Cocoa

Jody Mortara hit a home run with this wacky, funny film Cocoa! Super job, writing, co-directing, co-starring, co-editing, music supervisor...this woman must wear a cape:)

I love the way all of the various story lines converged and one by one were resolved, quite an undertaking for a first-timer!

I have a tendency to steal lines from movies that I like and then incorporate them into my family conversation. One of my favorite lines that has become a rotating joke in my family is Hope's line about the coat on the train tracks: "Oh, that's so sad", I found her delivery and the line itself so funny that I use it in household conversation to the point that my kids roll their eyes and give me an "oh-no dad", stop.

This is a funny, family-friendly film that we have watched numerous times with friends and family! It is nice to watch a movie that isn't filled with expletives and violence. Truly a funny, wacky ride!!!

Triple threat Jody Mortara, who serves as the writer, star, and co-director (with Joe Gawalis) of "Cocoa," delivers a fun comedy about two sisters (Jody Mortara and Megan McGarvey) who develop a special cake that allows people to enjoy the desert with the knowledge that they are cutting weight as a result. The chemistry between Mortara and McGarvey is clear immediately, and the two provide for a fun and entertaining ride as they encounter a multitude of silly characters who are intrigued by their creation. If you're looking for a fun and silly comedy, check out "Cocoa." I highly recommend this fun film!

I truly enjoyed Jody Mortara's comedy Cocoa. A comedy with adventure, that hope and faith can allow us to push through just about anything, as seen throughout this fast pace unpredictable hilarious comedy. The two sisters, Faith (Mortara) and Hope (McGarvey) had a wonderful relationship that grew with every turn. The lovable dog Cocoa was another element of lighthearted and unpredictable fun. When Cocoa eats the secret chocolate cake creation it seemed like it was the end, until Dr Dogwood saves the day. Of course, a crazy Dr that appears to have only one foot in this reality and bring Cocoa back to life!

I Hope to see more entertainment like this in the future. We need lighthearted comedy, fun adventure, and something to always remind us that we all need more Faith and Hope.

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 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.