2/5 If It only had dialog
  by D. L. Cardon (Atlanta GA)
The premise was interesting and the actors did a respectable job but they were given such poor dialog. When a screen writer resorts to constant use of the F word and obscenities to "punch up" the scene you know that there is a limited to the writer's skills. Too bad this was the case in this movie. I, like others who reviewed this movie, thought that the last half was not as interesting as the first half; I honestly could not wait to get it over. I was glad I only spent a total of $2.99 from Amazon for this movie; 1 cent for the movie and $2.98 for shipping.

By the way the "Not Rated" listing should be an "R Rating". The language was too rough for a PG rating.

2/5 the very definition of an innocuous film
  by Roland E. Zwick (Valencia, Ca USA)
**1/2

According to financial records released by the studio, Michael Lehmann`s "Flakes" raked in all of $778 in box office revenue when it was released in late 2007. And although one hates to kick a well-intentioned, low budget film when it's down, the truth is that "Flakes" is a cute idea that doesn't really amount to all that much in the long run. In fact, the film is so benign and innocuous that it seems to be evaporating even as you're watching it.

Neal Downs (Aaron Stanford) is a struggling musician who works as manager of a little New Orleans eatery called Flakes (owned by Christopher Lloyd) that serves nothing but cold cereal to its loyal clientele. When a rival franchise opens up across the street, Neal's girlfriend, the self-named Pussy Katz (Zooey Deschanel), applies for a job at the new establishment as a means of getting back at Neal for refusing to hire her at his own place.

The pro-capitalist vs. anti-capitalist theme that runs through the storyline is halfhearted and underdeveloped at best. Moreover, while the cast is engaging and appealing (especially Deschanel), the undernourished Chris Poche/Karey Kirkpatrick screenplay doesn't give the actors a whole lot of solid material to work with. And even the relatively fresh and novel New Orleans setting isn't exploited as much as it could be for its old-world atmosphere and charm.


4/5 well acted
  by Harold A. Fretheim (Juanita, WA)
Indie films are always a bit of a throw of the dice. Some are amazing, many are so - so and many fall flat on their faces and leave you wondering what the film maker was thinking. I own a copy of this film and it comes close to the amazing mark. In any case it is good. Above all, the actingwas first class. This is not a perfect movie but it is very well done.

4/5 Cute little foul-mouthed Romantic Comedy
  by C. C. Gullo (Rochester NY USA)
"Zooey Deschnel CAN do no wrong", touts the DVD jewel book. He's right, she's always delightful and is great in this rock-bottom bugeted film. The lead who is a manager in a cereal resturant (eh, any "Mr. Wonderful's Surprise"? my favorite long defunct cereal from the 1970's) is very good as well. Chris LLoyd is very good as an aging hippie who owns "FLAKES".
A neo-yuppie opens a competitive carbon-copy store across the New Orleans street and the drama ensues. Well-written, quirky and funny movie. Highly recommended.

5/5 what can happen in a world where cereal rules?!
  by Snow White (Orange County)
Flakes tells the tale of adorable, aspiring musician Neal Downs(Aaron Stanford) who thoroughly enjoys his side job of working as a 'bartender' at Flakes, a hipster's paradise and completely off-the-wall cereal bar. With his beautiful and just as eccentric girlfriend Miss Pussy Katz(Zooey Deschanel) his intermediate life seems to be treating him quite well. Only Pussy Katz doesn't seem to agree, and wants more from both their relationship and Neal himself!

What happens when a budding capitalist comes to town and opens his own brand of Flakes just across the street? Chaos ensues!

Flakes is a great light, comedic indie gem, that hits the head on the nail so completely it's almost hard to believe. I can just imagine driving over to Silverlake or Echo Park and walking into any of those bohemian, artistic eateries to see exact copies of these fictional characters. This film captures the feelings and actions of how so many of us young grown-ups do in these modern times; dreaming for more, too lazy to change anything, unsure of our own decisions yet so unwilling to change for even those we love.

This film is quirky, fun, and is still completely and utterly poignant.