As Needed

When Arturo, a top chef with a troubled past, is released from prison, his main task is to restart his stalled career. But first he must complete community service at a training institute, imparting his professional wisdom to a gaggle of aspiring cooks with Asperger’s Syndrome, including the talented but demanding Guido (played by newcomer Luigi Fedele). Arturo’s efforts to reenter the restaurant business suffer a further setback when Guido wins a place in the finals of a prestigious cooking competition. To the bad-boy chef’s dismay, Anna, the institute’s resident psychologist, entrusts him with the role of chaperone - a prospect made even less palatable when the lead judge turns out to be Arturo’s former business partner. With unpredictable results - other than the guarantee that in Tuscany, food, like love, conquers all - Italian director Francesco Falaschi’s warm-hearted comedy has all the ingredients of a real crowd pleaser. (Denver International Film Festival)