Cupcakes (2013)

Best movie of this year hands down!

While it doesn't offer any answers, it both thrills and makes you think.

A movie that not only functions as a solid scarefest but a razor-sharp satire.

The storyline feels a little thin and moth-eaten in parts but this sequel is plenty of fun.

My interest in this film came out of Eytan Fox's previous work. Walk On Water is one of my favorite films, and all of his previous films have been serious and gay-positive. A friend saw it at a local festival last year, and recommended it.I just caught it on Netflix and as I watched it, my smile grew larger and larger. Clichés are in place, as a broad mix of people come together to put on a "Eurovision" type show. This gives another perspective to life in Israel.It probably lost something in the translation to subtitles, but ultimately the narrator's reflections on life take a back seat to the old "let's put on a show" plot line. There are many serious moments, as when the parents of one of the gay couple say they accept the relationship, but discretion is required. Each of the six participants has a back story, not always clear (subtitles?) but it's a comedy and corny as it may be, we have a happy ending.

Mixed feelings about this Israeli whimsical farce. On the one hand, the movie can be a warm hearted feel-good flick. Yet, on the other hand it can be filled with contrivances and stereotypes, that will be accepted by some viewers while others might be turned off. For me, I thought the best way to enjoy this film was to just go with the farcical flow of it all and not be too judgmental.The story centers on a group of neighbors and friends, who have gathered together, in Tel Aviv, to watch the glitz and kitsch of the annual UniverSong international competition. When the group recognizes the sadness of one of their members, Anat (Anat Waxman), they break out into song to try and cheer her up, led by the one professional singer there Efrat (Efrat Dor). The impromptu song is recorded on a cell phone, and ends up being sent to the Israeli committee, who really like it and want the mostly amateur group to represent them at the following year's competition of UniverSong. Of course, they'll be plenty of "bumps along the road" and lessons to be learned as the group strives to make the Paris competition.In summary, I thought all the ensemble cast members performed their roles well in this film, directed by Eytan Fox, who co-wrote the script with Eli Bijaoui. Not everything works here, and as mentioned there's contrivances and stereotypes, but just going with the flow I was able to find it in the end to be a feel-good experience.

Six lonely people find fulfillment thanks to an international song fest in Paris. Six lonely, comfortable middle class Israeli--5 woman and a gay man--are yearning for meaning in life.A commonplace them in film, to say the least. There's enough sugar to give us diabetes, Yet, as a comedy it sends up a smugness in today's Israel: complacent, empty with creature comforts that don't much to assuage existential angst nor ennui. Cupcakes blankets today's Israeli reality of inflation, tight housing, endless war against Palestinians, yet gay tolerant and colorblind. The music is a saving grace as the narrative is hiccuped along with past winners of Eurovision songs. The Israeli entry is a mirror reflection of an illness of the country's soul that tries to put an emoji on a sad reality.

This film tells the story of a cheerful and flamboyant man who signs his female best friends up for an international song contest, without their knowledge."Cupcakes" is a fun and bubbly film that makes viewers laugh. The way the lead character's relationship as to be hidden is a stark contrast to their personalities, which makes it interesting. The female best friends are fun as well, especially the politician who decides to risk it and take part in the song contest. The rehearsals are fun to watch, and of course the finale - the contest is great as well. The scene where the parents offer a deal with the couple provides an emotional subplot to balance all the general cheerfulness, but fortunately the deal is not so bad that would make it offensive or too difficult for the couple to choose. After all, Israel is a progressive country!