Cake
| Release Date: January 23, 2015
6.3
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 73 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
36
Mixed:
28
Negative:
9
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0
annasiamFeb 18, 2015
Not another Aniston bomb! Please someone let her know that she can't act and to stop. I'm getting embarrassed for her. There is a reason this never made it to many theaters and was being pulled after the first week out.
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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3
GreatMartinJan 23, 2015
Jennifer Aniston gives an excellent performance as a woman suffering both physical and mental pain. The hair is stringy, the face scarred, the body constantly in pain as she seeks relief with Percocet and alcohol. Her husband, Chris Messina,Jennifer Aniston gives an excellent performance as a woman suffering both physical and mental pain. The hair is stringy, the face scarred, the body constantly in pain as she seeks relief with Percocet and alcohol. Her husband, Chris Messina, has left to fight his own demons, she has been thrown out of a support group and aside from a loveless interlude now and then with her gardener, Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, her main companionship is with her housekeeper Adriana Barraza, who equals Aniston’s performance. The two women represent the imbalance white women and their Mexican help have, particularly in Southern California, though it is only followed through in one quick scene.

“Cake” contains not only fine performances by Aniston and Bazzaza but also from Felicity Huffman, as a support group leader, along with a cameo by William H. Macy that is too short to have the impact it should plus Sam Worthington as a husband who recently lost a wife, Anna Kendrick, to suicide as she couldn’t deal with the constant pain, with a young boy to raise.

The sad thing about “Cake” is that the screenplay by Patrick Tobin, and the director Daniel Barnz, doesn’t even come close to what the actors give them to work with. They play it safe and go with the story of why Aniston is in such pain with a bunch of clichés that are telegraphed way before it has any impact.

“Cake” is, what was called in the 1940s, a 4 hankie picture and would have been a star vehicle with say Bette Davis and though Jennifer Aniston equals a performance of that stature unfortunately the screenplay and direction lets them down and we get a 1 hankie picture instead.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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5
MattBrady99Mar 10, 2015
Okay here's my impression of Jennifer Aniston in this movie: (╯︵╰,)

The story is about Claire Simmons when she attends a chronic pain support group and becomes nearly obsessed when one of the women in the group commits suicides. TheOkay here's my impression of Jennifer Aniston in this movie: (╯︵╰,)

The story is about Claire Simmons when she attends a chronic pain support group and becomes nearly obsessed when one of the women in the group commits suicides. The fascination leads to her getting close to the woman's husband and maybe will even help her deal with her own personal tragedy.

Well since it's almost the end of Oscar season with the Oscars on Sunday, but before the Oscars coming around I still got some other reviews that's been nominated for some other big awards and also a Oscar. Now Cake is a movie that's not been nominated for a Oscar, only a Golden Globe and a SAG award and nothing else really. I just watched Cake about a couple of days ago and...it's not really that good, it's actually a mediocre film that only got the attention that it has is only because of Jennifer Aniston performance, so if you take away Aniston in this movie a lot of people wouldn't care for this film.

Jennifer Aniston performances in this movie and I know I'm going to get my ass kicked for saying this but F it, it's freedom of speech and I can say what I really think, and what I'm saying is her performance in this movie was....okay. I'm sorry but her performance didn't really wow me in any way, she didn't do a bad performance absolutely not, I just think with the other outstanding performances from 2014 from actress and actors, Ainston's was on that level. I know she put a lot of time and effort into her character but I didn't really see that on screen and I didn't really care about her character. I know I sound cruel and unfair by saying that but hey I'm being honest here.

The rest of the cast all do fine in they roles, the directing was okay so was the writing. Overall Cake was just a bland and quite dull with nothing really interesting to show us.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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10
annbdMay 3, 2018
If you are in a period of depression or this is your everyday struggle with life and basically you are full of s***, then you will feel the connection and be totally satisfied with the film. I guess people find this movie boring, because ofIf you are in a period of depression or this is your everyday struggle with life and basically you are full of s***, then you will feel the connection and be totally satisfied with the film. I guess people find this movie boring, because of it's subject. And the subject is depression, so basically nothing should be happening, because this is what depression is - only clouds, no events, no wishes .


Anyway, I find this movie outstanding and Jennifer Aniston's performance brilliant. For people, who say they don't like the movie - okay, but for those, who claim Aniston acted badly - I'm very sorry, but your judgment for acting is too incorrect to write reviews for films. To critics I can say - your opinion for movies are almost every time wrong, too exaggerated or too underestimating. This time is no exception. Open your eyes and mind, it's funny in bad way.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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5
TVJerryJan 26, 2015
Jennifer Aniston forgoes good hair and makeup as a woman suffering from chronic physical pain and mental anguish. She slogs thru her life in a pain-killer-induced stupor. Even with sympathy for the character's plight, Aniston one-noteJennifer Aniston forgoes good hair and makeup as a woman suffering from chronic physical pain and mental anguish. She slogs thru her life in a pain-killer-induced stupor. Even with sympathy for the character's plight, Aniston one-note performance doesn't mine any depth or empathy. Not surprisingly, she does best with the few funny lines. It's not all her fault: director Daniel Barnz lets the character's haze dominate the pace. The plot is "painfully" predictable, including the tragic loss of a child and inevitable tortured companion (Sam Worthington) who helps turn her life around. This character study may find advocates in people who have experienced her plight, but it doesn't reach it's dramatic potential.… Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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10
DamionJan 27, 2015
It’s official.

Jennifer Aniston has been robbed of an Oscar. And a Golden Globe and a Screen Actor’s Guild Award, for that matter. In a year that gave us an extraordinary array of lead roles for men and an even more extraordinaryIt’s official.

Jennifer Aniston has been robbed of an Oscar.

And a Golden Globe and a Screen Actor’s Guild Award, for that matter.

In a year that gave us an extraordinary array of lead roles for men and an even more extraordinary roles for supporting women, 2014 proved to not offer too many truly memorable roles for leading women.

And with all due respect, as much as I utterly adore this year’s award-snagger and Oscar front runner Julianne Moore and think she has been deserving more than once for the little gold guy, it is officially an outrage that Jennifer Aniston did not get an Oscar nomination.

Because she should have won.

“Cake” is an utterly heartbreaking yet breathtaking look at the pain of loss, both physical and emotional, and the seemingly impossible task of finding the strength to go on. Or even get up.

Aniston is nothing short of astonishing as Claire Bennett, a woman who has just about lost everything but a slim will to live, a loyal housekeeper, crippling remorse and the ability to find reasons to just barely get through her day through the help of Percocet, wine, arguments and awkward casual sex.

And then she stalks Roy.

The less you know about the film, no doubt the more you will gain, but this study of pain and loss and stumbling upon that one little thing that might just give you a little more strength than you had yesterday is one of the most astounding films of this year or any in recent memory.

Not only will Aniston leave you in awe like she has never done before in the single best role of her career thus far, both Sam Worthington and Adrianna Barrazza are utterly brilliant in their supporting roles and both could easily have garnered nominations in a less competitive year for those categories.

“Cake” didn’t just move me…it sunk right into my soul and gave me a better understanding of the human condition of sorrow…the likes of which I hope I never have to experience myself.… Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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0
michaFeb 18, 2015
Jen can't act. Boring movie. She must work for cheap to get people to hire her. Same old Rachel mannerisms that she depends on in every movie. Just looking dowdy does not make a film.
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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8
LowbrowCinemaJan 27, 2015
Can Jennifer Aniston do no wrong? After seeing CAKE I realized how much I have loved Aniston in every dramatic and challenging role. In CAKE, she captures the small nuances of a troubled, angry, mean, and actually pretty rotten woman. And yetCan Jennifer Aniston do no wrong? After seeing CAKE I realized how much I have loved Aniston in every dramatic and challenging role. In CAKE, she captures the small nuances of a troubled, angry, mean, and actually pretty rotten woman. And yet we have such empathy for this awful contemporary creature. The film has the guts to not tell us why this woman has become who she is. Only organically through moments of conversation and small hints do we find out. Despite her profound loss and sorrow, she has been abandoned by everyone around you. You would do the same the film has the courage to state. CAKE is a film with a strong position against our new age influenced culture with its focus on closure and "my truth." Who gives a damn about you. Life can suck. Grow up. I wish that CAKE were better staying away from Hollywood plot points but these misses do not undermine the overall strengths of CAKE.… Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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10
davein310Jan 23, 2015
Don't write a lot of reviews, but I have to counteract the reviews given by holier than thou professional critics. If you or someone you know has been through extreme emotional and/or physical pain, then this movie should be seen. I can'tDon't write a lot of reviews, but I have to counteract the reviews given by holier than thou professional critics. If you or someone you know has been through extreme emotional and/or physical pain, then this movie should be seen. I can't believe Aniston didn't get a nomination. So good. Some very funny moments, but it definitely left a lump in my throat more than a few times.… Expand
2 of 6 users found this helpful24
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8
beingryanjudeJan 24, 2015
With one of the most honest, raw and frankly beautiful performances of her career, Jennifer Aniston may finally receive the Oscar attention she deserves. Cake is subtle and poignant. It strikes at your heart--you cringe and you laugh. AWith one of the most honest, raw and frankly beautiful performances of her career, Jennifer Aniston may finally receive the Oscar attention she deserves. Cake is subtle and poignant. It strikes at your heart--you cringe and you laugh. A perfect telling of struggles in life.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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6
ajarias96Jan 23, 2015
Cake isn't the greatest movie ever made, it doesn't have the greatest script, our even originality, what it does have though, is an incredible performance by Jennifer Aniston. Pain is an universal theme felt by all of us and Cake realizes itCake isn't the greatest movie ever made, it doesn't have the greatest script, our even originality, what it does have though, is an incredible performance by Jennifer Aniston. Pain is an universal theme felt by all of us and Cake realizes it and takes us on a journey of a character with tremendous amounts of pain. That's one thing about pain we've all felt it and we all know what it feels like. Jennifer Aniston knows pain and as Claire she takes the audience along as we go through this journey with her. Supporting characters played by Academy Award nominees Anna Kendrick and Adriana Bazarra not only make the film more delightful and entertaining but also raise up Aniston's game that much higher. Cake is not for the light hearted, it will move you, and it will probably make you cry but only because of a brilliant performance by Jennifer Aniston.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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7
LynJun 9, 2015
She's still gorgeous, of course, but Jennifer Aniston finally has reached the point where some pretty good makeup and a depressed demeanor can make her look at lot more relatable. I wanted to compare it with "The Good Girl," another prettyShe's still gorgeous, of course, but Jennifer Aniston finally has reached the point where some pretty good makeup and a depressed demeanor can make her look at lot more relatable. I wanted to compare it with "The Good Girl," another pretty good portrayal by her that couldn't quite make you believe her in a blue-collar setting. I thought she was good as this depressed woman with every reason to give up on life. The problem here was that so many actresses have done the grieving mother in a way that rips your heart out ... Nicole Kidman, Naomi Watts, Mary Tyler Moore, and maybe most stunningly, Laura Morante in "The Son's Room" (Italian). "Cake" just isn't different enough or strong enough overall to compare with those films. Neither is Aniston, but her portrayal of depression is convincing.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
ledaumasJan 25, 2015
Depressing movie, depressing role. But what a genius Jennifer Aniston is with her ability to make a sad scene funny. She didn't get the Oscar nod because it's a depressing character with limited redemption. But someday, with the right role,Depressing movie, depressing role. But what a genius Jennifer Aniston is with her ability to make a sad scene funny. She didn't get the Oscar nod because it's a depressing character with limited redemption. But someday, with the right role, that nod will come.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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6
lasttimeisawJun 5, 2015
It may sound dismissive to phrase the sentence “CAKE features Jennifer Aniston’s career-best performance so far” since the only noteworthy acting job from Ms. Aniston’s filmography before CAKE is THE GOOD GIRL (2002), a modest dark comedyIt may sound dismissive to phrase the sentence “CAKE features Jennifer Aniston’s career-best performance so far” since the only noteworthy acting job from Ms. Aniston’s filmography before CAKE is THE GOOD GIRL (2002), a modest dark comedy gives her a nomination of Independent Spirit Awards more than a decade ago (being an eternal fanboy of FRIENDS, it is painful to admit that the sea change takes a bit too long to happen, ok, who am I kidding? She has been one of the most bankable mainstream actress and beloved celebrities in the cutthroat line of work, who would whine about that!), however, it is truly a sterling transformation for any actor to portray Clair as the way Ms. Aniston has done, a woman constantly suffered from chronic pain, and this is only the physical torture, a past tragedy of loss her son is severely gnawing at her internally, to the verge of giving up her own life.

keep reading my review on my blog, please google cinema omnivore, thanks!… Expand
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8
foxgroveFeb 21, 2015
Despite an un-prepossessing title Cake is an absorbing and surprisingly moving little film that in the main eschews obvious sentiment and cliché. It tells the story of Claire Bennett, a young woman suffering from chronic back pain following aDespite an un-prepossessing title Cake is an absorbing and surprisingly moving little film that in the main eschews obvious sentiment and cliché. It tells the story of Claire Bennett, a young woman suffering from chronic back pain following a car accident that also killed her young son. The film affords an actress ample opportunity to knock it out of the park and comedy queen Jennifer Aniston is certainly up to the task. She portrays Claire as both angry and unlikeable, but still manages to elicit empathy for her plight. The screenplay doesn’t lay all its cards on the table from the outset so one is always alert to what this woman’s back story is. The revelation when it comes is not really a big surprise as such, but the drip feeding of information certainly keeps one watching. Supporting characters are well delineated even if the scenes with Sam Worthington are probably the most conventional. Ultimately, though, this is a film that is totally reliant on the credibility brought to the table by its lead actress and Aniston is devastatingly good. Her scenes with Adriana Barraza in particular are especially captivating. Underrated as an actress Aniston is not only one of the best comedienne’s working in films today but here proves her dramatic chops also. It may be a role that had one eye on Oscar, but in this case it would have been totally deserved. I haven’t seen Moore’s ‘Still Alice’ performance yet (although the trailer makes it look like a TV movie of the week), but as far as Witherspoon, Cotillard, Jones and Pike are concerned, my vote would have unquestionably gone to Aniston.… Expand
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7
LeZeeAug 18, 2015
Aniston at best!

Might be this is what I was expecting from Aniston from a long ago. Since break-up with Brad Pitt, probably after 'Marley & Me', she has not given any best performance. This is her best shot to till date, maybe in herAniston at best!

Might be this is what I was expecting from Aniston from a long ago. Since break-up with Brad Pitt, probably after 'Marley & Me', she has not given any best performance. This is her best shot to till date, maybe in her whole career. She would have not won, but her snub from the Oscar nominee was not justified. Unlike men, who gets better by aging, women are the opposite. In the old days I used to like Aniston, but nowadays, I don't know. In this film she has done without makeup, well, that's an honest attempt.

Not a spellbinding narration, but it was all about Aniston's performance. There are a couple of cameo appearances, well, all the other character in the movie is like a cameo, including Sam Worthington's, but excluding our heroine. Worth watching this only for her performance, not for the story.

The past events should have been explained to let us know the truth along with the portrayal of the present. But it was kind of realism, I won't doubt about that, but sometime cinematic needs a proper detail rather than straightforward. Really a good movie, simultaneously not great as to praise the direction or the presentation that slightly missed the opportunity to be an awesome flick.

7/10… Expand
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4
ThegodfathersonJan 24, 2015
Even though it has Jennifer Aniston at her best and an intriguing sucidal plot, Cake is weighed down but dumbed down screenplay, horrible direction and noisy editing.
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8
lukechristianscApr 24, 2015
The film wants us to care about Jennifer Aniston's character but her character is dark,loathe and I did not find her like able. Aniston takes a break from the comedies, her drama chops are worth watching. The cast: Adriana Barraza, AnnaThe film wants us to care about Jennifer Aniston's character but her character is dark,loathe and I did not find her like able. Aniston takes a break from the comedies, her drama chops are worth watching. The cast: Adriana Barraza, Anna Kendrick, Sam Worthington and Felicity Hoffman this cast is sort of why the film is like able also Oscar worthy than the main character. The film is like an emotional roller coaster ride sometimes it's enjoyable and sometimes you don't know how it's gonna impact you after you watch it. Grade B-… Expand
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8
Brent_MarchantFeb 1, 2015
Despite tendencies toward a lack of subtlety and occasionally trite cinematography, this engaging offering features an outstanding performance by Jennifer Aniston as a woman in chronic pain, both physically and emotionally, seeking to find aDespite tendencies toward a lack of subtlety and occasionally trite cinematography, this engaging offering features an outstanding performance by Jennifer Aniston as a woman in chronic pain, both physically and emotionally, seeking to find a way out. This moving story never disappoints, with its emotional heart tugs and acerbic wit providing an intriguing mix of emotions. It's a film that deserves far more attention than it has received.… Expand
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5
inaneswineNov 14, 2017
The main thing Cake really has going for it would be the strength of Aniston's performance. She's already proven her solid comic timing in Friends and the stream of so-so romcoms that followed. Here, she uses comedy to heighten the drama andThe main thing Cake really has going for it would be the strength of Aniston's performance. She's already proven her solid comic timing in Friends and the stream of so-so romcoms that followed. Here, she uses comedy to heighten the drama and heartache of her caustic character. She makes it an uncomfortable watch, as you genuinely believe she's in pain throughout the film.

Unfortunately, the screenplay lacks a coherent sense of direction; the scenes featuring Anna Kendrick's character constantly feel like a distraction, like moments that simply get in the way of the story, and and the film really wasted its opportunity as one of the few films covering the topic of chronic pain by bumbling into yet another film about grief. However, it does give Aniston some wicked one-liners, and a few scenes are very moving indeed.… Expand
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5
virginiaproudApr 4, 2015
Just a mediocre film. Aniston is working hard, too hard probably. The big issue in this movie is that character studies require a character we care about. No amount of convincing physicalisation, artificial scars and bad makeup are enough.Just a mediocre film. Aniston is working hard, too hard probably. The big issue in this movie is that character studies require a character we care about. No amount of convincing physicalisation, artificial scars and bad makeup are enough. Unfortunately that's all we are offered. Nothing about the accident, injury, or Aniston's situation is explored. Probably the writers though they were being edgier leaving it all unsaid and implied. Yeah, we can figure out what's happened here (unless you're really dense), but frankly, it's boring. I won't spoil the ending, but I could see it coming a mile off.

There are promising cameos from a multitude of familiar faces but they occupy the screen for mere moments and it's hard to know why they've bothered to say yes to this project which gives them so little to do. I guess they were all recruited so the trailer could feature their scenes and make the film look interesting!… Expand
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7
Derek1101Feb 13, 2015
This movie shined in a lot of areas and it fizzled in a lot of areas as well, as shown through the moderate reviews this movie has gotten. The one thing I can say that was continuous however was Jennifer Aniston's portrayal of Claire Bennett,This movie shined in a lot of areas and it fizzled in a lot of areas as well, as shown through the moderate reviews this movie has gotten. The one thing I can say that was continuous however was Jennifer Aniston's portrayal of Claire Bennett, a woman after going through devastating loss, trauma, and chronic pain tries to put the pieces of her life together with her housekeeper and "best friend" Silvana. The heartbreaking performance of Claire by Jennifer was so exquisite and just like so many others have said Oscar worthy. This movie had it's odd moments and was a little too Twin Peaks for me at times but the overall message is what keeps me going back to it time and time again, that we have a choice to either let go when life throws it's crap at us, or we can fight back kicking and screaming. Highly recommend it if you are a big Jen fan as well, and/or if you need a re-boost in your mindset.… Expand
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5
horizonbtsAug 25, 2015
May have not been the best movie I have ever watched, but it did have some value. The first part of the movie almost lost me totally and was a waste, but the second half of the movie answered some questions and helped redeem the movieMay have not been the best movie I have ever watched, but it did have some value. The first part of the movie almost lost me totally and was a waste, but the second half of the movie answered some questions and helped redeem the movie somewhat. Can't give away much because I would be adding spoilers, but mostly a dramatic movie about how ones life can take a bad turn, and also how sometimes life can take ugly turns, but all boils down as to how you handle it and sometimes pieces can be picked up along the way!… Expand
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9
amcgrath17Apr 27, 2015
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Loved this movie! Jennifer suited the role perfectly, no one else could have done it better! A movie about a drug addiction mixed with depression, its a sad story but i can understand the circumstances! I think its a must see!!… Expand
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6
jigsmode31Oct 19, 2015
Not a bad movie but very slow paced, and it has lots of fringe characters

Watch it here for free to find out: https://www.primewire.ag/watch-2756570-Cake-online-free
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4
JLuis_001Sep 6, 2017
A strong and somewhat conscious interpretation that strips Jennifer Aniston of glamor, which seems to deserve a more honest story treatment than the one we get in Cake.
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