Flakes

Flakes is a quirky, vibrant 2007 comedy-drama directed by Michael Lehmann. It stars Aaron Stanford, Zooey Deschanel and Christopher Lloyd in leading roles. The movie satirically explores contemporary issues of adulthood, ambition, relationships, and the pursuit of dreams, focused around the setting of a New Orleans cereal bar.

Flakes brings forth the story of an offbeat young man named Neal Downs, portrayed by Aaron Stanford. Neal is the manager of a cutesy 24-hour cereal bar named "Flakes", owned by the adamant and eccentric Christopher Lloyd's character, Bruce. Neal is an aspiring musician, witnessing countless failed attempts to launch his music career, which leads him to a tiring, mundane life behind the counter serving cereals. He doesn't seem to mind though, content with his low-stress job and the cosy sense of community around the cereal bar, viewing his work as a tempo-filling gig until he hits it big with his music.

Zooey Deschanel's character, Miss Pussy Katz, canned to perfection the role of the spunky, free-spirited girlfriend to Neal. Alongside her quirky thrift store outfits, she brings colour to his monochrome world. In contrast to Neal's low ambition, she is ambitious and enterprising. She dreams of achieving financial independence and constantly nudges Neal to take control of his life better.

The tension kicks up a notch in the story when, faced with an irresistible offer for a piece of the high-profit-potential cereal bar business, Bruce doesn't sell out. In response to this decision, a rival cereal bar opens across the street which starts a hilarious and frustrating "cereal war". The rival bar, more modern and café-esque, isn't above using unethical tactics to cut into Flakes' customer base, threatening to put the loved mom-and-pop shop out of business.

Deschanel's character sees an opportunity in adversity and comes up with brilliant ideas to update and improve Flakes, giving it a fighting chance to survive. She challenges the utopian vision of Bruce and Neal of preserving Flakes just the way it always has been. Despite the latter's insistence on protecting the integrity of the shop, Pussy Katz's entrepreneurship provides her a platform in the plot to express her practicality and sharp business acumen.

Flakes is littered with interesting and hilariously eccentric side characters, bringing their own charm to the cereal slinging environment. There's the homeless philosopher who pays for his breakfast with profound insights, the clueless hipsters who can't distinguish Fruity Pebbles from Trix, a temperamental artist who hurls obscenities, and a mystery millionaire who would pay anything for a bowl of a long-discontinued brand.

The rich ambiance of New Orleans seeps into the film, tied together with great jazz music and the local cultural spirit. It sets a fantastic backdrop for humor while creating a casual day-in-life portrayal that arcade-nostalgia lovers would cherish.

Aaron Stanford does an excellent job portraying Neal's laid-back charm and dry humor. However, it's Zooey Deschanel's performance, rife with eccentric charisma, which steals the show. She blends vivaciousness with vulnerability, conveying a strong woman under her quirky character's unpolished exterior. As the reluctant Bruce, Christopher Lloyd brings a unique brand of eccentricity and philosophical gravitas to the cereal bar setting.

Director Michael Lehmann, known for his previous works like "Heathers" and "40 Days and 40 Nights", does a great job infusing the movie with a flippant, laid-back tone that makes it a breezy watch, teases the narrative into a counterculture manifesto. The characters' loony interactions provide a fresh take on the whole bohemian scenesterism.

Flakes takes the marshmallow fluff of day-to-day interactions and draws from it a heart-felt narrative about defending the integrity of one's passions, sprinkling it with lighthearted comedy. It is perfect for anyone looking for a relaxing movie with laughs, conflict, cereal War, and an exploration of life wrapped up in one.