Simply Irresistible Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A woman buys a crab that magically makes her a great cook and also somehow controls a rich guy’s emotions through the food, but he’s still mostly bland, so it’s basically the crab doing all the work.

🍿 Simply Irresistible: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Struggling Restaurant Owner

Amanda Shelton (Sarah Michelle Gellar) is struggling to keep her late mother’s restaurant afloat in New York City. She lacks confidence in her culinary skills and the business is failing. She is unsure whether she can continue.

The Magic Crab

While shopping at the market, Amanda encounters a mysterious man who offers her a basket of crabs. One of the crabs escapes and leads her to a collision with Tom Bartlett (Sean Patrick Flanery), a department store executive, with whom sparks fly instantly. The crabs seemingly imbue her dishes with magical properties.

Culinary Success and Complications

Amanda’s cooking suddenly improves drastically, with customers experiencing intense emotions and reactions to her dishes. Tom brings his girlfriend, Chris (Amanda Peet), to Amanda’s restaurant. However, Chris becomes inexplicably agitated, destroying plates and breaking up with Tom. Tom is captivated by Amanda’s new talent, while Amanda’s friend Nolan (Lawrence Gilliard Jr.) is also surprised and amazed.

Romance and Magical Side Effects

Tom invites Amanda to cater an important event for his department store. As Amanda and Tom grow closer, they share a kiss that causes them to float. Tom becomes concerned and wonders if Amanda is a witch. This magical side effect complicates their budding romance.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Amanda Shelton (Sarah Michelle Gellar): A struggling chef whose culinary skills are magically enhanced by a crab, leading her to unexpected romance and success.
• Tom Bartlett (Sean Patrick Flanery): A department store executive who falls for Amanda, grappling with the magical elements surrounding their connection.
• Lois McNally (Patricia Clarkson): The sophisticated and supportive friend of Tom, offering advice and a listening ear as he navigates his feelings.
• Chris (Amanda Peet): Tom’s superficial girlfriend who becomes unhinged when exposed to Amanda’s magically enhanced food.
• Nolan Traynor (Lawrence Gilliard Jr.): Amanda’s loyal and supportive friend and co-worker who witnesses the magical transformation of her cooking.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Tom Bartlett: “If the broom fits, ride it!” – A playful remark, hinting at Tom’s suspicion about Amanda’s possible magical abilities and referencing the witch stereotype.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $6,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $4,398,989
• Worldwide Gross: $4,398,989

💥 Simply Irresistible Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so Simply Irresistible is definitely a guilty pleasure! I remember watching it as a teen and thinking it was the most romantic thing ever, magical crab and all. It’s so cheesy, but Sarah Michelle Gellar is just adorable, and I couldn’t help but root for her. The scene where they float to the ceiling when they kiss? Totally ridiculous, but also kind of sweet. It’s not high art, but sometimes you just need a silly, feel-good movie, and this one fits the bill. The food looked amazing too, that’s half the reason I enjoyed it.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of lighthearted romantic comedies”
  • “Sarah Michelle Gellar fans”
  • “Viewers who enjoy magical realism elements in movies”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild Language”
  • “Some suggestive content”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Simply Irresistible tries to blend romance and fantasy, but the result is a dish that lacks flavor. Gellar and Flanery have moments, but the bizarre plot involving a magical crab overshadows any genuine connection. The film leans too heavily on whimsy, leaving a saccharine aftertaste.
• The New York Times: “This rom-com offers a paper-thin plot and a bizarre premise that never quite gels. The actors do their best, but the magical elements feel forced and the romantic chemistry fizzles. A mildly amusing but ultimately forgettable cinematic confection.

Audience Reactions

Sarah Michelle Gellar’s charm and quirky performance are the movie’s saving grace.: Many viewers find the movie to be a lighthearted and fun escape, despite its flaws.

The magical elements, while bizarre, add a unique twist to the typical romantic comedy formula.: Others appreciate the film’s lightheartedness and its willingness to embrace its silliness.

Overall Consensus: A whimsical but flawed romantic comedy that is appreciated by some for its lightheartedness and Sarah Michelle Gellar’s performance, but criticized by others for its bizarre plot and lack of depth.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Several scenes in the movie were shot inside New York’s Henri Bendel department store. To avoid disrupting business, filming occurred at night, with all traces removed before the store reopened each morning.”

🖥️ How to Watch Simply Irresistible?

Simply Irresistible is currently available for streaming on Disney+ Hotstar. You may also find it available for rent or purchase on platforms such as Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for specific availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Simply Irresistible, you might like these similar films:

• Like Water for Chocolate (1992): Shares the theme of emotions being transferred to food, creating a magical and sensual culinary experience.
• Woman on Top (2000): Features a female chef finding success and love through her cooking.
• Amelie (2001): Quirky, whimsical romantic comedy with a touch of magical realism, focusing on the power of food and relationships.

🛒 Simply Irresistible Related Products

• Simply Irresistible [DVD]: Own the quirky romantic comedy on DVD and revisit the magical culinary journey. A must-have for fans of Sarah Michelle Gellar and feel-good movies.
• Gourmet Cookbook: Inspired by Romantic Comedies: Explore delicious recipes inspired by iconic romantic comedies, including dishes that could have been created in ‘Simply Irresistible’. Perfect for foodies and movie lovers alike.
• Funny Crab T-shirt: Wear your love of this magical and fun movie with pride. A funny crab wearing a chef’s hat in the style of Simply Irresistible! A humorous nod to the movie’s central theme.
• Buffy the Vampire Slayer: The Complete Series [DVD]: Own the iconic series that made Sarah Michelle Gellar a star. Buffy is a strong woman who is also funny, a mix of action, horror, and humor.

🎧 Soundtrack

Simply Irresistible features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Little King” – performed by The Hollowbodies
• “Crush” – performed by Jennifer Paige

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

A Simply Irresistible Parody

Ever wondered what a student-made parody of ‘A Simply Irresistible’ would look like? These guys did a pretty hilarious job – it’s short, sweet, and a fun way to remember the movie!

✨ Rate