Cocoa

Jody Mortara's comedy Cocoa is designed and executed to be as light and free of heaviness as the miraculous calorie-free chocolate cake concocted by the movie's central buddy act: sisters Faith (Mortara) and Hope (Megan McGarvey), who team up after disaster hits both of them simultaneously. Just as Faith's world collapses in an acrimonious divorce, Hope, a brilliant chemist, loses her job, leaving them both penniless and in need of quick cash. When they combine their respective talents in baking and science to invent a a cake that helps people lose weight the world beats a path to their door led by benefactor Charles (John Bernieri) and Jacqueline (Marian Edmiston), a kind venture capitalist, but just as they are on the verge of success, the film's titular character, Cocoa, an adorable dog with a sweet tooth wrecks their plans and everything spins out of control. Soon the sisters are enmeshed in a complex web of high jinks involving a wacky vet, Dr. Dogwood (Pat Swearingen), a jealous husband, Mortimer (Joh Soresi), a duplicitous gigolo, Lucas (Cedric Gegel) a local mob boss, Carmine (Tony Cucci), the entire police department, and a ham-fisted local traffic reporter, Christina (Siena D'Addario). Writer/Star Mortara, who co-directs, produces and edits with Joe Gawalis, keeps the tone light and the pace rapid, while DP John Bianco lights high key with a palette of confectionery colors.

This was a really enjoyable movie. Story centers around two sisters at the end of their rope financially who invent something that has never existed before: chocolate cake that makes you lose weight. This kicks off a crazy adventure with a colorful cast of supporting characters. You've got the wealthy socialite wife (investor), her bumbling underling, a mob boss interested in getting a piece of the action, one dead body, a sick dog, police, a news reporter hell-bent on making her mark, the list goes on. Kudos to writer/co-director and lead actress Jody Mortara and co-director Joe Gawalis for keeping the pace and the silliness happening at regular intervals. In the spirit of the British comedies of late. I really liked this one!

This one was definitely a different kind of comedy. After two sisters find their lives falling apart rather quickly, they try to start a company that will sell chocolate cake that makes you lose weight...qnd then it all goes off the rails.

Mistaken identities, mob bosses, a mad scientist/veterinarian and a dog that died but isn't really dead...this thing takes a LOT of twists along the way!

Jody Mortaro and Cedric Gegel put in the best performances of the film, and Mortaro's comedic timing was perfect. When you watch this film - and you should - pay attention to the background commentary. Some of the best one-liners might slip past you!

"Cocoa" is a delightful slapstick comedy that tickles your funny bone with an abundance of spit takes and Pratt falls. The heartwarming tale follows two sisters as they navigate through life's unpredictable twists and turns while managing to keep their wits intact. Set against the charming backdrop of Morristown, New Jersey, the town itself becomes a vibrant supporting character, with its churches, police station, coffee shops, and streets adding depth to the narrative.

One of the film's greatest strengths lies in its ability to evoke a sense of wanderlust, as it paints a vivid picture of Morristown that makes viewers eager to pack their bags and explore the quaint town firsthand. Jody Mortara, both the mastermind behind the film and one of its stars, shines brightly, showcasing her talent and versatility in this comedic gem.

Despite the whirlwind of events that unfold on screen, "Cocoa" expertly ties up every loose end by the time the credits roll, leaving audiences satisfied and smiling. With its perfect blend of humor, heart, and hometown charm, "Cocoa" is a must-watch for anyone in need of a good laugh and a touch of whimsy.

This movie does not take place in real life, and that's ok. It's a comedy full of cartoonish characters, unbelievable coincidences, and I was along for the ride the whole way. After two Bad luck prone sisters setup up a dinner to pitch their wonder product (a chocolate cake that helps you lose weight), things go awry in every way possible. Cue the mistaken identities, interconnecting motives, and a mad scientist, er, veterinarian.

The acting is spot on, these women don't realize they're in a farce. The music adds to the whimsical tone. The whole story builds to an ending you won't see coming.