By Pamela Pollack-Fremd
SPOKANE, Washington — I was munching on leftover pumpkin pie for breakfast as I began to watch the documentary Chef Flynn. So, perhaps I am not the best person to review a movie on a child prodigy, genius chef. My food standards are too low. However, it is amazing to watch the dedication and determination of a very young child who knows what he is doing and knows what he wants.
When asked by his super supportive, writer and independent filmmaker mom, Meg McGarry, why he was cutting up a turkey that is almost as big as he is. He responded that different turkey parts require different amounts of time to cook, unless you cut the turkey up. Then all the parts take the same amount of time.
Meg said her son was very unusual because because he figured out his life very early. Much of the beginning of the film is made up of home movies, very sophisticated home movies due to his mom’s film expertise. It also didn’t hurt that his dad is a photographer, Will McGarry. The fourth member of this family is Flynn’s older sister, Paris McGarry. She led a more conventional life, graduating from high school and college.
Flynn on the other hand was home-schooled from the 7th grade on. At 12 he established his own supper club in his house. All the family participated. At 15 he was featured as an up and coming chef in a New York Times article. Having his own restaurant in New York City was his end goal, and he accomplished his goal.
This is an inspiring film filled with very delicious looking food. Cameron Yates, director, Laura Coxson, producer and Philipp Engelhorn have all contributed. However, do not watch this movie if you are hungry.
Opens Friday, November 30th at the Landmark Ken Cinema in San Diego
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Pollack-Fremd is a freelance writer specializing in movie coverage.