Rendezvous mit Torten

Great acting from all in this movie. I laughed, I cried and Lots of smiling. I'm so glad I tuned in to this film. Although the beginning is super cute - out going and fun, as there have mentioned - it gets sad mid way. I had hopes that the story would change direction but it didn't and so have tissues ready. Ron Livingston is a great dad, Bette is amazing as always but the 2 stars of the film nailed every scene - amazing talent for those 2 young women. I sure hope to see them in many more films. Lastly, it's a true story and I'm glad it was made - truly honors her best friend in every possible way. Thanks you for sharing this story with us.

As described by the literal title of this 2023 tearjerker, it's a wafer-thin concept wrapped around a familiar terminal illness story based on a significant chapter in screenwriter Audrey Shulman's own life. Directed in an uneven manner by Trish Sie, the plot focuses on best friends Jane and Corinne, early twenty-somethings who have been close since age seven. Similar to this film's predecessors from 1971's "Brian's Song" to 2022's "Spoiler Alert", the two are total opposites in their approach to life, but they bond even deeper through the inevitable tragedy. The two leads do solid work - Odessa A'zion as the outgoing Corinne and Yara Shahidi as introverted Jane even though her character's awkwardness is laid on awfully thick initially. The emotionalism behind the drama really can't transcend the predictable plot machinations and aggressive tearjerking moments like the concluding karaoke scene. The supporting performances feel marginalized, in particular, Rish Shah as Jane's smitten love interest and an underutilized Bette Midler as Corinne's firebrand boss. Ron Livingston and Martha Kelly manage a few good moments as Corinne's parents. Fans of this familiar film genre will likely enjoy it.

Cutesy poo to the max even with a brain tumor.

BEACHES with a cake thrown in makes this a crumby affair of two female pals to try to bait men in bars by baking cakes and handing out slices. What's wrong with this picture?

Would bars and other venues actually allow people to bring in cakes and hand them out for free? Seems doubtful. And while this plot issue is never addressed, what about the female perp date rapist? I guess it's OK if the perp is a female?

The only ones in this film who come off as real are the parents played by Martha Kelley and Ron Livingston. All the others are duds.

And what's with Bette Midler in this nothing role? It's basically just a cameo and serves no purpose.

Watch this 2-hour dirge and you'll be screaming at the screen DIE! DIE ALREADY! .... even before the tumor shows up!

If you are expecting a romance or comedy, this is not the movie for you. But it is a lovely movie of friendship and finding and following your dreams. Good cast. Clever premise. A different take on the coming of age movie that's relevant to today's world. Bring lots and lots and lots of tissues because you will start crying halfway through it and won't necessarily stop crying. Heart wrenchingly lovely-you should be clued in by Bette Midler that you will be getting something more like Beaches. The cakes are fantastic to look at and in the end you'll be satisfied, as long as you realize Corrine is a foil and it's all about Jane.

I didn't know anything about this movie before I watched it. After watching it, I would recommend it to everyone. It's a feel good movie in the sense that two lifelong best friends show how when you find "your person" they become framily, and framily gets you: good, bad or indifferent. It's about seeing the best in other people and wanting to help them shine.

This movie is bittersweet, and sad at times, but it never loses sight of its original intent. I recommend watching it with your best friend, or someone you feel close too, and afterwards reminding them how much they mean to you! Bette Midler is fabulous as always!