A story about two sisters who invent a chocolate cake that makes you lose weight? Get out the popcorn and sign me up! At the time of this review, this film is free on Amazon Prime. But even if it was a standard 3.99 rental on Amazon, it would be well worth it. Hell, I'd pay to see this in the theater! This movie was likeable, charming and wacky fun from beginning to end. It goes deliciously over the top in a way comedies used to back in the day, and I couldn't get enough of it. I loved the sisters, the story... the cake! Let's face it, these are not the easiest times in the world. Here's a film where for an hour and a half you can just forget about everything, sit back and have a really great time. What's not to love about that? Kudos to the filmmaker. Now let's eat some cake!
10 Reviews
A sweet-natured comedy
baccaruda115 March 2023
Warning: Spoilers
This film showcases quadruple threat Jody Mortara's emerging talents as a film maker. She has penned a sweet tale of two sisters trying to find success together but running into challenges that test them in ways big and small. The central conceit of the film is that they have a devised a delicious chocolate cake recipe that when you indulge, actually helps folks LOSE weight. Of course this brilliant idea has enormous business potential, but there is always the question of where seed money comes from. Naturally, there are businessmen of questionable ethics who are brought in on the deal, pushing the sisters into situations they never dreamed of. Overall this is a pleasant indie, with nothing offensive, other than a small threat of violence. There are ongoing comedic moments, in a couple instances, I found the acting to be a little too broad for my tastes, as the cast aims for slapstick and sight gags. Which upon a little reflection many viewers might enjoy. I think this film would have benefitted from more sharply written and crisply sites jokes, but that's a small issue. Ms. Mortara also edited and acted as music supervisor, and one can see the genesis of a multi-talented film maker. After watching, I feel that someday I'll be able to say I was one of the first on the Mortara Train!
Thinking of skipping this? Fugetaboutit.
RBIves-202-72535220 March 2023
This movie does not take place in real life, and that's ok. It's a comedy full of cartoonish characters, unbelievable coincidences, and I was along for the ride the whole way. After two Bad luck prone sisters setup up a dinner to pitch their wonder product (a chocolate cake that helps you lose weight), things go awry in every way possible. Cue the mistaken identities, interconnecting motives, and a mad scientist, er, veterinarian.
The acting is spot on, these women don't realize they're in a farce. The music adds to the whimsical tone. The whole story builds to an ending you won't see coming.
The acting is spot on, these women don't realize they're in a farce. The music adds to the whimsical tone. The whole story builds to an ending you won't see coming.
Funny Stuff!!!
tm-0543716 May 2023
Jody Mortara hit a home run with this wacky, funny film Cocoa! Super job, writing, co-directing, co-starring, co-editing, music supervisor...this woman must wear a cape:)
I love the way all of the various story lines converged and one by one were resolved, quite an undertaking for a first-timer!
I have a tendency to steal lines from movies that I like and then incorporate them into my family conversation. One of my favorite lines that has become a rotating joke in my family is Hope's line about the coat on the train tracks: "Oh, that's so sad", I found her delivery and the line itself so funny that I use it in household conversation to the point that my kids roll their eyes and give me an "oh-no dad", stop.
This is a funny, family-friendly film that we have watched numerous times with friends and family! It is nice to watch a movie that isn't filled with expletives and violence. Truly a funny, wacky ride!!!
I love the way all of the various story lines converged and one by one were resolved, quite an undertaking for a first-timer!
I have a tendency to steal lines from movies that I like and then incorporate them into my family conversation. One of my favorite lines that has become a rotating joke in my family is Hope's line about the coat on the train tracks: "Oh, that's so sad", I found her delivery and the line itself so funny that I use it in household conversation to the point that my kids roll their eyes and give me an "oh-no dad", stop.
This is a funny, family-friendly film that we have watched numerous times with friends and family! It is nice to watch a movie that isn't filled with expletives and violence. Truly a funny, wacky ride!!!
Chocolate and Fun
dtittone22 March 2023
Triple threat Jody Mortara, who serves as the writer, star, and co-director (with Joe Gawalis) of "Cocoa," delivers a fun comedy about two sisters (Jody Mortara and Megan McGarvey) who develop a special cake that allows people to enjoy the desert with the knowledge that they are cutting weight as a result. The chemistry between Mortara and McGarvey is clear immediately, and the two provide for a fun and entertaining ride as they encounter a multitude of silly characters who are intrigued by their creation. If you're looking for a fun and silly comedy, check out "Cocoa." I highly recommend this fun film!
Where can I get this cake recipe?
jeff-330852 April 2023
This one was definitely a different kind of comedy. After two sisters find their lives falling apart rather quickly, they try to start a company that will sell chocolate cake that makes you lose weight...qnd then it all goes off the rails.
Mistaken identities, mob bosses, a mad scientist/veterinarian and a dog that died but isn't really dead...this thing takes a LOT of twists along the way!
Jody Mortaro and Cedric Gegel put in the best performances of the film, and Mortaro's comedic timing was perfect. When you watch this film - and you should - pay attention to the background commentary. Some of the best one-liners might slip past you!
Mistaken identities, mob bosses, a mad scientist/veterinarian and a dog that died but isn't really dead...this thing takes a LOT of twists along the way!
Jody Mortaro and Cedric Gegel put in the best performances of the film, and Mortaro's comedic timing was perfect. When you watch this film - and you should - pay attention to the background commentary. Some of the best one-liners might slip past you!
"Cocoa" is a delightful slapstick comedy that tickles your funny bone
ethan_minsker13 April 2024
"Cocoa" is a delightful slapstick comedy that tickles your funny bone with an abundance of spit takes and Pratt falls. The heartwarming tale follows two sisters as they navigate through life's unpredictable twists and turns while managing to keep their wits intact. Set against the charming backdrop of Morristown, New Jersey, the town itself becomes a vibrant supporting character, with its churches, police station, coffee shops, and streets adding depth to the narrative.
One of the film's greatest strengths lies in its ability to evoke a sense of wanderlust, as it paints a vivid picture of Morristown that makes viewers eager to pack their bags and explore the quaint town firsthand. Jody Mortara, both the mastermind behind the film and one of its stars, shines brightly, showcasing her talent and versatility in this comedic gem.
Despite the whirlwind of events that unfold on screen, "Cocoa" expertly ties up every loose end by the time the credits roll, leaving audiences satisfied and smiling. With its perfect blend of humor, heart, and hometown charm, "Cocoa" is a must-watch for anyone in need of a good laugh and a touch of whimsy.
One of the film's greatest strengths lies in its ability to evoke a sense of wanderlust, as it paints a vivid picture of Morristown that makes viewers eager to pack their bags and explore the quaint town firsthand. Jody Mortara, both the mastermind behind the film and one of its stars, shines brightly, showcasing her talent and versatility in this comedic gem.
Despite the whirlwind of events that unfold on screen, "Cocoa" expertly ties up every loose end by the time the credits roll, leaving audiences satisfied and smiling. With its perfect blend of humor, heart, and hometown charm, "Cocoa" is a must-watch for anyone in need of a good laugh and a touch of whimsy.
This will make your day! Don't miss it!
stevesoyka16 May 2023
I truly enjoyed Jody Mortara's comedy Cocoa. A comedy with adventure, that hope and faith can allow us to push through just about anything, as seen throughout this fast pace unpredictable hilarious comedy. The two sisters, Faith (Mortara) and Hope (McGarvey) had a wonderful relationship that grew with every turn. The lovable dog Cocoa was another element of lighthearted and unpredictable fun. When Cocoa eats the secret chocolate cake creation it seemed like it was the end, until Dr Dogwood saves the day. Of course, a crazy Dr that appears to have only one foot in this reality and bring Cocoa back to life!
I Hope to see more entertainment like this in the future. We need lighthearted comedy, fun adventure, and something to always remind us that we all need more Faith and Hope.
I Hope to see more entertainment like this in the future. We need lighthearted comedy, fun adventure, and something to always remind us that we all need more Faith and Hope.
Delightful Screwball Comedy
JeromeV7963111 April 2024
This was a really enjoyable movie. Story centers around two sisters at the end of their rope financially who invent something that has never existed before: chocolate cake that makes you lose weight. This kicks off a crazy adventure with a colorful cast of supporting characters. You've got the wealthy socialite wife (investor), her bumbling underling, a mob boss interested in getting a piece of the action, one dead body, a sick dog, police, a news reporter hell-bent on making her mark, the list goes on. Kudos to writer/co-director and lead actress Jody Mortara and co-director Joe Gawalis for keeping the pace and the silliness happening at regular intervals. In the spirit of the British comedies of late. I really liked this one!
A Female Buddy Movie Comedy Confection
nathan-3071525 April 2023
Jody Mortara's comedy Cocoa is designed and executed to be as light and free of heaviness as the miraculous calorie-free chocolate cake concocted by the movie's central buddy act: sisters Faith (Mortara) and Hope (Megan McGarvey), who team up after disaster hits both of them simultaneously. Just as Faith's world collapses in an acrimonious divorce, Hope, a brilliant chemist, loses her job, leaving them both penniless and in need of quick cash. When they combine their respective talents in baking and science to invent a a cake that helps people lose weight the world beats a path to their door led by benefactor Charles (John Bernieri) and Jacqueline (Marian Edmiston), a kind venture capitalist, but just as they are on the verge of success, the film's titular character, Cocoa, an adorable dog with a sweet tooth wrecks their plans and everything spins out of control. Soon the sisters are enmeshed in a complex web of high jinks involving a wacky vet, Dr. Dogwood (Pat Swearingen), a jealous husband, Mortimer (Joh Soresi), a duplicitous gigolo, Lucas (Cedric Gegel) a local mob boss, Carmine (Tony Cucci), the entire police department, and a ham-fisted local traffic reporter, Christina (Siena D'Addario). Writer/Star Mortara, who co-directs, produces and edits with Joe Gawalis, keeps the tone light and the pace rapid, while DP John Bianco lights high key with a palette of confectionery colors.
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