Friday August 24, 2001 |

Grade: A

"Tortilla Soup" is an ideal outlet for the overstressed student in need of a quick vacation.

The film is oh-so-light and enjoyable, as it is utterly devoid of the violence so integral to nearly every recent movie. "Tortilla Soup" works just fine without war scenes or overly explicit language. It's rated PG-13 solely for infrequent sex scenes; otherwise it could be an easy PG.

Well-developed characters and a beautiful, unpredictable story line carry this movie all the way to its perfectly surprising ending.

The film is based on Ang Lee's 1994 "Eat Drink Man Woman," but it features Mexican-Americans in Los Angeles instead of Chinese-Americans in Taipei. "Tortilla Soup" doesn't stray far from its inspiration; it is, however, more accessible due to the fact that it's in English.

Food plays a prominent role in both films. Don't go see this movie hungry. Amazingly prepared, colorful Nuevo Latino dishes grace nearly every scene. The creators of this film could make a zillion dollars if only they would put out a cookbook.

Love relationships revolve around food; food scenes revolve around humor. Watching this interrelated triad dance is like watching a cyclone from afar. For a romantic comedy, this flick is active but non-threatening.

Though the cast lacks huge stars, the perfect actor plays each character. No one overacts; no one is unpleasant to look at.

The story is simple. Martin, a father, former gourmet chef and all-around competent dad - played by Hector Elizondo of "Pretty Woman" and "Frankie and Johnny" - raised his three lovely, but still unmarried, daughters by himself since his wife died several years prior. Secretly, he wants them to taste life to the fullest - to travel and pursue their dreams. They are, however, totally afraid to leave him.

The middle child (Carmen, played by Jacqeline Obrados of "Six Days, Seven Nights") struggles with career choices. She is torn between devotion to her college degrees and organizing business portfolios and her true love - cooking really good food.

The eldest (Elizabeth Pe–a from "Jacob's Ladder") seems devoutly religious but really just needs a man. When she finds one, her pre-dinner grace sessions grow more and more passionate. It's funny. It really is.

Racquel Welch has a hilarious bit part as a woman desperate for the company of Martin. She pulls out one trick after another to get his attention, and when she inevitably fails, her fate is one destined for cinematographic history. She's perfectly cast for the role.

"Tortilla Soup" probably won't be a huge film, but it should be well received at the very least. It's too good not to see at least once - when the burdens of school and work become overwhelming, it will provide refuge.