Review of Better Than Chocolate (1999) by Jessica W — 12 Jan 2009

Decidedly mediocre, but with likable characters and a sweet, soft center. A bit on the mushy, melty sentimental side, but overall rewarding enough. Tackles a few controversial issues, but they altogether are presented with no resolution, only a "So they exist, in the world," mentality, which almost makes them seem arbitrary and random. The love stories are almost too neatly packaged, with conflict occurring just when you expect it to, and with a rushed ending that overdoes it, hits the hammer on the head a bit too hard and leaves you wondering where the rest of the movie went. For one, I'd hoped the film would include scenes from this "After..." messages at the end, as these events seem more interesting than what happens in half the movie (given that not a lot really happens).

Not a terrible film, but I doubt I'd ever find motivation or wanting to watch it again. For a similar topic, the movie Saving Face is much better. Although I do think this film is worth watching for anyone curious about MtFs, as the character Judy is well-explored, and her story is entertaining and insightful, by its own merit.