| ||||||||||||||||||||
From director J.J. Abrams comes the next installment in the Star Trek saga, Star Trek Into Darkness. See it at Cinemark theaters now and pre-order on Blu-ray, 3D Blu-ray, DVD, and the Exclusive Starfleet Phaser Gift Set. Shop Star Trek Into Darkness and more in the Star Trek Store. Learn more |
Frequently Bought Together
What Other Items Do Customers Buy After Viewing This Item?
Product Details
Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images? |
Special Features
None.
Editorial Reviews
Review
Directed with verve by David Kaplan from Aasif Mandvi and Jonathan Bines exceptional screenplay, TODAY'S SPECIAL stars Mandvi as a sous-chef at a Manhattan restaurant whose plans to head to Paris for further culinary study are derailed after his father suffers a heart attack and he must take over the family restaurant in Queens.
Imaginative, warm and witty, the film, inspired by Mandvi's prize-winning play Sakina's Restaurant, is an irresistible delight, its theatrical roots vanishing amid a gracefully cinematic evocation of life in Jackson Heights, a venerable Queens neighborhood with an inviting human scale and grand rooftop vistas of the New York skyline. It is alive with a screen full of captivating characters, all written with affection and exquisitely played by a raft of fine actors.
TODAY'S SPECIAL is a gem of wide appeal, richly deserving of finding an audience. --Los Angeles Times
Aasif Mandvi [has] cooked up a feel-good fable about a talented cook and second-generation Indian, who discovers his destiny and own version of the American Dream when he takes over his father's run-down Tandoori Palace restaurant. While it tracks familiar themes of generational clashes in immigrant families, upward mobility and Old World vs. New World values, Today's Special does so with vigor and a pleasing sense of comedy. Not hurting matters for foreign and Indian film devotees, the film features two icons of Indian cinema, Madhur Jaffrey and Naseeruddin Shah. --New York Daily News
The film, like a great meal, leaves you wanting more. --Hollywood Reporter
Aasif Mandvi [has] cooked up a feel-good fable about a talented cook and second-generation Indian, who discovers his destiny and own version of the American Dream when he takes over his father s run-down Tandoori Palace restaurant. While it tracks familiar themes of generational clashes in immigrant families, upward mobility and Old World vs. New World values, Today s Special does so with vigor and a pleasing sense of comedy. Not hurting matters for foreign and Indian film devotees, the film features two icons of Indian cinema, Madhur Jaffrey and Naseeruddin Shah. --New York Daily News
The film, like a great meal, leaves you wanting more. --Hollywood Reporter
Imaginative, warm and witty, the film, inspired by Mandvi's prize-winning play Sakina's Restaurant, is an irresistible delight, its theatrical roots vanishing amid a gracefully cinematic evocation of life in Jackson Heights, a venerable Queens neighborhood with an inviting human scale and grand rooftop vistas of the New York skyline. It is alive with a screen full of captivating characters, all written with affection and exquisitely played by a raft of fine actors.
TODAY'S SPECIAL is a gem of wide appeal, richly deserving of finding an audience. --Los Angeles Times
Aasif Mandvi [has] cooked up a feel-good fable about a talented cook and second-generation Indian, who discovers his destiny and own version of the American Dream when he takes over his father's run-down Tandoori Palace restaurant. While it tracks familiar themes of generational clashes in immigrant families, upward mobility and Old World vs. New World values, Today's Special does so with vigor and a pleasing sense of comedy. Not hurting matters for foreign and Indian film devotees, the film features two icons of Indian cinema, Madhur Jaffrey and Naseeruddin Shah. --New York Daily News
The film, like a great meal, leaves you wanting more. --Hollywood Reporter
Aasif Mandvi [has] cooked up a feel-good fable about a talented cook and second-generation Indian, who discovers his destiny and own version of the American Dream when he takes over his father s run-down Tandoori Palace restaurant. While it tracks familiar themes of generational clashes in immigrant families, upward mobility and Old World vs. New World values, Today s Special does so with vigor and a pleasing sense of comedy. Not hurting matters for foreign and Indian film devotees, the film features two icons of Indian cinema, Madhur Jaffrey and Naseeruddin Shah. --New York Daily News
The film, like a great meal, leaves you wanting more. --Hollywood Reporter
Product Description
Product Description
TODAY'S SPECIAL, a heartwarming comedy with culinary flavor, tells the story of Samir (Aasif Mandvi, The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, The Proposal), a sous chef who dreams of becoming the head chef at an upscale Manhattan restaurant. When he is passed over for a promotion, he impulsively quits and tells his co-worker Carrie (Jess Weixler, Teeth) that he intends to go to Paris and apprentice under a master French chef. But dreams must be put aside after his estranged father, Hakim (Harish Patel, Run, Fat Boy, Run), has a heart attack and Samir is forced to take over Tandoori Palace, the nearly bankrupt family restaurant in Jackson Heights. Samir's mother, Farrida (legendary cookbook writer Madhur Jaffrey), is consumed with trying to find a wife for her son, while Samir is trying to master Indian cooking to salvage the family business. Luckily, he crosses paths with Akbar (Naseeruddin Shah, Monsoon Wedding), a taxi driver, passionate chef and worldly raconteur. Akbar inspires Samir and teaches him to trust his senses more than recipes; to stop measuring his life, and to start truly living it. With Akbar's guidance, Samir has a chance to rediscover his heritage and his passion for life through the enchanting art of cooking Indian food.
Special Features
- Deleted Scenes
- Cooking Video
- Interview With the Writers
- Recipe from Madhur Jaffrey
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
17 of 20 people found the following review helpful
By L. Miller
Format:DVD
This movie was an unexpected charmer! It's the story of a second generation east Indian sous chef, whose mother keeps trying to arrange a marriage for him. He expects to get a promotion as Executive chef of his own restaurant. But they tell him he doesn't have the passion they're looking for. So he quits, and decides to go to Paris to study under a master. Then his immigrant father, whose ethnic restaurant is failing, has a heart attack. Our disgruntled hero, whose knowledge of the cuisine of his heritage is limited, is forced to ask for help from a cab driver who claims to have superb cooking skills. In the mix is a girl from the restaurant from which he resigned, and the characters who hang out at his father's restaurant. I loved the heart and soul of this movie. I'm a life coach, and there were some very believable and tender moments. Yes, the plot was a bit predictable, but the humanity of the characters and their interrelationships drew me in. If you're tired of some of Hollywood's overly self-conscious attempts to be "relevant," give this one a try. It's a "little movie that could."
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
The genial and engaging "Today's Special" may not hold many surprises, but it has an irresistible charm that is guaranteed to ensure its status as a crowd pleasing favorite. It's a gentle and, dare I say, sweet comedy about searching for success but finding contentment instead in the most unlikely of places. At the end of the day, I may have wished the film had taken a road less traveled--but it's all so big-hearted, why bother quibbling? The film celebrates good food, good friends, good family, good times and throws in a bit of romance for good measure. That's a lot of good in this genuinely appealing movie.
Co-writer Aasif Mandvi (The Daily Show with Jon Stewart) stars as a jaded New York chef who's looking to take the next big advance in the culinary world. When by-passed for an expected promotion, Mandvi starts to reconfigure his career and plans to take dramatic steps to meet his ambitions. His meddlesome parents don't seem to understand him and, in return, he holds the family's Indian restaurant in disdain. Through the magic of movie plotting, Mandvi (of course) finds himself temporarily in charge of the dilapidated venue. With the help of an "only in the movies" wizened cab driver/cook/mentor figure, he starts to appreciate the art of Indian food. Can he transform the restaurant? And, in the process, will it transform him? If you've ever seen a movie, I suspect you can guess the answer to these questions. And yet, the picture still works mostly due to its likable cast and underdog appeal.
"Today's Special" capitalizes on the quirky allure that so many films employ today. Every single character within the supporting cast (with the exception of love interest Jess Weixler) has a wacky side, but there is an undercurrent of truth and believability to the characters that still allows you to care for their story. I certainly liked "Today's Special" and anticipate that it will be universally beloved for its sweet natured comedy. It is lightweight, to be sure, but never less than enjoyable. KGHarris, 1/12.
Co-writer Aasif Mandvi (The Daily Show with Jon Stewart) stars as a jaded New York chef who's looking to take the next big advance in the culinary world. When by-passed for an expected promotion, Mandvi starts to reconfigure his career and plans to take dramatic steps to meet his ambitions. His meddlesome parents don't seem to understand him and, in return, he holds the family's Indian restaurant in disdain. Through the magic of movie plotting, Mandvi (of course) finds himself temporarily in charge of the dilapidated venue. With the help of an "only in the movies" wizened cab driver/cook/mentor figure, he starts to appreciate the art of Indian food. Can he transform the restaurant? And, in the process, will it transform him? If you've ever seen a movie, I suspect you can guess the answer to these questions. And yet, the picture still works mostly due to its likable cast and underdog appeal.
"Today's Special" capitalizes on the quirky allure that so many films employ today. Every single character within the supporting cast (with the exception of love interest Jess Weixler) has a wacky side, but there is an undercurrent of truth and believability to the characters that still allows you to care for their story. I certainly liked "Today's Special" and anticipate that it will be universally beloved for its sweet natured comedy. It is lightweight, to be sure, but never less than enjoyable. KGHarris, 1/12.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By MadMacs
Format:DVD
Samir is a self-assured, accomplished and extremely diligent sous chef. His hard work has earned him a position as second-in-command at a high profile eatery. And, having paid his dues the past six years, he expects to be tapped to head his boss' latest expansion restaurant. He's so secure in that knowledge that, when it's announced through a trade publication that a junior chef that he oversees will be given the prestigious position, he is utterly dumbstruck.
Angry, confused and frothing - he demands an explanation. The top chef explains to him that he's competent, efficient, and very much an excellent lieutenant, but he just doesn't have what it takes to be a head chef. The boss hesitates giving him a full and honest critique until he's pushed into a corner and relents. He tells Samir that, in his opinion, he lacks the verve, the passion, and the simple love of cooking.
Stunned and emotionally devastated - he quits. Deciding he needs to make a big move, both physically and professionally, he puts out feelers to hire on as a Parisian 'stodge' (stàge), essentially an unpaid intern; working for free to understudy with a French master in the belief that he will prove them all wrong.
At the very moment he makes that decision - his father, a restauranteur himself, suffers a heart attack.
It's not life-threatening, but it is life-changing. What Samir doesn't realize is that it's his life that will change the most.
Having had to postpone his plans until his dad can recover, he's now in charge of the family business. It's a rundown hole-in-the-wall serving Indian cruisine. Ironically, having spent his entire life avoiding and denying his own cultural heritage, it's something he can't cook. In part, because he craves acceptance at the highest level of the culinary world - and that generally means mastering French cuisine. And, quietly, a stab into the hearts of his parents who he feels reveres his dead brother over himself. It's wrong, and the film clearly shows that his parents love him as he is; but that unspoken insecurity has driven deep into his being.
'Today' is a wonderful journey of self-discovery. One which forces an honest look into the mirror and seriously questioning the person who stares back.
Slowly, Samir realizes that his former boss pegged him correctly after all. He's technically perfect but lacks, much to his dismay, a heart. He's filled his life with so much untouched emotional baggage that he's lost touch with his very soul, and that has crowded out the very thing he's so passionate about: Cooking.
Can a chance encounter with a mysterious and wondrous cab driver change his outlook? And ultimately, what does he discover at the bottom of his own Masala bowl?
Not only a film about hubris, comeuppance, humility and spiritual recovery; but also tells the tale of a wayward son that returns "home" - both emotionally and culturally.
An enjoyable and funny, if boilerplate, movie.
Personal Notes:
- All the players did an outstanding job in the film, but I was struck by Naseeruddin Shah, who played Akbar the taxi driver. His performance, which blended sublime, humorous and deeply touching was the 'wow' factor for me. A top shelf actor. I truly hope to see more of the man's work as he's found a new fan.
- And finally I would be remiss not to mention Ajay Naidu who played the completely disgusting arrogant spittle-filled cook. Holy smokes, that guy is freakin' hilarious! Had me laughing every moment he was on screen. If there were a Best Performance Which Makes You Want To Never Go Into A Eatery award - this character would be the hands down winner.
Angry, confused and frothing - he demands an explanation. The top chef explains to him that he's competent, efficient, and very much an excellent lieutenant, but he just doesn't have what it takes to be a head chef. The boss hesitates giving him a full and honest critique until he's pushed into a corner and relents. He tells Samir that, in his opinion, he lacks the verve, the passion, and the simple love of cooking.
Stunned and emotionally devastated - he quits. Deciding he needs to make a big move, both physically and professionally, he puts out feelers to hire on as a Parisian 'stodge' (stàge), essentially an unpaid intern; working for free to understudy with a French master in the belief that he will prove them all wrong.
At the very moment he makes that decision - his father, a restauranteur himself, suffers a heart attack.
It's not life-threatening, but it is life-changing. What Samir doesn't realize is that it's his life that will change the most.
Having had to postpone his plans until his dad can recover, he's now in charge of the family business. It's a rundown hole-in-the-wall serving Indian cruisine. Ironically, having spent his entire life avoiding and denying his own cultural heritage, it's something he can't cook. In part, because he craves acceptance at the highest level of the culinary world - and that generally means mastering French cuisine. And, quietly, a stab into the hearts of his parents who he feels reveres his dead brother over himself. It's wrong, and the film clearly shows that his parents love him as he is; but that unspoken insecurity has driven deep into his being.
'Today' is a wonderful journey of self-discovery. One which forces an honest look into the mirror and seriously questioning the person who stares back.
Slowly, Samir realizes that his former boss pegged him correctly after all. He's technically perfect but lacks, much to his dismay, a heart. He's filled his life with so much untouched emotional baggage that he's lost touch with his very soul, and that has crowded out the very thing he's so passionate about: Cooking.
Can a chance encounter with a mysterious and wondrous cab driver change his outlook? And ultimately, what does he discover at the bottom of his own Masala bowl?
Not only a film about hubris, comeuppance, humility and spiritual recovery; but also tells the tale of a wayward son that returns "home" - both emotionally and culturally.
An enjoyable and funny, if boilerplate, movie.
Personal Notes:
- All the players did an outstanding job in the film, but I was struck by Naseeruddin Shah, who played Akbar the taxi driver. His performance, which blended sublime, humorous and deeply touching was the 'wow' factor for me. A top shelf actor. I truly hope to see more of the man's work as he's found a new fan.
- And finally I would be remiss not to mention Ajay Naidu who played the completely disgusting arrogant spittle-filled cook. Holy smokes, that guy is freakin' hilarious! Had me laughing every moment he was on screen. If there were a Best Performance Which Makes You Want To Never Go Into A Eatery award - this character would be the hands down winner.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great movie
We have recommended it and shared it with several people. We like movies and are pretty selective abut the ones we order.
Published 1 month ago by Carol Jones
5.0 out of 5 stars
Today's Special.
Excellent reference book of recepies for quick and easy to fix daily special food. Book has many international hint for adding different spices and different vegetables to our... Read more
Published 2 months ago by Brian E. Francis
4.0 out of 5 stars
A trip into deep spice
You can almost smell the exotic spice mixtures in this colorful film and Mr. Shah's biryani looks a delight. Mr. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Richard H. C. Seabrook
5.0 out of 5 stars
CUTE and FUN movie :)
I stumbled on this movie by searching through Netflix and picked in a "why not?" moment. So glad I did! Read more
Published 2 months ago by Kent Island Red
5.0 out of 5 stars
TODAYS SPECIAL
LOVE love love this film! Indie films are among my favorites, and I loved viewing it on my new KINDLE FIRE
Published 3 months ago by esel k heilman
5.0 out of 5 stars
Why isn't this a better known food flick?
It's "Big Night" meets "It's a Wonderful Life" (with the cabbie as Clarence) with a bit of "Tortilla Soup" plus "Moonstruck", all with Muslim Indians. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Anthony Prudori
4.0 out of 5 stars
WONDERFUL comedy/drama with real heart and soul - and great Indian...
This film popped up as a recommend on Netflix, and the description of Indian food and cooking got me curious. Read more
Published 4 months ago by ShowBizBuff
5.0 out of 5 stars
Awesome Film
This film is about an Indian man who learns to be creative in the kitchen. It's about building confidence in yourself and bringing a family together. Read more
Published 5 months ago by Frank J. DeFelice
5.0 out of 5 stars
"Today's Special" - A Super Movie (bought through Amazon)
"Today's Special" had been advertised as coming to one of our local, independent theaters but never actually made it. Even Blockbusters was not able to acquire it. Read more
Published 5 months ago by Joan A. Hussey
4.0 out of 5 stars
Lovely unpretentious warm film
This is a lovely, unpretentious but very successful film about a second generation Indian young man who has to deal with the problems that face many children of immigrants. . Read more
Published 7 months ago by R. Swanson
