The Cake Eaters

Anyone who knows me well can tell by now that I am a sucker for any Kristen Stewart film. I stumbled upon this little film of her's while watching 'At the Movies'. Most of society knows Kristen because she is the subject of tabloid Hollywood news magazines. She plays Bella in the Twilight Saga, and as for that movie, it is really minor work of her's. I have been a fan ever since I saw her in 'Panic Room' back in 2002. More work of her's include 'Speak', 'Into the Wild', 'Jumper', and 'Adventureland'. She is really one of the more talented young actors out there today.
'The Cake Eaters' is a small town film by first time director Mary Stuart Masterson. The film opens with a wonderful scene in which we meet two of the main characters; Easy played by Bruce Dern, and Beagle played by Aaron Stanford. We get a strong sense of the relationship that plays a major role in the plot of this film. Early on we also get introduced to Georgia, played by Kristen Stewart. Georgia is a terminally ill girl who gives an award worthy performance. Georgia cannot walk very well and speaks like she just underwent oral surgery. Knowing that she does not have much time left in this life, Georgia wants to experience love and sex for the first time. She takes a liking to Beagle when they meet at a flea market. She notices that he works at her school in the cafeteria and asks him to come over and help her with her homework. Although he is much older than her, we can already tell early on that Beagle is a gentle soul who is not after anything inappropriate. The two connect on a level that is not always easily portrayed on film. Also at the flea market, we are introduced to Marg. This is Georgia's grandmother and she is played by Elizabeth Ashley. There is an apparent relationship or connection evident between Easy and Marg that is not fully developed until later in the film.
As I mentioned earlier, this is a film about relationships. Beagle connects with his father and has, in a way, overstayed his run at the nest. This fact is however overshadowed and overlooked because he was helping his father care for his mother. She was on her way out. Beagles brother Guy (Jayce Bartok) enters the picture having been gone for years. He is a struggling musician who left for the big city. He didn't even make it back for the funeral. Old family ghosts resurface as tension rises between the three men of the house at this point. As Guy reunites with his ex girlfriend at the time of his departure from home, he discovers she has moved on and has a family of her own. He is completely disgusted by himself and the choices he made in the past. This, if anything about his character, is most evident. Although not belligerent, public intoxication follows. As Beagle and Georgia's relationship moves forward, we are exposed to an illegitimate fling between Easy and Marg that took place over many years even when the boys mother was alive. As Beagle discovers this, he explodes and there is a powerful confrontational scene involving the three men of that household. Georgia and Beagle go out for the day and night and explaining any more of these events would completely ruin the film.
'The Cake Eaters' is a film about family. That much is evident. But it is much more than that. Georgia's mother is present in the film, but their relationship is never fully developed. We understand that they don't understand each other. The mother treats her almost as more of a chore than a daughter. We know she cares, but does Georgia? I really dislike the mothers character. She subjects Georgia to photography that some misconstrue as pornography. No nudity, but suggestive poses. Marg explains it as a way for her daughter to bring awareness of Georgia's disability. I don't approve. Georgia's rocky relationship with her mother is complimented by Beagle's feelings of loss having lost his mother. This area of emotion is never discussed because it really doesn't need to be. I may be crazy by even looking into it. The mothers character is horrible in my opinion. I really was not expecting much visually from this film. The subject matter does not really call for it. Mary Stuart Masterson is new at the filmmaking game and shows no interest in lighting or cinematography. I am not saying I want hand held camera work and mood enhancing lighting in a drama that looks at family, but more interesting work could have been done. Overall, this is a strong film with strong performances and story. I recommend this film highly.

A Troubled and Ambitious Young Woman

Not very often can a movie centered on kids draw me in as well as this film did. The film is "Have Dreams, Will Travel", and it is a wonder. The film centers on Ben as its protagonist and he is played wonderfully by Cayden Boyde. His previous work includes 'Mystic River', 'Dodgeball', and 'X-Men The Last Stand'. Ben is a typical twelve year old boy. He has dreams of pitching in the major leagues, and is still looking for comfort from his parents. Unfortunatley he is out of luck with his parents. They are completely preoccupied with their own lives and give Ben little attention at all. Then one night, a tragedy occurs right outside his mothers diner and he meets the person that "Change[s] [his] life forever".
The film takes place in the 1960s south, although it is difficult to determine the time period early on. Entering the film here is Cassie, the films heart. This character is interesting because I almost view her as a protagonist and antagonist. She is played by the emensly talented Annasophia Robb. Annasophia's previous work includes 'Bridge to Terabithia', 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory', and more recently 'Sleepwalking'. She too is a twelve year old girl, however she is much more mature than Ben at this point in their lives. From the beginning, we can tell, as can Ben, that there is much more to Cassie's story than she is letting on too. After an accident which leaves her arm broken and kills both her parents, Ben's parents agree to take care of her untill she is back on her feet. This troubles Ben because he cannot understand why they care enough to take care of her when they act like he doesn't even exist. Ben embraces Cassie and falls in love. He mentions that for the first time in his life he "cares deeply for another person". This manipulative girl speaks like a professor of philosphy and Ben can't understand her confident and cocky attitude. Cassie swears and does not talk as a normal girl of that age would. Cassie convinces Ben that neither of them have anything here and that they need a "Plan". This includes leaving their current situation and heading to Baltimore to live with her modern aunt and uncle. The trip begins and along the way they meet interesting characters ranging from cops, farmers, and happy families
Val Kilmer plays Henderson, a farmer who allows the kids to stay in the barn for a week or so. They learn, by observation of Henderson and his wife, that all adult relationships are subject to imperfections. Their own parents are not that strange. Cassie informs Ben it is time to be married. It will help the plan. At times Ben seems to be just going through the motions. As if Cassie is his new authority figure. The two make it to Baltimore and we meet the Aunt and Uncle. The two are played by Heather Graham and Dylan McDermott. Cassie's story becomes completley evident at this point and the movie really takes a beneficial turn.
This film relys on character struggle to keep us involved. I found myself really caring for these kids. The adults are nearly nonfactors throughout and that really helps to focus on whats important here. So, whats wrong with Cassie? This is the impending issue looming. Cassie's problematic story stems further back then the auto accident which took her parents from her. The issue she faced in life was forshadowed beautifuly in dream sequences throughout the film. In the end, the outcome was satisfying. I do however wish that the film had gone into more detail with Cassie's past. Ben is the main character, but Cassie's story is just as important. Its run time is a brisk 86 minutes. The film is not incomplete, it is not even lacking anything important. I guess I was just left wanting more.

A Movie with 3 different titles

I think my first review will be of this little film that I discovered that is listed with three different titles. The buisness portion of this particular film is what drew me to it the most. It is an American made film, with young and old American actors and actresses. Yet, it was only released in South America. Very strange to me. I purchased it from Amazon last week and watched it this week. Online, it is listed as being named "Em Busca da Felicidade", "Have Dreams, Will travel", and "West Texas Lullaby". Try researching a movie like this online. Not easy! I think I will post my review of this film tomorrow depending on my sleep and the time I have. It is quietly effective and wonderful little film.

first post

I am gunna try this blog instead. The other one wants you to look for friends and groups. I just wana write.