Babycakes (1989)

Too much of everything

Although it has its amusing moments, in eneral the plot does not convince.

It's easily one of the freshest, sharpest and most enjoyable films of this year.

The acting in this movie is really good.

I could not get all the way through this movie. The way she stalked him made me so uncomfortable I had to stop. I was only able to get up to their first interaction. I love Ricki Lake so much and it was hard for me to see her in this type of role. I do love the way she so bravely went after what she wanted but it was the way she did it that bothered me. The spying on him and continuing to pursue him with romantic intentions when she knew he was attached. I think the writers could have improved the film if they had let her continue to go after him but because she wanted to get to know him as a person. Instead they focus on her getting a new mattress and silk sheets. I has to be a trade off: keep the overt sexual intentions or the fiancé, maybe trade in a disapproving parent.I'll try to finish it one day but only because I feel all the good reviews mean it has to be worth it in the end. I have seen this type of movie before and seeing the cast I was hoping for better.

Recently discovered this one here in France under the title "Une Fille à Croquer". This is a light-hearted reassuring and at times funny film with lots of tenderness. True, the ending is a little contrived and over accelerated. Also, Ricki is a damned side more attractive than the boy's fiancée ( awful woman!! ) so the final choice for him was pretty obvious. Still it's always a pleasure seeing someone making a film going against Western stereotypes ( ie that fat is bad and thin is good ). In Africa, as far as I know, its just the opposite, the men ADORE fat women and wouldn't give thin ones the time of day. There are other films on this them like Shallow Hal but the best is a German one called "Die Hässlich" ( see my comments on IMDb ). This is a far more emotional affair and does not end well, but not for the reasons you might imagine - Kleenex is definitely essential. Babycakes is more light hearted and although Grace is plumpish, she is damned good looking but more important has a sincere and warm character, which is why the metro driver has no problem coming to his final choice !!

No great shakes, but a real nice light romantic comedy. Paul Schneider directs this off beat story of an overly plump cosmetician(Ricki Lake) falling in love with a solidly built subway conductor(Craig Sheffer) who happens to already be spoken for. He is more than willing to spend part of the Christmas season with her while his fiancee is out of town. Are his feelings for real or just pity? There is that little something about this movie that makes you take inventory of your own insecurity and doubts.

great movie for dreamers out to get the person of their dreams. Rob is a real hunk and sex-pot who can turn any girl on, and make her want to believe that she can get whoever she wants. A real dream-come-true movie with a great ending that makes you feel great, and will give you the courage to pursue your dream (or dream-person).