Cake (I) (2005)

Philippa "Pippa" McGee (Heather Graham) is the freelance journalist daughter of a respected publishing giant. One of dad's publications is Wedding Bells, an advice rag for those who intend to walk down the aisle in the near future. Pippa's mother was once involved with this particular magazine but she passed away when her daughter was but 13. After her mother's death, Pippa developed many of her free-spirited ways, including her personal rejection of a "happily ever after" marriage. Instead, Pippa covers such events as Spain's running of the bulls and her only romantic encounters are of the very short-lived variety. A close friend (Sandra Oh) helps the freelancer through life's rough moments. But, after her father suffers a heart attack, Pippa decides to help him out by becoming the new editor of Wedding Bells. This displeases most of the staff, including a sales director, Roxanne (Cheryl Hines) and a handsome financial adviser, Ian (David Sutcliffe). Yet, although Pippa's first efforts fail badly, she learns quickly from her mistakes and is determined to succeed. She may even discover some lessons in love and marriage that she has previously dismissed as nonsense. Will there be a rose-colored future for our Pippa and her magazine? This is a slight but satisfying romcom for those insatiable fans of the genre. Graham excels in her role as the vagabond beauty who explores new truths about her own existence while Sutcliffe is a charming, attractive foil to Pippa's flighty personality. Oh, Hinds, Taye Diggs and others also offer fine turns as the supporting cast members. The scenery is quite nice, as are the costumes and production values. As for the story, it takes a lot of twists and turns, sometimes to excess, but ends up tying ups its loose ends nicely. If you are not a fan of romantic comedy, this one will probably have you biting your fingernails. But, for those who adore those funny tales of love, this one will "take the cake" for you.