Indie Gems: The Cake Eaters

You can have your cake and eat it too. That's what this film is trying to tell us. It has every chance to be a cliche, melodramatic mess (sick kid, broken families, dark secrets) but surprisingly doesn't go in that direction.

Beagle (Aaron Sanford) has just lost his mother. He's a shy 20 something that has been caring for her in her later years. His father (Bruce Dern) couldn't bare to do it. Through his father he meets Georgia (Kristen Stewart) a terminally ill teenager who has Friedreich's Ataxia. She's just looking for love before it's too late. We watch these two form a relationship, and we also see the strained relationships of their family members. (including Melissa Leo as Georgia's mother)

There's credit due to Kristen Stewart. It's nice to see her play a teen that for once isn't "angsty". She did a good job with Georgia, she was sweet. While there was still some signature crabbiness in her performance, it was good. Stewart is the reason this movie even made it to DVD. It sat in limbo for two years before it was released (with Stewart's picture taking over the DVD, when she's really a supporting character) It's unfortunate that it basically took 'Twilight's' success to get this film to light. I enjoy watching Sanford on screen, he hasn't done a whole lot since the success of 'X-men' but hopefully that changes. It was nice to see Oscar nominee Leo in it as well. Although her part was small, she's always a joy on screen.

Recommended: Yes

Grade: B-

Memorable Quote" "Is that why you talk like you're drunk?" - Beagle (Aaron Sanford)