kosmasp
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.
max-height
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.
Rob-O-Cop
Its been said this movie is a portrayal of reality and that its unresolved end and almost complete lack of meaning is the whole point cos "life is like that". You could think that, or you could also think that the director has made a movie that doesn't connect, delivers no meaning and because of that is ultimately pointless.You see I'm not watching life, I'm watching a movie, and yes we like movies to be insightful and accurate, but this movie trundles out some well worn clichés and so pulling out the "its a slice of life" card just doesn't wash.Yes Kristen Stewart delivers a believable performance as a 15 year old girl with a terminal illness. I'm assuming it's believable cos she looked pained and terminal but I've no idea if it was an accurate portrayal of the disease she was supposed to have.They've also got a lead guy role with a funny name (beagle) and an assortment of slightly cliché small town characters and by the end of the movie you wonder, "yeah, and what, what's your point, what are you trying to say?" all that set up for no delivery.Kirsten's character wanted to try sex and had no compassion for the guy she chooses to try it with, she doesn't care how he feels. Nice set up, but why?The dads relationship, the other son's issues, what's your point? Was there one in the script and the director failed to convey it? The comments here read like friends and fans of the director. There's a difference between subtlety and just plain vague. Parts of this movie were painted in obvious strokes so it would appear that was the directors style (and not one that I like), so why is there no point, maybe she didn't have one to begin with. Why fill your movie with cliché's like the dad and the elder son, the hussy grandma, the small town girlfriend that got left behind? If you're going to be subtle then be it.
MadameGeorge
I watched the Cake Eaters a few weeks ago and flipped through it the other day once more in hopes of finding something that I missed. I was glad that I did, because there are little things in this film that really make the difference. To be honest, what drew me into 'the Cake Eaters' was the fact that Kristen Stewart was in it. I saw 'Twilight' and I was not impressed, but I did not want to be too harsh on the girl, so I gave her another chance and I was not disappointed. Kristen plays her character wonderfully. She is both strong and weak while being a young girl who just wants to grow up and experience life while dealing with a disease that is slowly taking her life. Not to mention a mother who is out to become famous on her daughter's disease, instead of enabling her daughter to experience what life she can, while she can. Thank God, there is her grandmother who brings the necessary heart and often comedic elements needed to keep the film moving. Kristen is believable from the first shot and the last was heartfelt and made me smile. There are flaws here, no doubt, when looking at the individual stories it is your typical small town, cliché plot occurrences and obvious character realizations. Though I feel that I have seen this type of story many times, in different arenas it is still well worth the watch and I enjoyed it for what it was.'The Cake Eaters' was a good film, with a familiar recipe, but Kristen Stewart makes it sweet.
AD
