Movies: Eat Wheaties Is A Real Delight
The arthouse/independent films are usually some of the best. One of the highlights of 2021 has been the comedy, Eat Wheaties. A real bright spot this year, this comedy has a lot of heart and good-natured fun. It’s great to find something that you know very little about, only to have it exceed your expectations.
Eat Wheaties follows slightly awkward, Sid Straw (Tony Hale). He’s just put on the board for his college reunion. After discovering social media, he finds an old classmate and friend, Elizabeth Banks. The result that follows is a hilarious ride as Straw attempts to connect with Banks via Facebook.
There wasn’t much about Eat Wheaties that missed the mark. I’ll highlight the negative first so that’s out of the way. Straw isn’t a very socially active guy. His awkwardness sometimes borders on uncomfortable. We are led to believe he’s had some sort of mental breakdown, however, that’s never really explained in too much detail. His character wasn’t the best in terms of having actual depth beyond what is shown. We are led to assume many things about him, none of which (again) is explained.
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Now that the negative is out of the way, the film has so many positive aspects. This is a dark comedy that acts as a light-hearted comedy. A lot of that comes from really great casting, who excel in their roles.
The casting was spot-on. Hale (Arrested Development), Elisha Cuthbert (Girl Next Door, The Ranch) Sarah Chalke (Scrubs), all give great performances here. And while the main focus is Elizabeth Banks (who may or may not appear in the film), the other main characters in this film take center stage.
Aside from the previous issues with Straw (which is a direction issue as opposed to performance), Hale was still amazing. However, the highlight of the cast is Paul Walter Hauser (I, Tonya, Richard Jewell, Cruella). He plays a failing lawyer who will do anything to get a case. His chemistry with Hale really shows. And the awkward brand of comedy he brings gives Eat Wheaties a really nice 1-2 punch when the two share the screen.
Eat Wheaties was very satisfying. In actuality, I didn’t want this to end. The director does a good job at tying up the loose ends and even makes you think about things to change in your own life. The theme of social media destroying lives, friendships, those typical cliches are all there. The ability to find yourself and be comfortable in your own skin is the true takeaway from this.
If you’re looking for a really under-the-radar comedy, Eat Wheaties is the one for you. It’s a really underrated gem that needs to be appreciated and recognized by the movie-watching crowd.
Image Source: Screen Media
Daniel is a guru of baseball and basketball prospects. He’s a very experienced Amusement Park traveler as well. Follow him and his hot takes on Insta @dgentleman9288
