The Cake Eaters

The Cake Eaters is a cleverly-titled independent drama from 2007. Directed by Fried Green Tomatoes actress Mary Masterson, the film spent two years in purgatory before finding a distributor. It was released in 2009, presumably to accompany Kristen Stewart's ascent to stardom. It's unfortunate that we had to wait to so long. The film is an excellent evaluation of Stewart's success when picked for correct roles. Her off camera shenanigans have pointed to a tomboyish personality that Twilight's conservatism forces her to mask. I read a post on IMDb's page for New Moon in which one poster laments "Kristen doesn't portray Bella as wanting to be protected enough". I hate to argue in favor of that point, but alas, I will. The sexist gender role of Meyer's books is something Stewart isn't capable of doing successfully. All the films would be better if she were the one protecting Edward or if another person were Bella. We don't quite get that kind of tailored movie here, but it's a good example of either a director noticing someone's talent or just sheer luck. For the first time, we see Stewart take the active role in a romantic film. Her character, Georgia, is a teenager with a nerve disorder that slurs her speech and causes her to limp. She has lingering anxiety about her virginity. Life would be so much easier if she could find a boy or man for that special deflowering service. She finds a candidate while at a flea market with her mother. He's a milquetoast late twenty-something guy who happens to be her neighbor. The lad is so loyal to his family that he's earned the nickname "Beagle". He qualifies for her because he lives nearby and isn't unattractive. He even works as a cafeteria server at her high school and his father is having an affair with her grandmother. The film has a refreshingly objective view of adolescent sexuality. Beagle is violating social law by eventually sleeping with an underage girl, yet, she is the one who encourages him. She is probably at least five years younger than he yet more emotionally mature. She's willing to cut her hair and wear a sexy outfit to seduce him. He does not have to like her and maybe he doesn't. The next boy will have to do that. He is at first reluctant to indulge in the best of life's pleasures, but thankfully he does. Beagle's father has visited another woman for most of his married life and could not reconcile his shame to be with his wife while she was dying. He now sits back and watches his son do something unethical, unlawful, and moral. Neither he nor his partner has the authority to stop the relationship. Georgia's mother tries to, fails, and the elderly watch history repeat itself as their brood romance in the same motel their ancestors did so many years ago. The two young people wake up and go to school the next day. Do they love each other? I'm not able to answer. Each got what he or she wanted from the other and brought redemptive justice to his or her older relative. And the reviewer who observed the film enjoyed it. He got to see a frank film about a subject so whitewashed in traditional romantic cinema or the films of his contemporary actresses. Recommend

This isn't a flashy movie, but it is a nice simple, beautifully photographed, well crafted film. The characters are true to themselves and it was a pleasure to watch. For some reason, I really liked it. It also has a great soundtrack that works well with the overall poetic feeling of the movie. A very impressive directing debut for Mary Stuart Masterson. Although I'd like to see her in front of the camera, MSM does a great job behind the camera on this film. Kristin Stewart is completely believable as the disabled Georgia, and treats her character honestly and forthrightly with a subtle dignity, and it was a joy to watch her act. Bruce Dern and Elizabeth Ashley also do their jobs well and are completely believable.

It's been a while since I watched a movie and felt good for a while afterwards. Most movies nowadays make you feel romantic, awesome, thrilled, pumped up, etc etc, while you're watching it, inside the movie theatre or on your couch; but as soon as the movie ends, many leave you with a strange feeling of emptiness. "The Cake Eaters" was definitely a different experience for me. I can't say that I've learnt a lesson or a piece of wisdom from the movie, but I can definitely say that it left me with a good feeling after it ended. I definitely recommend it for rental and ownership, especially to watch with a loved one.

source: The Cake Eaters

Trailer—The Cake Eaters

The Cake Eaters

I was blown away by this little film. There are several great actors in this. However, the 2 lead roles, "Georgia" and "Beagle"; played by (respectively) Kristen Stewart and Aaron Stanford are truly outstanding. Ms. Stewart is great in this role of a uoung woman with latter stage cerebral palsy, & will probably not live much longer. I've seen it 3 times, and almost can't take my eyes off her; like a female Steve McQueen. However, the last time I watched much closer, and saw how wonderfully nuanced a performance Aaron Stanford gives. He kind of blends into the background; then you see this wonderful young man. He is equally great. A must see.

We watched this movie with a group of friends. Mainly I was watching to see Bruce Dern, whom I think is phenomenal and whose biography I had just finished reading. What really surprised me was the beauty and sentiment in this film. Kristen Stewart I have to say was amazing! The story was amazing! Bruce Dern was utterly believable as usual. The direction from Mary Stuart Masterson, though she could have toned down Elizabeth Ashley's acting just a tad, was really wonderful. We all ended up giving this sweet film a enthusiastic thumbs up. It's about relationships, death of a parent, break up's, hook up's, parent/child relationships and all that goes into life. The Cake Eaters. Have you cake and eat it too.

It's been a while since I watched a movie and felt good for a while afterwards. Most movies nowadays make you feel romantic, awesome, thrilled, pumped up, etc etc, while you're watching it, inside the movie theatre or on your couch; but as soon as the movie ends, many leave you with a strange feeling of emptiness. "The Cake Eaters" was definitely a different experience for me. I can't say that I've learnt a lesson or a piece of wisdom from the movie, but I can definitely say that it left me with a good feeling after it ended. I definitely recommend it for rental and ownership, especially to watch with a loved one.

If you only know Kristen S. as "Bella", than you haven't seen her full Spectrum yet. This is one of the films where she can show what she is really capable of. Of course this being an ensemble piece, there are quite a few other people, who are all really good in their roles. And while this is a man trying to get past his ... well past (I'm talking about the script writer), it still is able to affect other people (the viewers), too. Of course a drama isn't something that will get all people excited and there are quite a few things, that might get you off the movie. But if you take the time and invest in the characters as the filmmakers did, you will come to like it. Plus the audio commentary is a really nice one to listen to.