on 21 August.
In short
- Matt Johnson's "Tony" dramatises Anthony Bourdain's teenage years in 1970s Cape Cod
- Dominic Sessa stars as young Bourdain, with Antonio Banderas as his mentor "Chef"
- Reviewer calls it a highlight of Johnson's career; out 7 August, wide 21 August
Explained simply
"Tony" is a forthcoming film about the early teenage years of Anthony Bourdain, the American chef and television personality known for his food programmes and travel documentaries. The film focuses on this formative chapter of his life rather than chronicling his entire biography, drawing from the opening chapters of Bourdain's 2000 memoir "Kitchen Confidential".
Set in mid-1970s Cape Cod, the film follows teenage Tony as he pursues a girl named Nancy and ends up working as a dishwasher in a professional kitchen. There he encounters an older, seasoned chef and begins learning about the restaurant industry and adult life through his work and relationships with his colleagues.
The film is directed by Matt Johnson, who previously made "BlackBerry". It stars young actor Dominic Sessa in the lead role, alongside Antonio Banderas as the experienced chef, with Emilia Jones and Leo Woodall in supporting roles.