‘Cupcakes’ is a real treat
Published June 4, 2014
Taking a cue from its title, “Cupcakes” is a deliciously irresistible confection of a film that tells of six Israeli neighbors and friends who unwittingly enter an international singing competition.
UniverSong, the competition in the film, draws its inspiration from a real-life annual song competition called Eurovision held among the member countries of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) since 1956.
Despite the fact that Israel always seems to do poorly in UniverSong, the neighbors gather each year to watch the televised, kitschy spectacle. This year, though, the 40-something “senior” member of the group is depressed because her husband just left her. So the other five — four 20-something women and one 20-something gay guy — try to lift her spirits with a song that they make up on the spot.
Of course, the group videos the antics on a cell phone, and eventually it winds up being Israel’s entry for the next UniverSong competition in Paris.
If you’re in the mood for a light-hearted, candy-colored comedy that is thoroughly engaging, “Cupcakes” is well worth the calories. Underneath the frosting, too, there’s a sweet story about friendship, staying true to one’s self and taking risks, set against the backdrop of a snappy pop soundtrack.
‘Cupcakes’
5:30 p.m. Thursday, June 11
Running time: 1:30; In English/Hebrew and French with English Subtitles
