Knowing nothing about this movie going in, the first 20 minutes sets up like it's going to be a romantic comedy. Introvert learns how to be outgoing and gains the confidence to talk to the guy she has a crush on. What you get instead is something much more poignant and, at times, tough to watch. The whole second half of the movie is pretty sad, with just a few moments of much-needed levity from Corinne's parents. It's not a great movie, but it's hard not to get caught up in the story and feel something by the end. It did make me want to bake a cake or two. And I love the idea of the two Billies tour. Let's make that happen.
25 Reviews
bars, cakes, hospitals, friends
ferguson-68 September 2023
Greetings again from the darkness. By coming clean up front, my hope is that forgiveness and understanding is in order, and maybe others will be diverted from the same path I took. Between the film's title, the trailer, and knowing it was based on Audrey Shulman's book and true story, my assumption was that this was going to be a straightforward, good old fashioned chick flick. And although comparisons to BEACHES (1988) are not without merit, director Trish Sie (PITCH PERFECT 3, 2017) serves up additional layers (yes, pun intended).
Jane (Yara Shahidi, "Blackish", Ticker Bell in PETER PAN & WENDY, 2023) and Corinne (Odessa A'zion, HELLRAISER, 2022) are lifelong friends, roommates and polar opposite twenty-somethings. Jane is an introvert who is pleasing her parents by studying for the LSAT in order to become a lawyer. Corinne is an extroverted party girl hoping to move up at the creative agency where she works for a tough boss played by Bette Midler.
Jane is really committed to two things: her friendship with Corinne and baking desserts, especially cakes. Corinne comes up with a strategy to help Jane meet more men. The plan is for Jane to bake 50 cakes over the next year, and the group will take each cake to a different bar to meet new people. They map out the bars geographically by stereotypes of local guys, and hang it on the wall. Corinee calls this "Cake-barring", and Jane reluctantly agrees to participate, and we are along for the ride and an introduction to the beautiful SoCal people. The plan is progressing swimmingly until Corinne is diagnosed with a life-threatening disease.
Taking care of her friend becomes Jane's focus, going against the preferences of Corinne's parents, a bearded Mr. Fix-it played by Ron Livingston, and a deadpan mom played by Martha Kelly ("Baskets"). Corinne insists that the cake-barring continue, even as her health declines. Jane does find a boyfriend (Rish Shah), and during all of this, learns quite a lot about herself.
Cancer plays a more substantial role than the trailer would lead us to believe, and at the core, this film is about friendship and self-discovery. Corinne remains steadfast with cake-barring because she understands her friend Jane needs to build her confidence in social settings - and her delicious cakes are just the ticket.
Audrey Shulman's book is based on her experiences of a similar year, and though it's not a cookbook, it does contain 35 recipes. Here, director Sie uses very creative counters/chapters to keep us up to speed on the latest flavor, and the film admits to a year of 'hospitals and bars", It's also the first time I recall hearing the phrase "underwear bully", so kudos for that! The additional layers mentioned above are quite satisfying despite some of the unavoidable cliches. It's a pleasure to see grown women in a true friendship built on doing the right thing for the other, and also for themselves.
Releasing exclusively on Prime Video on September 8, 2023.
Jane (Yara Shahidi, "Blackish", Ticker Bell in PETER PAN & WENDY, 2023) and Corinne (Odessa A'zion, HELLRAISER, 2022) are lifelong friends, roommates and polar opposite twenty-somethings. Jane is an introvert who is pleasing her parents by studying for the LSAT in order to become a lawyer. Corinne is an extroverted party girl hoping to move up at the creative agency where she works for a tough boss played by Bette Midler.
Jane is really committed to two things: her friendship with Corinne and baking desserts, especially cakes. Corinne comes up with a strategy to help Jane meet more men. The plan is for Jane to bake 50 cakes over the next year, and the group will take each cake to a different bar to meet new people. They map out the bars geographically by stereotypes of local guys, and hang it on the wall. Corinee calls this "Cake-barring", and Jane reluctantly agrees to participate, and we are along for the ride and an introduction to the beautiful SoCal people. The plan is progressing swimmingly until Corinne is diagnosed with a life-threatening disease.
Taking care of her friend becomes Jane's focus, going against the preferences of Corinne's parents, a bearded Mr. Fix-it played by Ron Livingston, and a deadpan mom played by Martha Kelly ("Baskets"). Corinne insists that the cake-barring continue, even as her health declines. Jane does find a boyfriend (Rish Shah), and during all of this, learns quite a lot about herself.
Cancer plays a more substantial role than the trailer would lead us to believe, and at the core, this film is about friendship and self-discovery. Corinne remains steadfast with cake-barring because she understands her friend Jane needs to build her confidence in social settings - and her delicious cakes are just the ticket.
Audrey Shulman's book is based on her experiences of a similar year, and though it's not a cookbook, it does contain 35 recipes. Here, director Sie uses very creative counters/chapters to keep us up to speed on the latest flavor, and the film admits to a year of 'hospitals and bars", It's also the first time I recall hearing the phrase "underwear bully", so kudos for that! The additional layers mentioned above are quite satisfying despite some of the unavoidable cliches. It's a pleasure to see grown women in a true friendship built on doing the right thing for the other, and also for themselves.
Releasing exclusively on Prime Video on September 8, 2023.
Incredibly cute, heartwarming - grab tissues
jgrbxgxcc14 September 2023
Great acting from all in this movie. I laughed, I cried and Lots of smiling. I'm so glad I tuned in to this film. Although the beginning is super cute - out going and fun, as there have mentioned - it gets sad mid way. I had hopes that the story would change direction but it didn't and so have tissues ready. Ron Livingston is a great dad, Bette is amazing as always but the 2 stars of the film nailed every scene - amazing talent for those 2 young women. I sure hope to see them in many more films. Lastly, it's a true story and I'm glad it was made - truly honors her best friend in every possible way. Thanks you for sharing this story with us.
turns dark and sappy
SnoopyStyle12 September 2023
Shy Jane (Yara Shahidi) and outgoing Corinne (Odessa A'zion) are longtime best friends living together in L. A. Jane likes to bake cakes and brings one to a club. Corinne suggests keep making cakes for their club nights. There is a dark life turn.
The cake premise is silly. I get that it's a true story. It's silly as preparation for this dark turn. Jane needs to be more shy and nerdy. Corinne is bringing her out of her shell. The movie should steer harder into that premise. Yara Shahidi is too self-assured. She's a cool chick. Her persona is far from Jane. The movie needs to try harder or pick another actress. Once the dark turn happens, It's sappy to the core and that's great. It should wallow in the sappiness. I'm happy with the second half.
The cake premise is silly. I get that it's a true story. It's silly as preparation for this dark turn. Jane needs to be more shy and nerdy. Corinne is bringing her out of her shell. The movie should steer harder into that premise. Yara Shahidi is too self-assured. She's a cool chick. Her persona is far from Jane. The movie needs to try harder or pick another actress. Once the dark turn happens, It's sappy to the core and that's great. It should wallow in the sappiness. I'm happy with the second half.
"Music" was a bit distracting
professor_of_gamez6 November 2023
Warning: Spoilers
But then again, my age is probably 2-2.5 times the target audience for this movie.
It was an interesting movie. A bit of a downer, but well-acted and held my interest.
I had never heard of any of the actors other than Bette, of course. Odessa definitely has a future in the biz.
Would have been nice to have Bette to have had a larger role. It would have been nice if. Corinne character had more time as a junior agent before her diagnosis.
I honestly thought there was a tiny chance that Corinne would recover. In those final scenes, I also expected that Jane would say that she LOVED loved Corinne. Oh well.
It was an interesting movie. A bit of a downer, but well-acted and held my interest.
I had never heard of any of the actors other than Bette, of course. Odessa definitely has a future in the biz.
Would have been nice to have Bette to have had a larger role. It would have been nice if. Corinne character had more time as a junior agent before her diagnosis.
I honestly thought there was a tiny chance that Corinne would recover. In those final scenes, I also expected that Jane would say that she LOVED loved Corinne. Oh well.
Don't Bette on it......
drednm9 September 2023
Cutesy poo to the max even with a brain tumor.
BEACHES with a cake thrown in makes this a crumby affair of two female pals to try to bait men in bars by baking cakes and handing out slices. What's wrong with this picture?
Would bars and other venues actually allow people to bring in cakes and hand them out for free? Seems doubtful. And while this plot issue is never addressed, what about the female perp date rapist? I guess it's OK if the perp is a female?
The only ones in this film who come off as real are the parents played by Martha Kelley and Ron Livingston. All the others are duds.
And what's with Bette Midler in this nothing role? It's basically just a cameo and serves no purpose.
Watch this 2-hour dirge and you'll be screaming at the screen DIE! DIE ALREADY! .... even before the tumor shows up!
BEACHES with a cake thrown in makes this a crumby affair of two female pals to try to bait men in bars by baking cakes and handing out slices. What's wrong with this picture?
Would bars and other venues actually allow people to bring in cakes and hand them out for free? Seems doubtful. And while this plot issue is never addressed, what about the female perp date rapist? I guess it's OK if the perp is a female?
The only ones in this film who come off as real are the parents played by Martha Kelley and Ron Livingston. All the others are duds.
And what's with Bette Midler in this nothing role? It's basically just a cameo and serves no purpose.
Watch this 2-hour dirge and you'll be screaming at the screen DIE! DIE ALREADY! .... even before the tumor shows up!
Solid
SaidNDone11 September 2023
"Sitting in Bars with Cake" is the strongest of all the Amazon Prime movies I've seen so far. Its intimate focus on the friendship between the two lead characters is beautiful and I think with some stronger acting and filmmaking it could have been great.
The strength of this movie is its nearly complete focus on portraying the lives of the two main characters -- they feel like real developed people and there is genuine growth and emotion by the end of the film.
However it is held back from elevating to the likes of "Dallas Buyer's Club" by some technical factors, including -- the movie's lighting in half the scenes is far too dark and it is difficult to see what's going on, the audio seems to get garbled and the dialogue approaches Nolan levels of inaudible at times, and while Yara Shahidi did a serviceable job a stronger actress could have brought more out of the relationship (this is on full display whenever Ron Livingston and Martha Kelly are on screen as they elevate every scene they're in).
I'm between a 6 and 7 on this -- overall it is a good movie and great story that could have achieved even more if they had just ironed out a few small kinks.
The strength of this movie is its nearly complete focus on portraying the lives of the two main characters -- they feel like real developed people and there is genuine growth and emotion by the end of the film.
However it is held back from elevating to the likes of "Dallas Buyer's Club" by some technical factors, including -- the movie's lighting in half the scenes is far too dark and it is difficult to see what's going on, the audio seems to get garbled and the dialogue approaches Nolan levels of inaudible at times, and while Yara Shahidi did a serviceable job a stronger actress could have brought more out of the relationship (this is on full display whenever Ron Livingston and Martha Kelly are on screen as they elevate every scene they're in).
I'm between a 6 and 7 on this -- overall it is a good movie and great story that could have achieved even more if they had just ironed out a few small kinks.
Boys On The Side for a New Generation
stargrass-906-90618611 September 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Watching the movie with knowing what it was about, definitely caught this viewer off guard. Having watched Boys On The Side at least a hundred times over the years, Sitting In Bars With Cake comes in a credible second place. The storyline is very similar however in Bars With Cake the ladies we're already friends. It would have created greater depth in the movie if they spent a little more time exploring there past and how they became who they were today. One also really had no idea how the other members of the bar group all came together. The music was good but definitely faded more into the background, which in a movie with many bar screen was not as memorable. Overall, it was a good movie.
Heartwrenching but shows the power of real friendship
kristin-peterson9 September 2023
It's so fitting that Bette Midler appears in this movie as it does have strong Beaches vibes. I love her role as boss lady with a big heart. But the real gems are the two leads who play best friends. We see their highs and lows, their wrestling with the decisions in young adult life, but also their complete sacrificial love for one another as the movie progresses. Another thing I loved was that both girls had strong parental support (imperfect, but definitely loving and supportive). It's rare these days to have main characters with parents still married. Love that. You get really drawn into loving both female leads. I loved the ending, which I don't often say with movies. It felt right and good. This is sweet. Sad, yes, but so sweet and endearing. It will stick with you.
"SITTING IN BARS WITH CAKE" REVIEWS
Mr-Topshotta11 September 2023
Directed by Trish Sie. A runtime of two hours. Streaming on Prime Video with a PG-13 rating. A true story based on the cookbook and journal of Audrey Shulman.
"Jane" played by Yara Shahidi was born and raised in Phoenix. She's been best friends with "Corinne" played by Odessa A'zion since they were kids. Now they're both living together in Los Angeles living out their dreams. Sort of.
They both work for "Benita" played by Bette Midler the head of a talent agency. "Corinne" is still looking to be the top agent. While "Jane" is working in the mail room. She's trying to be a lawyer but is a little hesitant to go back to school to finish becoming a lawyer. But "Jane" true passion is baking cakes or anything related to baking cakes.
After a night out with their friends for "Corinne" birthday. A simple nice gesture of "Jane" baking a cake and bringing it to the bar for "Corinne", turned into something much more. "Jane" is a little shy matter fact very shy. She's an introvert with not much luck swimming in the dating pool.
After seeing how bringing a cake was such a talking point at the bar "Corinne" comes up with a plan of "Jane" making cakes and going to different bars in LA to meet men. "Jane" was apprehensive at first but eventually caved into the idea. Plus she gets to do her passion. Something she would have been doing regardless. Now this time using it to maybe catch a man. Even though the real person she likes is "Owen" played by Rish Shah. Who works in the legal department of the same company she works for.
Baking cakes and dating was fun but then "Corinne" gets some devastating news about her health. Forcing her parents "Fred" played by Ron Livingston and "Ruth" played by Martha Kelly to come down from Phoenix. You watch these young old friends use an unconventional way to be wingwomen while dealing with some heavy life drama. In this comedic drama.
"Sitting in Bars with Cake" was an interesting story. I can tell why they would want to make this into a film. It sounds made up. To be something that happened is worth being told.
The film was full of acting vets like Bette Midler and Ron Livingston. Then throw in Yara who's young but technically a vet in the acting world as well. She's been acting since she was single digits. They cast her well because the traits that Yara has displayed for the public, match her character.
This reminded me of the Seth Rogen film "50/50" which is also a true story about a good friend getting sick. That film was more drama-based with some comedy sprinkled in. This film was more light-hearted. The middle to end got serious and was very sad. It got very morbid and it made me think of my mortality. It also made me think of my mom(sad face).
At some point in the film, I wanted to chastise "Corinne". Being sick and trying to deal with curing your sickness is enough by itself. Then add a stressful job and going out on the weekends sounds exhausting. I don't know how she did it. "Corinne" is a warrior and "Jane" is a world-class friend. A true ride-or-die friend. I have one of those in my God Brother Jonathan.
I didn't like "Corinne" parents leaving and allowing "Jane" to be the one who looked after her. Ain't no way. Let's be serious if my child was gravely ill. I'm not leaving her side let alone having her friend in another state to take care of everything. At least that's how it's depicted in the film. No shade to the actual parents. I just couldn't handle that separation. I can barely handle it now under normal terms of her leaving to go to school.
One last thing while I'm thinking about it. Cakes are expensive. Doing that frequently isn't cheap. I know this from first-hand experience. My daughter loves to bake and I have paid my fair share of the ingredients.
Anyway, what seemed like a silly film got serious by the end. With all the actors diving into their true acting capabilities by the end of the film. I give this film a strong three mor fires 🔥🔥🔥.
#CosmoandtheMovieWithin #CosmoMovieBlog #CosmoLanier #SittinginBarswithCake.
"Jane" played by Yara Shahidi was born and raised in Phoenix. She's been best friends with "Corinne" played by Odessa A'zion since they were kids. Now they're both living together in Los Angeles living out their dreams. Sort of.
They both work for "Benita" played by Bette Midler the head of a talent agency. "Corinne" is still looking to be the top agent. While "Jane" is working in the mail room. She's trying to be a lawyer but is a little hesitant to go back to school to finish becoming a lawyer. But "Jane" true passion is baking cakes or anything related to baking cakes.
After a night out with their friends for "Corinne" birthday. A simple nice gesture of "Jane" baking a cake and bringing it to the bar for "Corinne", turned into something much more. "Jane" is a little shy matter fact very shy. She's an introvert with not much luck swimming in the dating pool.
After seeing how bringing a cake was such a talking point at the bar "Corinne" comes up with a plan of "Jane" making cakes and going to different bars in LA to meet men. "Jane" was apprehensive at first but eventually caved into the idea. Plus she gets to do her passion. Something she would have been doing regardless. Now this time using it to maybe catch a man. Even though the real person she likes is "Owen" played by Rish Shah. Who works in the legal department of the same company she works for.
Baking cakes and dating was fun but then "Corinne" gets some devastating news about her health. Forcing her parents "Fred" played by Ron Livingston and "Ruth" played by Martha Kelly to come down from Phoenix. You watch these young old friends use an unconventional way to be wingwomen while dealing with some heavy life drama. In this comedic drama.
"Sitting in Bars with Cake" was an interesting story. I can tell why they would want to make this into a film. It sounds made up. To be something that happened is worth being told.
The film was full of acting vets like Bette Midler and Ron Livingston. Then throw in Yara who's young but technically a vet in the acting world as well. She's been acting since she was single digits. They cast her well because the traits that Yara has displayed for the public, match her character.
This reminded me of the Seth Rogen film "50/50" which is also a true story about a good friend getting sick. That film was more drama-based with some comedy sprinkled in. This film was more light-hearted. The middle to end got serious and was very sad. It got very morbid and it made me think of my mortality. It also made me think of my mom(sad face).
At some point in the film, I wanted to chastise "Corinne". Being sick and trying to deal with curing your sickness is enough by itself. Then add a stressful job and going out on the weekends sounds exhausting. I don't know how she did it. "Corinne" is a warrior and "Jane" is a world-class friend. A true ride-or-die friend. I have one of those in my God Brother Jonathan.
I didn't like "Corinne" parents leaving and allowing "Jane" to be the one who looked after her. Ain't no way. Let's be serious if my child was gravely ill. I'm not leaving her side let alone having her friend in another state to take care of everything. At least that's how it's depicted in the film. No shade to the actual parents. I just couldn't handle that separation. I can barely handle it now under normal terms of her leaving to go to school.
One last thing while I'm thinking about it. Cakes are expensive. Doing that frequently isn't cheap. I know this from first-hand experience. My daughter loves to bake and I have paid my fair share of the ingredients.
Anyway, what seemed like a silly film got serious by the end. With all the actors diving into their true acting capabilities by the end of the film. I give this film a strong three mor fires 🔥🔥🔥.
#CosmoandtheMovieWithin #CosmoMovieBlog #CosmoLanier #SittinginBarswithCake.
Stinks on Ice.
waldoborolibby9 September 2023
Don't watch Sitting in Bars with Cakes (2023) for Bette Midler cuz she ain't in it. Running an agonizing 120 minutes, Midler is on screen for maybe 5 minutes. Film centers on two young women roommates (actresses I never heard of) who live in LA and work at a music publishing company where they work for Midler. One of them is supposedly studying to the LSAT exams so she can get into law school but she prefers baking cakes. They strike on a lame plan to bake a cake and take it to bars (probably illegal from the get-go ... you trying bringing a cake into a bar or restaurant and passing it around) to meet men.
But the plan gets fouled up when the other one comes down with a brain tumor and can't go barhopping any more. It's a slog from there with the sick one getting sicker and sicker while the friend tends to her .... shades of Beaches! Midler doesn't register at all since she has no part. The only ones who do are the sick one's parents from Phoenix (Martha Kelly, Ron Livingston) who are fine. The cook's parents (both lawyers I think) also get nothing to do. Pretty bad.
But the plan gets fouled up when the other one comes down with a brain tumor and can't go barhopping any more. It's a slog from there with the sick one getting sicker and sicker while the friend tends to her .... shades of Beaches! Midler doesn't register at all since she has no part. The only ones who do are the sick one's parents from Phoenix (Martha Kelly, Ron Livingston) who are fine. The cook's parents (both lawyers I think) also get nothing to do. Pretty bad.
sweet + lovely
airesamor10 September 2023
<3 such a lovely and warm watch - yara shahidi shines! All the best elements of a fun tale of friendship. I laughed! I cried! I treasured what was not fiction (*the magic of friendship*)! WE loves titles that prioritize friendship and love with a perfect ending. Wish I could take a slice to-go but instead I will be rewatching quarterly. Odessa is also a star in this flick, as both young women show humility and promise in their empathetic depictions of such a story! Also love that they honoured Shahidi's family ensuring that her real family dynamic is depicted, as a black and iranian young lady!
An okay watch
exceladeogun12 September 2023
Sitting In Bars With Cake
Based on a cookbook of the same title, this is a tale of friendship, cakes and hospitals. Jane (played by Yara Shahidi) concocts a plan of bringing cakes into bars to distribute to patrons as a way of meeting new people, and potentially a lover. A hitch occurs when her best friend, Corrine, is diagnosed with brain cancer.
The movie does a good job of showing the friendship at the core.
Yara Shahidi isn't a well-rounded actress, and it was very apparent in this movie. The inclusion of chuckles and laughs in most of her lines was irking. Odessa A'zion as Corrine was a delight, and her shoulders deftly carried the weight of the duo. The supporting cast isn't very memorable but satisfactory.
There's nothing inherently amazing about Sitting In Bars With Cake, but the emotional core is enough for one-watch.
5.5/10.
Based on a cookbook of the same title, this is a tale of friendship, cakes and hospitals. Jane (played by Yara Shahidi) concocts a plan of bringing cakes into bars to distribute to patrons as a way of meeting new people, and potentially a lover. A hitch occurs when her best friend, Corrine, is diagnosed with brain cancer.
The movie does a good job of showing the friendship at the core.
Yara Shahidi isn't a well-rounded actress, and it was very apparent in this movie. The inclusion of chuckles and laughs in most of her lines was irking. Odessa A'zion as Corrine was a delight, and her shoulders deftly carried the weight of the duo. The supporting cast isn't very memorable but satisfactory.
There's nothing inherently amazing about Sitting In Bars With Cake, but the emotional core is enough for one-watch.
5.5/10.
Friendship at its best level
bagerah117 September 2023
I didn't know anything about this movie before I watched it. After watching it, I would recommend it to everyone. It's a feel good movie in the sense that two lifelong best friends show how when you find "your person" they become framily, and framily gets you: good, bad or indifferent. It's about seeing the best in other people and wanting to help them shine.
This movie is bittersweet, and sad at times, but it never loses sight of its original intent. I recommend watching it with your best friend, or someone you feel close too, and afterwards reminding them how much they mean to you! Bette Midler is fabulous as always!
This movie is bittersweet, and sad at times, but it never loses sight of its original intent. I recommend watching it with your best friend, or someone you feel close too, and afterwards reminding them how much they mean to you! Bette Midler is fabulous as always!
Based on a true story of long-time friends.
TxMike24 September 2023
Warning: Spoilers
My wife and I watched this movie at home, streaming on Amazon. It is a good story, based on real people and real events, but we had a hard time "getting into it." The first half-hour or so seemed to both of us as disjointed, there didn't seem to be any flow. Plus a couple of characters, co-workers of the two female friends, were loud and annoying and we thought we had made a mistake choosing it for our Saturday after-dinner movie.
However once it got going, and after it became clear why they were baking cakes to take to bars, to meet people, it flowed a bit better.
Then the big curve ball came along, one friend had been having headaches, then had a seizure, and a hospital visit turned up a problem in her brain.
So the movie is mostly about how these two old friends tacked the issue and how they were able to nurture it right down to the end. The two female actors each were very good in their roles.
However once it got going, and after it became clear why they were baking cakes to take to bars, to meet people, it flowed a bit better.
Then the big curve ball came along, one friend had been having headaches, then had a seizure, and a hospital visit turned up a problem in her brain.
So the movie is mostly about how these two old friends tacked the issue and how they were able to nurture it right down to the end. The two female actors each were very good in their roles.
NEVER RISING TO THE OCCASION...?
masonfisk9 October 2023
An Amazon Prime original movie currently streaming. Feeling she doesn't have a means to talk to guys at bars, a lowly record company mailperson, Yara Shahidi, decides to bake cakes (different ones for every venture she makes to a particular watering hole) as a means to break the ice which her roommate & best bud, Odessa A'zion (from Hulu's Hellraiser remake), wholeheartedly is in favor of which does stir up conversation & taste buds but life decides to throw a monkey wrench into the works when A'zion, who complains of constant headaches, is given a cancer diagnosis which she now has to fight. Throughout the health crisis, both friends try to maintain a positive outlook throughout A'zion's treatment by still frequenting cantinas w/their baked goods until the specter of bad news, the treatment doesn't work, puts the film into autopilot as both friends have to navigate a new course in their relationship. W/an unwieldy title (how about Barcaking?) & asking the audience to believe Shahidi would have trouble finding a date, this tale, inspired by true events, is all surface w/a storyline which has been done much better (2020's All My Life, also based on a real couple which involved food & Zoe Saldana's excellent From Scratch limited series on Netflix) making this venture into the romantic culinary arts (how much money is she making, those ingredients are not cheap?) kind of reminiscent of a deflated soufflé baking in the oven. Forgive the pun, it wrote itself. Also starring Bette Midler as the roomies' boss, Ron Livingston as A-zion's dad, Rish Shah (from Ms. Marvel) as Shahidi's love interest, Navid Negahban as Shahidi's dad & frequent Disney/Freeform star Maia Mitchell as one of the best buds' best bud.
Made Me Miss My BFF
cowgirli6922 September 2023
Warning: Spoilers
I loved this movie. Sappy, yes. But it reminded me of losing my best friend. They were just your average 20somethings trying to live their best lives and they get rocked.
I loved how their love and friendship for each other helped them take on the world even if it didn't go as planned. They were ready to do it their way and they tried. Better to try than to be miserable.
This movie shows you to live your life the way you want to because you never know what the universe has planned for you.
I did not know this was based on a true story which makes me love it all the more. Now I have to buy the book.
I loved how their love and friendship for each other helped them take on the world even if it didn't go as planned. They were ready to do it their way and they tried. Better to try than to be miserable.
This movie shows you to live your life the way you want to because you never know what the universe has planned for you.
I did not know this was based on a true story which makes me love it all the more. Now I have to buy the book.
Not a comedy or Romance
mdfhhs28 September 2023
If you are expecting a romance or comedy, this is not the movie for you. But it is a lovely movie of friendship and finding and following your dreams. Good cast. Clever premise. A different take on the coming of age movie that's relevant to today's world. Bring lots and lots and lots of tissues because you will start crying halfway through it and won't necessarily stop crying. Heart wrenchingly lovely-you should be clued in by Bette Midler that you will be getting something more like Beaches. The cakes are fantastic to look at and in the end you'll be satisfied, as long as you realize Corrine is a foil and it's all about Jane.
DON't Listen to the HATERS
surayilmaz21 September 2023
How cold hearted can someone be doesn't like this film? Grow some empathy and let's not forget that this is about real people going through real problems and emotions! We don't always have to experience the worst ourselves to understand other people's pain.
Wonderfully written dialogue, not cheesy in the slightest, best portrayal of real feelings. Hooked from the first minutes and cried throughout.
May even have a few good indications on how to deal with that kind of situation if in need.
I'd highly recommend watching it and recommending it but maybe with a little trigger warning in case the other person isn't in the right headspace :)
Wonderfully written dialogue, not cheesy in the slightest, best portrayal of real feelings. Hooked from the first minutes and cried throughout.
May even have a few good indications on how to deal with that kind of situation if in need.
I'd highly recommend watching it and recommending it but maybe with a little trigger warning in case the other person isn't in the right headspace :)
A Must See! Finally A Great Movie and Cast!
dcolelli-5866411 September 2023
It's been a while since I've loved a good movie and wow am I happy I watched this one!
It's Great! Not a thing at all to say negative about it! Great cast,Great movie and it's a True Story! KUDOS TO ALL!!!
If you haven't seen it yet, you must and I'm sure you'll feel the same way I do about it:))
It's been a while since I've loved a good movie and wow am I happy I watched this one!
It's Great! Not a thing at all to say negative about it! Great cast,Great movie and it's a True Story! KUDOS TO ALL!!!
If you haven't seen it yet, you must and I'm sure you'll feel the same way I do about it:))
It's Great! Not a thing at all to say negative about it! Great cast,Great movie and it's a True Story! KUDOS TO ALL!!!
If you haven't seen it yet, you must and I'm sure you'll feel the same way I do about it:))
It's been a while since I've loved a good movie and wow am I happy I watched this one!
It's Great! Not a thing at all to say negative about it! Great cast,Great movie and it's a True Story! KUDOS TO ALL!!!
If you haven't seen it yet, you must and I'm sure you'll feel the same way I do about it:))
Actually a well done serious film disguised initially as a romcom
wighta17 September 2023
Warning: Spoilers
"A life altering diagnosis" actually means a life threatening but treatable disease...Some months later however the disease returns in what proves to be a non-treatable form. But she sticks firmly with her friend nursing her , with the patient's parents, around the clock in home hospice. The home hospice scenes are highly sanitized, but then this a PG-13 movie. But the film still somehow ends nicely with an unexpectedly happy ending.
I found the early part of the film somewhat unrealistic...one friend is studying to apply to law school, but there are no books in their shared apartment...and you never see her reading. And she wants a boyfriend, but appears content to go for men much less bright than herself.. ..how awful, if that is true.
I found the early part of the film somewhat unrealistic...one friend is studying to apply to law school, but there are no books in their shared apartment...and you never see her reading. And she wants a boyfriend, but appears content to go for men much less bright than herself.. ..how awful, if that is true.
A Pleasant Surprise
serenar2718 September 2023
Warning: Spoilers
When I decided to watch 'Sitting in Bars with Cake' over the weekend, I was not expecting it to turn out to be one of my favourite films of the year. I went into the film expecting a fluffy chick-flick, with no idea that I'd end up crying throughout its majority.
Adapted from a cookbook of the same name, 'Sitting in Bars with Cake' follows a pair of best friends who embark on a 'cakebarring' endeavour. Jane is a shy 20-something who enjoys baking cakes, and her best friend Corinne encourages her to take baked goods to bars in order to meet new people. Unfortunately, there is a setback to this venture when Jane gets diagnosed with a life-altering illness.
'Sitting in Bars with Cake' is a moving film about the importance of friendship. It touches on the power of food in bringing people together. The film is bound to resonate with anyone who enjoyed 'Me and Earl and the Dying Girl', 'The Fault in Our Stars', 'Julie & Julia', 'Waitress', 'Now Is Good' and 'Chocolat'.
Adapted from a cookbook of the same name, 'Sitting in Bars with Cake' follows a pair of best friends who embark on a 'cakebarring' endeavour. Jane is a shy 20-something who enjoys baking cakes, and her best friend Corinne encourages her to take baked goods to bars in order to meet new people. Unfortunately, there is a setback to this venture when Jane gets diagnosed with a life-altering illness.
'Sitting in Bars with Cake' is a moving film about the importance of friendship. It touches on the power of food in bringing people together. The film is bound to resonate with anyone who enjoyed 'Me and Earl and the Dying Girl', 'The Fault in Our Stars', 'Julie & Julia', 'Waitress', 'Now Is Good' and 'Chocolat'.
LOVED LOVED LOVED
valica-338493 December 2023
I really loved how it didn't just focus on one aspect of the movie. But it just went all around and it just kept me intrigued the whole time. The whole point of this movie was to make me cry at the end. You have achieved it because I was right there with her. I mean, you felt each character and it's a little weighing. Turn up the family dynamic. Can I just love how people that meet at a young age and just continue to be friends? The rest of the lives, it's more than a marriage, it's a friendship, a true friendship like a little intimate talks that they had just between the 2 of them. The little private jokes with one can just look at the other. And they both just start laughing I wish I had a friend like that.
Absolutely Refreshing
jamila_thesung1 October 2023
Warning: Spoilers
As one watches the film, it becomes incredibly obvious that it's based on true life
A truly refreshing film, in a sea of films with the same old storyline rehashed with different detailing
The type of film that AI could never write or compete with
The actresses did a remarkable job, especially Odessa. It was a treat to watch, felt richer for having seen this film
For me personally, this is what I love about stories and films - the ability to take you somewhere else and expand your horizon, not in an escapist way, but in a gentle familiar way, that maybe softly changes how you look at bars and cakes and people on different continents.
I love that we're getting to see such a simple, sweet tale in a well-made Silver Screen visual delight. I mean the cakes alone would've been nice to watch, but then they added the bars which gave depth and humor supported by friendship and life goals. Chef's kiss.
A truly refreshing film, in a sea of films with the same old storyline rehashed with different detailing
The type of film that AI could never write or compete with
The actresses did a remarkable job, especially Odessa. It was a treat to watch, felt richer for having seen this film
For me personally, this is what I love about stories and films - the ability to take you somewhere else and expand your horizon, not in an escapist way, but in a gentle familiar way, that maybe softly changes how you look at bars and cakes and people on different continents.
I love that we're getting to see such a simple, sweet tale in a well-made Silver Screen visual delight. I mean the cakes alone would've been nice to watch, but then they added the bars which gave depth and humor supported by friendship and life goals. Chef's kiss.
Touching story with some decent cakes
link_560313 January 2024
Warning: Spoilers
I thought the setup behind it was really cool to make cakes to bring to bars to meet people. What a fun way to build up a hobby. The way the director introduced the cakes was really neat. I love how they planned the cakes for each bar they were going to go to- really cool idea for pairing. (Yes, you are allowed to bring cakes into bars.) Showing growth of her realizing her passion and being more self-confident was fine, but she already seemed to be really really good at making cakes. Some growth there would've been nice to see. Cake #1 was nearly as good as the last few cakes.
Then the story takes a turn, where I agree with another review, that the trailer of this does not let on how cancer-heavy this movie gets. You get to know the characters and their friendship and it's a fun, sad ride. I thought the lead could've been more shy. The last shot of them in bed was shaky that it was interrupting the moment.
Cute movie overall! Really enjoyed.
Then the story takes a turn, where I agree with another review, that the trailer of this does not let on how cancer-heavy this movie gets. You get to know the characters and their friendship and it's a fun, sad ride. I thought the lead could've been more shy. The last shot of them in bed was shaky that it was interrupting the moment.
Cute movie overall! Really enjoyed.
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