Toast (2011)

60% of critics liked it
(30 reviews)
57% of users liked it
(1,312 ratings)

Nigel's mother (Victoria Hamilton) appears to have been the world's worst cook, boiling unopened cans of food to a soggy pulp and nervously refusing young Nigel's (Oscar Kennedy) suggestions that she try an occasional fresh veg. After many a ruined dinner they fall back on that old reliable,… More Nigel's mother (Victoria Hamilton) appears to have been the world's worst cook, boiling unopened cans of food to a soggy pulp and nervously refusing young Nigel's (Oscar Kennedy) suggestions that she try an occasional fresh veg. After many a ruined dinner they fall back on that old reliable, toast-the one dish she has mastered. But Nigel loves her dearly, and is devastated by her early death, leaving him and his lonely dad (Ken Stott) to look after each other. When new cleaner Mrs. Potter (Helena Bonham Carter) arrives, her curves, charms and fabulous lemon meringue pies quickly bewitch Nigel's father, and, much to his son's horror, the three move to the country to live together. The one silver lining is Domestic Science class at Nigel's new school, where Nigel (now played by Freddie Highmore) can finally shine. Soon he and Mrs. P. have embarked on a highly competitive cooking duel, vying for Dad's affections. -- (C) Official Site

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 31 min.
Directed By: S.J. Clarkson
Genres: Drama, Comedy

In Theaters: Oct 7, 2011 Limited
On DVD: Dec 20, 2011
Studio: Screen Gems

Critic Reviews

Ty Burr, Boston Globe
Director S.J. Clarkson seems oblivious to the dissonance; perhaps he's deafened by the music.
Stephanie Merry, Washington Post
For the most part, the movie feels like an emotional vacuum, mirroring the drab vanilla and mint green interiors of the Slaters' home.
Gary Goldstein, Los Angeles Times
"Toast," is by turns sweet and tart, airy and rich and, above all, a thoroughly irresistible confection.
J. R. Jones, Chicago Reader
Sentimental, obvious, but well-nigh irresistible, this jubilant comedy equates England's bland cuisine with its sexual inhibition and suggests we could all use something a little more tasty (at dinnertime, that is).
Elizabeth Weitzman, New York Daily News
All the actors do well, but the film's strongest assets are the period details--including the highs (coq au vin) and lows (gelled ham) of Sixties cuisine.
Lou Lumenick, New York Post
Be warned: Some of the regional British accents would benefit from subtitles.
Joe Williams, St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Like its namesake, "Toast" is crusty comfort food with little nutritional substance.
Tom Keogh, Seattle Times
"Toast" has three things deserving of adoration: spectacular lemon-meringue pies, the songs of Dusty Springfield and Helena Bonham Carter.
Tricia Olszewski, Washington City Paper
Enjoyment of this amiable nostalgia trip mostly hinges on one question: Do you care when the Observer scribe made his first pie?
Kelly Vance, East Bay Express
What an annoying little twerp Nigel Slater is, in this odd, off-putting, light-dramatic version of food author Slater's young life.
Frank Swietek, One Guy's Opinion
A visual feast that nonetheless seems emotionally parched...despite the gorgeous toppings ladled onto it, 'Toast' remains too dry and brittle a meal to be fully satisfying.
Chris Hewitt (St. Paul), St. Paul Pioneer Press
The story is as familiar as white bread in "Toast," but the dramedy's point of view is a fascinating puzzle.
Fr. Chris Carpenter, Movie Dearest
Fans of gay coming of age stories, British cinema and/or Helena Bonham Carter shouldn't miss it..."Toast" serves as a wistful reminder of the battles we all fought to become who we are today.
Nell Minow, Beliefnet
An all-out war that was tragic but darkly comic because the battlefield was the kitchen.
Alonso Duralde, The Wrap
Like going to a restaurant where they fill you up with tasty appetizers and delicious bread but then kick you out before the main course is served.
Christopher Null, Filmcritic.com
like a country British superhero movie
Laura Clifford, Reeling Reviews
The film's first half, which chronicles Nigel's love for his mother, is lovely but it's second half, dominated by Helena Bonham Carter's harpy of a housekeeper Mrs. Potter, is perversely sadistic
Doris Toumarkine, Film Journal International
Utterly charming, witty and visually splendid nostalgic trip through the '60s by way of the memoir penned by celebrated Brit food writer and cook Nigel Slater and seasoned with some Dusty Springfield pop hits. A gem of a feature directorial debut.

Read all 18 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

John C

A "foodie flick" that is right up there with Babette's Feast and Eat Drink Man Woman in having the focal point being food glorious food. It was a bit of a trifle but very filling. (10-18-11)