This Is Not What I Expected

Despite the strenuous efforts of all concerned, the love story at the film's core never seems credible.

The mismatched couple at its center simply don't belong together, no matter how hard writer-director Derek Hui works to convince us otherwise.

From the sizzling griddle that opens the story to a hallucinogenic trip triggered by blowfish toxin, this engagingly goofy romantic comedy speaks the international language of food.

This is Not What I Expected is a fantastic film that makes quirky work in its favor with strong performances all around, especially from the two leads.

The film's heavenly portrayal of cuisine is better than any aperitif to prepare you for dinner

It's the perfect foodie meet-cute.

Bright, sparkly and light-hearted, it's the equivalent of cinematic comfort food.

Between the food porn and all the scenes of the hunky Kaneshiro looking dapper in perfectly tailored suits, there is more than enough going on onscreen for audiences to drool over.

A quirky yet predictable film made special by its reverence for inspired cooking, the directorial debut of Hong Kong editor Derek Hui is more food porn than romantic comedy.