Cake

Cake

Rated PG-13 and Released in Grand Rapids 1/23/15

Reviewed 1/23/15 at Celebration North Theatre

with Cindy

3 out of 5 Js in QUIET Rating System

I can see why Jennifer Aniston, who plays Claire Simmons, was nominated for a Golden Globe, although disappointingly she was snubbed by the Oscars. She did an outstanding job as Claire who has something dark in her past that has caused her suffering from chronic pain. She has scars all over her body, so you get the impression something pretty awful happened. Her housekeeper Silvana (Adriana Barraza) is pretty cute and will warm you up from her scene stealers.

Claire is bitter and mean, and while it is hard to feel sorry for her at first, the story slowly reveals itself and our feelings about her transform. One of the members of her support group takes her own life and this leads her to widower Roy (Sam Worthington). She has a long road of healing ahead and she wants to mend, but has a difficult time finding her way. Claire is morbid and blunt, which churns out a few funny moments, but for the most part the film is grim and depressing. If you are looking for the feel good cutesie Jennifer Aniston movie, this one is not for you.

QUIET Rating system: 3 Js

Quality: JJJ

Understood story:  JJ

Interest: JJJj

Entertainment:  JJj

Time:  JJJj