Cake [DVD] [2014]

I kind of wish one of the marketing gurus handling Cake would have labeled it a comedy, for the film's pitch black humor actually was one of its chief pleasures for me personally. With that in mind, and in no way meant ironically (or of course pejoratively), Cake features Jennifer Aniston giving one of her finest comedic performances—as well as one of her finest dramatic ones. The film has some narrative hiccups and is perhaps ultimately too sanguine about it all given Claire's roiling unease with both her body and her psyche, but Cake is bittersweet fare that has some wonderful moments. Technical merits are very strong, though supplements are on the meager side. Recommended.

Aniston delivers a very quiet, nuanced bravura performance. She never goes for the cheap Oscar theatrics but stays true to her character's overwhelming world where both external and internal pain mean that bland is the only way to get through a day. Sarcasm is her only tool for expressing rage or grief; anything more direct would be physically unbearable. And Aniston conveys all of this as if the entire movie were made in one take. It is an amazing piece of work. Unfortunately, the movie itself lets her down, which is too bad because with a little more effort the plot could have met her at her level. Worth a watch - you will not be able to take your eyes off of Aniston as actress.

I kind of wish one of the marketing gurus handling Cake would have labeled it a comedy, for the film's pitch black humor actually was one of its chief pleasures for me personally. With that in mind, and in no way meant ironically (or of course pejoratively), Cake features Jennifer Aniston giving one of her finest comedic performances—as well as one of her finest dramatic ones. The film has some narrative hiccups and is perhaps ultimately too sanguine about it all given Claire's roiling unease with both her body and her psyche, but Cake is bittersweet fare that has some wonderful moments. Technical merits are very strong, though supplements are on the meager side. Recommended.

Jennifer did her best. And I agree with the academy that she deserved the nomination for best actress. I know the meaning to this flick is the abuse of prescription drugs and how one and many can easily be addicted to them. I am taking for granted that she was involved in a serious accident that cause the death of her child and critially scarred her. I think at some point in the movied there should have been a flashback of the accident which would have made it easier to understand the appearance William Macey. The ending leaves to much to the imagination.

I enjoyed Jennifer Aniston in The Good Girl so this film was definitely on my radar. I liked it well enough but would have preferred to watch it while at home instead of the cinema because it was rather slow. It has a couple of chuckles, especially if you like dry humor, but I am guessing most people will dislike this film since it is a slice of life portrait. Anyone expecting a concrete story with a static resolution will be disappointed. The character of Claire is not very likable but I did have empathy for her.

Jennifer Aniston doesn't get enouug respect as an actress having started her career as a comedian in the box. She's actually quite good but spends most of her screen time in romantic comedies. With Cake, she took on a serious role and was rewarded with high praise from her peers and critics, including a nomination from The Golden Globes and Screen Actors Guild. Not to give anything away, but many actresses have overplayed parts with a similar theme. Jennifer gets it just right.

I have to admit I had low expectations since Jennifer Aniston is not known for her dramatic roles. But she really shows another side to her talent and does an excellect acting job in this drama. One of the few movies I watch and keep thinking I need to get that. Well worth watching and adding to your collection. You'll be pleasantly surprised by the quality acting and production.

Although this movie is, frankly, rather depressing, Jennifer Aniston gives an excellent performance. She is very believable as an accident survivor who suffers severe chronic pain. I recommend this movie if for no other reason than to see Jennifer Aniston take on a demanding role that will cause you to forget all about "Friends" for a while.