Better Than Chocolate Reviews

• Screwball romance meets '90's lesbian chic

  
  By A3OQW504LA1NK0 on 1999-12-27
  This movie will seem very familiar to most long-time movie watchers as it is in many ways a remake of the vintage screwball comedies of the early '30's but with a decidedly '90's twist.

  The heroine of the film is Maggie, a young woman who has dropped out of university to try and find herself as an artist. She also supplements her income from painting by working at a bookstore which serves the LesBiGayT (Lesbian-Bisexual-Gay-Transsexual) community of a small British Columbian town.

  Maggie's life is greatly complicated when, on the same day, she begins to fall in love with an itinerant painter named Kim, and she receives word that her mother and teenage brother are going to be coming to town to stay with her. This is particularly problematic because Maggie hasn't disclosed her sexual orientation to her family.

  A certain amount of predictable hijinks ensue as Maggie tries to keep her family from deducing the truth about her relationship with Kim. She also, of course, must keep them from figuring out that anything is "out-of-place" about her friends and co-workers. As well, there are several sub-plots introduced to give the film more political relevancy, including Canada's strict censorship laws and the subject of anti-transsexual discrimination in the LesBiGayT community, however they are not especially well developed.

  In conclusion, this film is very funny at some points, but moves very predictably at others. It is a rather light-hearted take on lesbian romance and coming-out issues, but the sub-plots occasionally weigh it down. Since most of the sub-plots contained enough potential to be films of their own, the film-makers could have dropped some of them from this picture to spend more time exploring Maggie and Kim's relationship. That said, I would recommend this film to anyone who enjoys romantic comedies and has an open mind.
  
  

• No Surprises Here...

  
  By A2MZXLN9TLP1R4 on 2003-08-16
  There's no shortage of mediocre gay/lesbian movies out these days, in which we follow the trials and tribulations of a group of friends (gay, lesbian, maybe an occasional trans) as they fall in and out of love and do a lot of dancing. "Better than Chocolate" is another one of those movies and it's okay for what it is, but I can't help wishing these movies would aim just a little bit higher.

  As with most films in this genre, there's the central love story, here a sort of instant-fall-in-love scenario between two women, both of whom are essentially nice, attractive, etc. The "character flaw" of one is that she lives on the road and always leaves when the going gets tough; the other one's "flaw" is that she hasn't told her mother that she's gay, yet, and hasn't really committed to her identity as a lesbian. So, they fall in love, the mother comes to stay with her daughter, hijinks ensue. There are a few subplots tossed in, the most interesting of which centers around the one transgender character who is hoping (in vain) that her parents have finally accepted her.

  The good things about this movie? Well, for one thing, there are a couple of truly erotic scenes between the two main characters, and well done erotica is a rarity in ANY genre of film. Also, there are a couple of song/dance routines that are performed by the main characters that are truly nifty. As a matter of fact, I wish they'd done more of that and less of the soap-opera-y stuff.

  Perhaps the biggest flaw in the film is just how predictable it all is. You know who's going to end up together, you know that the mother will eventually find out the truth and, after a bit of shell-shock, will accept her daughter as a lesbian, etc. There are no surprises. And the political subtext (censorship is bad, violent skin-heads are bad, prejudice is bad, etc.) never risks challenging its viewers; it's pretty much a given that anyone who's going to see this movie is going to agree with all the opinions expressed within it.

  So, if you're in the mood for yet another gay/lesbian comedy/drama, you could do worse than this one. But don't go into this expecting anything profound or brilliant... "Better than Chocolate" never challenges or surprises, it only re-affirms what's already been said in other, similar movies.
  
  

• Better Than Chocolate between...

  
  By AGEZ3NZHQNF5J on 2000-02-24
  I give this movie five out of five stars. Although it moves rather quickly you can't help being hook. Twenty minutes of the movie has past and Maggie, 19, not-quite-out, college dropout, and working at Ten Percent bookstore (no it's not a discount store) meets Kim, a nomadic artist, butch but sweet and romance starts. There's a scene that will leave many people exploring the arts.

  Within the first twenty minutes, Maggie meets and falls in love with vivacious Kim, helps her conservative lesbian boss fight customs who seem to be trying to put her out of business. Oh, don't forget Maggie has to find a place to live, because her newly divorce mother, Lila is moving in with her along with sibling, Paul, neither who know that Maggie's been living in a bookstore since she quite law school, and she's gay!

  Couple this with her omisexual co-worker, and transgender friend, Judy, who has love and parent issues of her/his own, and you've got a great story.

  I almost cracked up when Lila goes..."Kim do you have a boyfriend?" and Kim replies, "No...Funny that!" Everyone seems to be in on the joke, but Lila who replies, "What's wrong with boys?" Maggie's fighting off an uncontrollable need for laughter and the audience does too. Wendy Crewson as Lila is an added addition to this romantic comedy.

  All said in done, I wonder what it's like to live in that world. Definitely never a dull experience. This is a must see regardless of your lifestyle.
  
  

• A deliciously sweet romantic comedy!!!

  
  By A1DZKOOMMJM1MI on 2003-03-15
  Canadian director Anne Wheeler's "Better than Chocolate" is a wonderful movie about gay women, but it is also moderately about larger issues, such as liberation and acceptance.

  Maggie, a sweetly innocent clerk at a lesbian bookstore appropriately called 10% Books, meets intimidating butch Kim one afternoon. After Kim's van is towed away, they move in together faster than you can say "What the hell are you thinking?" Unfortunately, Maggie's mother Lila and her teenage brother move in that same night, thanks to Lila's nasty divorce. What really complicates matters is that Maggie hasn't come out to her mother yet, and even when she tries, Lila tries to avoid the subject, like she knows what's coming and doesn't want to hear it. (Haven't we all been there?)

  Interwoven with this is a dramatic subplot about Judy, a male to female transsexual who's in love with the bookstore's owner Frances, who is always freaking out because custom's officers are holding a list of books she has ordered, claiming the books are obscene and cannot be sold.
  
  The end result is a sweet romantic comedy with a hint of drama, which realistically portraits the problems faced by the lesbian community and how not everyone is willing to accept them. A powerful scene has Judy harassed by another woman for using the ladies room, because she is a man. The woman attacks Judy and begins beating her with a purse, splashing her drink in Judy's face. This was a tragic and powerful moment that really affected me, making me realize how unaccepting people can be of anything that is slightly different. It is moments like this that really make the movie so much better than other lesbian films.

  The title "Better than Chocolate" does not refer to sex, but to love, which Lila is convinced she will never find again now that her husband has admitted he's been screwing his partner's wife for more than a year. Since love is doubtful and sex seems out of the question, Lila has turned to chocolate instead.

  This is a great movie that really makes you think. It's wonderfully witty, surprisingly charming, and incredibly funny. It's the feel-good-movie of the year that just so happens to be about lesbians. This is highly recommended...is it better than chocolate? Who knows. But it's one [heck] of a great movie!!!
  
  

• Entertaining

  
  By A1FML9FCUPV6TI on 2003-02-02
  BETTER THAN CHOCOLATE is a must see movie in my opinion. It centers around Maggie, and her family and friends. Maggie is a lesbian living away from home, and her mom and brother. One night after almost being attacked, she encounters Kim. A few days later she runs into Kim again and they fall for each other. It was very sudden how they got together, within a few weeks saying that they were in love. Maggie's mother Lily and her brother come and live with Maggie, which creates a problem for her. Maggie is not out to her mother and wants to live her life and still maintain to keep her sexuality a secret. She works in a bookstore with Francis and Carla, and their transgendered friend Judy is often around. The story is enriched because it involves many stories which fold together. Lily redefining herself and discovering herself again, Judy finding love with long time crush Frances, Maggie's brother beginning a relationship with Carla, and more. One of the subplots centers around censorship, which was a well used plot in the movie. There is some great scenes, such as the erotic scene with body painting, and Maggie making a statement against censorship by posing nude in the bookstore. Overall a well acted movie, perhaps a bit convinient, but overall entertaining in the end.
  
  
• An Unconventionally Great "Feel-Good" film
  By A107H3XGCV6Y4Q on 2001-01-20
  After watching this film only once, several of its scenes played over and over again in my head. This is a cleverly humorous film that definitely leaves an impression. The film is about relationships and friendships. There's the relationship between Maggie, a college-drop out trying to find her niche in the world, and Kim, a young artist traveling the country. More humourous is the sweetly awkward romance between the transgendered Judy and the uptight bookstore owner Frances, who is going through a censorship crisis with Canadian Customs. There's the relationship between bisexual Carla and Maggie's younger brother, a classic case of an "older" woman teaching an eager young man about love. The theme of chocolate is cleverly woven into the story, with Carla uttering one of the best lines for bisexual gals in the film: "Soft centers... hard centers...I like all the chocolates in the box!" And then there is Maggie's whiny, chocolate-popping mother, Lila, (brilliantly played by Wendy Crewson) who is going through the trauma of divorce. Along the way Lila discovers her own autonomy and independence, along with her daughter's sexuality which she eventually embraces, thanks to her own sexual evolution (the box!) and her friendship with Judy. There's some great song and dance numbers, my favorite being the sensuous day-glo confection, "Julie Christie." Throw in some steamy love scenes (fingerpainting will never be the same) and you've got a great movie. Buy this film today--you'll find yourself watching it over and over again.
  
  
• Fun movie..
  By AQ83M7LG4RN58 on 2002-05-31
  This is a movie you can watch over and over!!I love it, at last a fun lesbian film with some decent love scenes. The movie is centred around Maggie a cute, young woman with a neurotic mother who is coming (with her brother) for a visit. Maggie is living in the bookshop where she works and has just met Kim played by gorgeous Christina Cox! (who I'm sure I saw in a crowd shot of Lilith Fair) They start a relationship just as Maggie has managed to sub-let an apartment and her family arrive.
  Other fun and interesting characters include (Judy) a transexual, the bookstore owner and a bisexual, nyphomiac who also works at the bookstore. Once you have seen this movie a few times try watching it with the Director's Commentary which I found very interesting.
  
  
• So-So
  By on 2002-08-27
  The STORY:
  Better than Chocolate tells an unimaginative story. A 19 year old girl named Maggie is romanced by an older artist, Kim. Her mom and brother come to stay at her apartment while her lover tries to live there. Problem is they don't know she's queer. Maggie is left trying to juggle her love life with Kim while keeping her sexuality a secret to her family.

  CHARACTERS:

  Character development is thin. Maggie was supposedly a dork in high school but it no longer applies to her now. The actress who plays her is charismatic and engaging, but her character just doesn't have much to her. She comes across many times like a blank tv screen. Kim hardly registers. She's older and more experienced, but the film doesn't touch on how that dynamic might affect their relationship. Instead much of the time is spent on Maggie's mom and brother. The character of the mother contradicts herself- old fasioned and homophobic, yet sensitive and with-it all at once. These are not planned contradictions. This is lazy writing.
  
  The "wacky" characters who hang around the bookstore where Maggie works lack originality and seem defined by their appearances and the stereotypes they fit in. The sensitive transsexual who gives all the women advice, the stuck up Getrude Stein-reading old lesbian, Frances. The vixenish bi-sexual, and of course our wholesome red-haired heroine, Maggie.

  ...

  Many peopel called this film "Erotic". Yes. Maggie is gorgeous. Yes Kim is very good-looking too. But this movie isn't as sexy as what I expected. There are two brief sex scenes between Kim and Maggie. An extended masturbation scene with Maggie's mother and a sex toy, and a scene of sex between the brother and the bisexual. The erotic painting scene is pretty unsexy, the camera going in slow motion as if its filming a demented merry-go-round scene for a horror flick.

  OVERALL

  With a subplot at every turn, weak characters, and a director who fails to engage us in her story, Better Than Chocolate is a weak movie with a few strong attributes (mainly its star). See it only if you must.
  
  

• get the chocolate wit this film... you'll need it!
  By on 2003-12-07
  The gay and lesbian movement is a very young one, so young that many people can remember some of the popular films that came out in the last twenty years. In fact, the subject of gays and lesbians has become so popular that producers add it in their script to make the films (or television shows) more accepting- as if it's a wild card and an attempt to show how tolerant we are of progression. I do support this very mcuh- we need diversity in media. However, what I do not support is the substitution of gay characters in leiu of character development. And "Better Than Chocolate" lacks character development. Just because you have characters that are gay, it doesn't make them more interesting.
  The movie chronicles the life of 19 year old Maggie, who's recently dropped out of college, works at a lesbian sex shop, is out and embraces the community, but hasn't told her mother and brother who move in with her right when she meets Kim, the girl of her dreams. There are also subplots about a gentle sensitive female to male transsexual who is in love with her prudish boss Frances, customs holding several books because of obscenity, a bisexual co-worker who thinks of nothing but sex and is therefore dubbed "omnisexual", a supportive, but heterosexist man, and some skinheads who participate in gay bashing.
  "Better Than Chocolate", I'm going to take a stab at and guess that it is set in New York, in a very thriving gay community. The characters have an inner harmony between each other that was pleasing to watch on the screen. All of the actors are great looking and every scence has a plush feel to it that is so often missing in films. (In fact, I almost fell in love with Kim, Christina Cox herself) If you want to see a movie with some lovely club scenes, beautiful actors and even lovlier settings, this is the one.
  But don't watch it for plot. I'm a bit plot finatic, and I was looking for that, which is the main reason why I can't really recommend this film. The first major problem that I encountered was the love story between Maggie and Kim. They meet, fall in love, and make love in a 24- hour period. This was a formula most producers relied on for heterosexual romances. I have never liked them in those movies and I don't like it here. It doesn't work, and it's not plausible. How can a bond so strong be formed in hours? Call me cynic, but I have my doubts. Because the coupling happens so quickly it's difficult to beleive that they can survive any real turbulence together- for example, when Maggie attempts to tell her mother and fails to do so, Kim leaves immediately. And even if the romance was true, after the camera goes off, it won't last long. I give it four weeks.
  Another problem I had with the film were the subplots in the film. There are too many! The characters are cute, but they're presented in a caricatured fashion. The transsexual (Judy, I believe was her name) is gentle and kind, whose parents won't accept her decision; the mother is seen as old fahsioned, and seems to leave right before she receives the news that her daughter is a lesbian, and the bisexual is seen as a slut. Could there ever be a movie where a transsexual is supported of their decisions, where mothers are understanding and already know, or give a big reason for their opposition, and where bisexuals get a full character sketch instead just seen as nimphos who will take anything? For some reason, I think the supportive characters were there to drown out the character development that is lacking in Maggie and Kim. But these characters are like fill ins for plot. Too much busy work.
  I think "Better Than Chocolate" is much like my friend said "Bar Girls" is to mainstream America: these are just movies for mainstream Americans who have a limited perception of gays and lesbians and not for people who actually are gay and lesbian. Most of the struggles in the movie are simple, predictable and have the strong moral undertones that many have today, gay or straight. Most American's believe discrimination is wrong, and everyone should have an equal opportunity to love who they chose and be happy. However, I would like to see a movie that looks at being part of the LGBT community and the struggles that may occur within the community itself: what it means to carry around the lable of "lesbian", how "out" should you be, and why those who are homophobic chose to be so. "Go Fish" does a remarkably good job at starting this movement. I only wish films about those in the LGBT community would delve further, and challegne its viewers. There's so much good stuff out there to discuss, and it's not on the grounds of saftiness. What a waste.
  
  
• 8 out of 5 stars!
  By A337FTP2OCG1WQ on 2003-08-02
  Better Than Chocolate describes itself in the title... a feel good, laugh a lot movie, BTC will hook you into the plot right from the first scene. With an incredible array of characters, including a transgendered(male to female) woman named Judy, the movie is funny and heartfelt. The low budget filming makes it seem that much more real and the storyline is excellent, though the acting may be slightly amateur and the dialogue a little cheesy. The main couple, Maggie and Kim are lesbians, but they represent any other couple going through real-life problems. Wendy Crewson is wonderful as the lonely, unknowing mother, and she steals at least one of the hilarious scenes. Anne-Marie MacDonald plays Frances, the boyish owner of Ten Percent books, where only ten percent of the merchandise is books. Overall, it is a warm, feel good movie, predictable at times but for some reason, I keep watching it, and I find myself crying right along with the characters every time. Definitely see this movie if it's the last thing you do...
  
  
• different but lots of fun
  By on 2001-07-10
  I didn't relate to any of the characters going into this movie but I decided to watch it with an open mind. It is mostly a light-spirited, comedy-filled, love story about a relationship between two women. That much I gathered from the reviews. What surprised me is the way they made me consider this alternate way of life without trying to preach the cause to me. Because it seemed unbiased, I was able to put myself in the position of the characters and think about how I would feel in their situation, while still remaining a passenger within the story just along for the ride. I can't remember the last time a movie made me think this much while still being so much fun to watch.

  Also, the story didn't seem "manufactured" to appeal to a particular demographic. The situations seemed quite believable. When I was finished watching, the political undertones had all but disappeared. I'll say it again, THIS MOVIE WAS SIMPLY FUN TO WATCH. ANY open-minded person should enjoy it.
  
  

• TOTALLY SURPRIZING
  By A3IO1VOEHTMTP on 2001-09-08
  I was completly taken back by this movie. Actually I made a mistake when I purchased the DVD. I thought I was buying "Chocolate"! I couldn't stop watching the film. Christina Cox was great as was Karyn Dwyer. If they are in fact not lesbians, all the more credit to their acting. If they are, they should be proud that they have given me a totally different insight of the gay world. I am now convinced that the possibility of true love in a homosexual relationship is not only possible, but entirely natural. This movie gave me a lot to think about, beside the fact that it was without a doubt, one of the most enjoyable dramas that I have seen.
  
  
• Sometimes a Great Movie is Just a Great Movie!
  By A2RXBRMQXR17NY on 2000-05-16
  Better Than Chocolate is a Great movie! It is funny and entertaining and makes you feel good about life. The mix of characters in the movie was excellent. The movie offers a subtle yet effective counter to the stereotying that many folks do when dealing with gay and lesbian people and issues. While the setting and story line was overtly lesbian, this was in the end a movie about life and love between very likeable people. Also, the music was intriguing and fun, just like the rest of the movie! Especially one song titled "Julie Christy". I enjoyed this movie at several levels and I heartily recommend it to everyone!
  
  
• Plot Anyone?
  By A2ZLHY54O6DQPS on 2004-12-17
  This movie is (sadly) a perfect example of most lesbian movies today. The plot is week, the characters are shallow, the acting is minimal, and even the sex scenes lack steam. In today's culture, lesbians are so overlooked that ANY movie with one in a plot would probably warrant most girls to give it a 5 out of 5. Please, people! Get some standards! Try Tipping the Velvet, Bound, Fire, or The L Word- all of which have plot, character, acting, and amazing sex.
  
  
• Better Than Chocolate - Not!
  By on 2003-06-27
  After reading all the positive reviews for "Better Than Chocolate" here, I can only assume that my age (over 50) accounts for my minority opinion. I've been out for 30 years and have seen a lot of lesbian movies. This sorry mess really scrapes the bottom of the barrel, along with another clunker called "By Design" starring Patty Duke from about 25 years ago. "Better Than Chocolate" is amateurishly acted, has an unbelievable plot, and features stereotypical characters working out a variety of ludicrous liaisons and tribulations. The subplot of male-to-female transsexual as wise woman stuck in my craw, as did one particularly offensive scene in which our heroine, Kim, beats up a hideously cartoonish "transsexual-hating lesbian feminist" type. The lead actresses are cute, so if that's your sole criterion for liking a lesbian movie, be my guest. However, if you prefer some plot development, acting and believability in your cinematic entertainment, be warned -- there ain't none here. Pass me a Hershey's Kiss, please.
  
  
• Much Better Than Chocolate
  By A2T5GHH8XEGAEP on 2000-07-29
  I work in a chain video store. Let me tell you, I've seen many movies and this one ranks among my top 5! As a lesbian, I loved this movie as a great portrayl of a young lesbian and her struggles. As a person, I love the comedy in this film. Very funny and lighthearted. You will definetly love how this film makes you laugh at loud or pee your pants (if you have a weak bladder like me) If you would like to preview this film before jumping in and buying it just cuz it's a lesbian film, go to your local "Hollywood Video" You can try it out for 5 days and laugh so hard by the end of 5 days, you're gonna need to sit and relax your sides.
  
  
• Refreshing
  By on 2001-10-30
  I didn't know what to expect when I purchased this DVD. I found the descriptions here varied and inconclusive. When I slid it into the player and sat back, I was immediately enthralled by the hard edge opening music, playing in the forground while entertainers lip-sync'd at a dance club. I found the movie to be a refreshing change from the often style over substance Hollywood films I usually watch.

  Christina Cox in my mind was the stand out in this movie, down-playing her obvious beauty for her role in the film. The body painting scene was both beautiful and erotic and betrayed Christine's subtle attempt to appear unattractive.

  The DVD itself was not loaded with extras, however Anne Wheeler's commentary was highly informative and as objective as possible. I would recommend this film to anyone looking for a change of pace. It was funny and innovative.
  
  

• My first lesbian movie . . .
  By AL46VV44JW6ZR on 2005-12-31
  I first saw Better than Chocolate on Starz at 3 in the morning when the rest of my house was asleep. I fell in love and immediately ran out and rented it. Thank goodness I did. I just love this movie. It's sweet, funny, sexy and deals with real issues. Racism, sexism, telling your parents you are gay . . . this is really stuff this community has to deal with. So, to all the naysayers, go watch a movie that only comes from "specialty" rental stores and leave this movie alone. I highly recommend it to anyone of the lesbian pursuasion.
  
  
• What an incredible movie!
  By A1XWSM8XXUDH78 on 2001-08-01
  This movie is truly amazing!! It is a wonderful love story that also deals with many real-life issues. Maggie, one of the characters is struggling to keep her sexuality a secret from her mother, while at the same time trying to keep the relationship with her girlfriend... This film has a healthy dose of comedy, drama, and a reasonable amount of sexiness. This movie has it all, and I would recommend buying this to everyone; as it truly is a gem.
  
  
• ..if the chocolate is rancid and fell behind the stove...
  By on 2001-09-20
  I saw this - or should I say was assaulted by this 'film' today and still feel like I was punched in the face by a clown.

  At first I thought, 'o.k. if this was geared towards 13-16 year olds and how they will deal with their sexuality, fine'.

  Then I realised that the movie presents charcters who have - get this - LESS than ONE dimension. Completely melodramatic, the WORST CANADIAN ACTING WE ARE FAMOUS FOR - it was like degrassi junior high for lesbians with less care for breaking stereotypes - this movie aims to RECREATE THEM. Watch critically. The characters are HALF DIMENSIONAL! Amazing. Every stereotype is rehashed and then shaved down!

  The movie reinforces, believe it or not, sitcom level interpretations of what sexual orientations do to people, communities, families. Instead of creating characters who aren't Falwell's version of Sodom dwelling gay people, the movie could have been written by Bob Larsen or anyone from the religious right. Moreover, all the characters are on par with any other STRAIGHT and TERRIBLE film, say one with PAULY SHORE. Deal with that, eh?

  On top of it all, it says clearly: only the fast movers, those who pick up quick, and are promiscuous are happy, brave or doing the right thing. Anyone unnatractive, average even, say... long-term partnered, is demonized as uptight, frigid, in effect morally corrupt. The film tries to destroy the idea that you have to find out on your own how to live - instead it says: only a quick hook-up or some dildos make you adequate. For the age the characters are supposed to be, they seem entirely un-self aware. When people pass thirty-five SOMETIMES THEY START THINKING LONG TERM. SOMETIMES IT HAPPENS EARLIER. SOMETIMES IT NEVER HAPPENS » THIS MOVIE SAYS THE PERFECT WORLD IS BOTH FLAT AND PEOPLE'S HEARTS ARE HARD AND CAN TAKE LOVER AFTER LOVER. Merciless.

  The homogeneity pardon the pun of this film is disturbing. It's like it was written by some football guy who got paid to approximate who he thought were women, but in fact were bad jokes from primetime American TV.

  This would be a disservice to show young people without the preamble "all these following characters are the LEAST REAL PEOPLE EVER PRODUCED IN CANADA" - I am ashamed to live in the same country as Peggy Thompson, the writer who should know better. This movie should be taken apart in every women's, cultural, film etc. course.

  I realised this was the worst movie outside of Disney productions I had ever seen, within the first ten minutes. I continued watching to see HOW BAD IT COULD GET, and it became sufficiently progressively worse to keep my eyes slightly open.

  If you have anything to do with art, have gone to art school, are familiar with conceptual art etc., when you see this you will hurt. Embarrassing like nothing else. The most juvenile, vapid and typically high-school bred approaches take root in this movie. If you have seen ghostworld, this will sum it all up: all the characters/protagonists in here are like the characters in ghostworld who are the BUTT OF THE ENTIRE FILM'S raison d'etre.

  Never before have I seen such irritating, flaky bullsh-t which is a slap in the face to any gay person who has figured out that YOU AREN"T SUPPOSED TO ACT LIKE YOU ARE ON TV BECAUSE YOU PROBABLY AREN'T EIGHT.

  To all those who gave this good reviews, well, I assume you are mainly American and don't have a gauge outside of television in the first place, stuck in your trailer with posters of Bud girls, watching Full House. No, it isn't so, the bulldykes I hung out with in Nashville would be pissed at this - although the hairdresser guy I rented a trailer room from was himself quite retarded. He would've liked this movie. He had a BLACK VELVET CLOWN PAINTING up in my bedroom - with NO IRONIC INTENT.

  Good luck, I hated this movie so much I've been waiting all day to get it out. Buy some chocolate and rent
  
  

• A Delightful Screwball Comedy!!
  By A24DF0LLVWULEX on 2003-07-13
  Funny plot and sub-plots throughout not to mention catchy tunes by fabulous drags! Wheeler has a real sense of colour, contrast in depicting every scene and emotion, enabling the viewer to feel and be a part of the whole journey in the movie. She wickedly reconstructs the stereotypes into something that we can laugh with the characters but not feel offended in any way. All too often we're slammed with gay movies that almost always have sad, depressing plots and endings, or preachy and political lines throughout, like it's an obligatory premise to making a gay movie or something! But, Wheeler shows us that gay-related movies can be funny and have a happy ending, too!! Laugh-out-loud comedic situations, i.e. the mother (played excellently and totally uproarious by the scrumptious Wendy Crewson)discovering various sex toys in horror yet doesn't mind "having a go" at 'em if you know what I mean, the oddball but utterly hilarious attraction between the bookkeeper and the transsexual friend, the bookkeeper's facetious reaction towards the Customs' threats of confiscating her books, the instant clique between the mother and the transsexual, the list goes on!! Great performances by new and veteran actors alike. Even though the movie kinda centres around the 2 youngsters, Kim and Maggie, but it is the supporting cast, played exquisitely well by the gang of talented actors from start to finish that makes this movie a repeat watch and definitely a highly recommended one!!
  
  
• Plot? Romance? Characters?
  By A33VJTQW0Y930K on 2005-03-08
  My girlfriend and I couldn't wait to watch this movie, intrigued by the plot description and user reviews. I hate to say we were really disappointed with it. Some movies have little plot and bad acting but nice sexual tension and stimulating love scenes. Other movies are light on the erotic quotient but keep you riveted with character-driven stories. This movie does neither.
  
  After only fifteen minutes, the two lead characters, Maggie and Kim, are falling in love and looking for a place to consumate their passion. I'm a hopeless romantic, but come on. By the time the day's over, they're together in a subletted apartment trying to hide their fierce love from Maggie's mother and brother. The mother, played by respectable actress Wendy Krewson, is a hopelessy -- in fact, an outlandishly -- naive and clueless woman. The brother might have been an interesting character, except that his only reason for being part of the movie seems to be that they needed to balance the gender ratio.
  
  What bothered me the most was the script. I could almost hear the writer pause every few minutes and say, "Hmm, I need a really punchy line here. It should be funny and clever." And the line would end up feeling forced. So much of the story is forced. It's one thing to turn an incisive eye on oneself or one's community and point out the every day absurdities and details by which we define ourselves, but this script created impossibly stereotyped characters, gave them cliched plotlines and then abandoned them before developing any real personalities. There was no real heart here; only set-ups, would-be clever dialogue and some big scene payoff. I had to infer what most of the characters were feeling, so thick were the silly scenes and poor acting.
  
  In a sea of mediocre movies in this genre, Im diappointed to say that "Better Than Chocolate" swims right in the middle of the fray. Maybe what we need -- certainly what many of us are seeking -- is a story that stretches beyond the confines of community stereotypes and exploring each others' breasts (though if there had been more of that in this movie, it would have earned another star). Where are the characters with careers, family and ambitions beyond the full-time obsession with finding a lover?
  
  
• not a drag queen ;)
  By on 2000-01-06
  i saw this wonderous movie twice at the theatres, and have been bouncingly awaiting its video release - yay! it's out! - so now i'll just give my little review: oh. my. i haven't seen too many good chick flicks, and even less with only chicks. ;) most of the time they're cheesy, over-dramatic, and just, well, bad. hence the name "chick flick," implying all sorts of lame qualities. but better than chocolate is FAR above this: there are several sub-plots, romantic but nearly realistic sex scenes, GREAT acting, and an ending that isn't candy coated, nor depressing beyond belief. it's real, with a burst of sunshine here 'n' there. and it's ~funny~ too. not all the time - some scenes make you wonder if you're gonna cry (how embarrasing!) but the next few scenes give you enough time to get over it before toying with your emotions again. yay. :)
  
  
• Come together right now
  By A8P2C961LFEL1 on 2004-10-25
  I am always amazed by the range of stars that are applied
  by the reviewers. This frenetic little movie might titilate you
  a little or a lot, or become so grating that you just wish
  it would end. There are some moments in it
  that are palatable --- but the wrap-up is so screwy --- the
  porn shop nude scene, the skinheads, and the explosion,
  just before all of the chicks manage to have happy endings
  and just ahead of the longest lesbian kiss ever --- that had
  me fast-forwarding.
  
  Christina Cox is a pip.
  
  
  
  
• Movie critics beware!
  By AVKXSTC4JDKXE on 2006-06-06
  I really hope that no one was expecting an Oscar worthy performance. No it`s not the best movie ever as far as plot and acting but, I don`t remember seeing too many high dollar ads for it, do you? It was a DAMN good feel good movie though.
  This movie will help point out a few issues the GLBT community faces but barely scratches the surface. If it is erotic lesbians you seek, KEEP SEEKING. Even the uncut version is barely "R" worthy.
  
  So once again everyone, NOT a pent house flick, NOT a documentary AND in no way is it Oscar worthy, and with all that said, It was one of the best ROMANTIC COMEDIES I`ve seen in a long time. I highly recomend it to anyone just looking for a relaxing evening.
  
  
• Better and better on rewatching
  By A1GYR0Q9BRCNQ4 on 2002-04-01
  First time I saw this I wasn't a huge fan but it really grows on you and gets funnier and funnier with every rewatching. Frances (Anne-Marie Macdonald) is absolutely hilarious and steals the whole movie as the buttoned down comfy shoe wearing gay book store owner having ongoing fights with Customs over censorship. That the actress who plays her is normally a successful playwright not an actress is even more astounding. Wonderful.
  Kim is perfect as the cool drifter who woos Maggie and is the catalyst for everyone's lives changing, though really she does little herself to make it so. In essence she has little to do but react to every one else's drama. But she does this so well.

  Mercifully Peter Outerbridge's transgender Judy isn't a drag-queenesque caricature of woman like many men tend to play such roles - all high hair, sequins and excessive lippy. He instead does a stunning graceful performance as a man who believes he should have been born a woman - even more remarkable is the acting given he is normally a straight leading man who has never frocked up before in his life.
  If you are hesitating on whether to buy this, I have never seen anyone not take something away from it - it has something for everyone. Heck, the Germans released it as a mainstream movie in hundreds of commercial cinemas. You don't do that if the audience demographic is only selectively small or the movie too alternative.
  I only bought this for a friend but now I have fallen in love with this excellent quirky Canadian drama. The director's commentary informs me they filmed this in just 21 days. Get outta here. Those people are geniuses. It really smacks of quality. Truly delightful.
  
  

• This Movie Really Is..."Better Than Chocolate"
  By AAI6XRB9BIJLM on 2004-11-29
  This movie was awesome...it showed the characters as people, not labels or stereotypes. There was barely any mention of the main characters as "lesbians". That wasn't the point...not that they were Lesbians, but that they were just people. This was a true film that displays what real love is really about. It's about acceptance of a person, and everything that comes with that person, good or bad. Weather it be a mother accepting her daugher as a Lesbian, friends accepting eachother for who they are, or lovers accepting eachother no matter what. This film really sends the message that, if you love someone...just love them...dont let stupid differences get in the way. Love is a gift, dont throw it away because you dont understand something about the person.
  
  I recommend this movie to anyone with an open mind. Although it is low budget and only shot in 22 days, the acting is amazing (MUCH emphasis on the BEAUTIFUL Christina Cox) and the soundtrack is wonderful. This movie has everything from comedy, to romance, to drama. This movie makes you laugh and cry, but most of all...it leaves you with a smile on your face.
  
  ---Dare To Be Different---
  
  
• What Can I Say?
  By A34D06JL7LC6MU on 2006-04-18
  Being a straight man, I like lesbians. What can I say? So, as much as I hate to admit it; that's really the only reason I rented this movie. A few other things I hate to admit is that this movie is actually kind of funny, while it's pretty stupid at the same time. Also, this movie has the plot, dialouge, and look of a straight-to-video movie and for all I know, it is. The movie is about Maggie (Karyn Dwyer), a dancer at some weird pseudo-gay club and a clerk at an independent bookstore. Maggie also happens to sleep in this bookstore.
  Anyway, Maggie's mother Lila (Wendy Crewson) calls her and tells her that she needs a place to move to and Maggie says she can stay with her. So, now she runs and abnormally quickly funds a small loft to rent. But, then just a couple of hours before her mother and brother Paul (Kevin Mundy) arrive
  Maggie meets Kim (Christina Cox). The two fall in love and move in together (all of this happening at an extraordinarily quick pace), right as Lila and Paul show up. Lila doesn't know Maggie is a lesbian, (Paul finds out rather quickly though) and Maggie prefers to keep it that way, so she doesn't tell her and tries to hide it. Problem is, it's hard to keep your sexual orientation private when you're having sex on a couch in a room where a curtain is a substitute for a door. Meanwhile, Frances (Ann-Marie MacDonald) the lesbian owner of Maggie's bookstore has to fight with Canadian customs to get her "obscene" books over the border. Then there's the transgender Judy (Peter Outerbridge) vying for Frances affection while warming up to Lila.
  Surprisingly, Outerbridge is actually quite good at playing a transgender man and he certainly looks the part. But, the one redeeming thing about this movie is the Frances character, who acutally happens to be pretty funny. Overall, this is a low grade looking movie that is trying to send out a message that is overshadowed by lesbian sex scenes. And personally, if you want good scenes like that rent "Mulholland Dr." or "Where the Truth Lies". Anyway,
  I am recommending this movie oddly enough because it does have some form of entertainment and comedy; but it is pretty stupid...
  
  GRADE: C+ (or B-)
  
  
• it has its moments
  By A15J07RXB3W0YX on 2007-02-16
  This is a sweet little romantic comedy with a
  completely predictable plot. Every scene in the
  first half is a set-up for a scene in the second.
  All the couples that provide the dramatic
  tension end up united.
  But wait.
  This movie has three distinct charms:
  
  *some genuinely erotic scenes between the two
  principal characters. Real erotic filmmaking
  is depressingly rare and this film gets it
  just right.
  *three very attractive actors in the persons
  of Karyn Dwyer as the bookstore clerk, Christina
  Cox as her vagabond-artist lover and Wendy
  Crewson as her mom.
  *some wonderfully campy, but thoroughly entertaining
  musical numbers.
  
  Some of the acting is a bit below par and
  the script is so, well, 'scripted' as to
  make you look around for a good book. But the
  two virtues-good sex and music-combine with
  occasional flashes of wit to make for an
  enjoyable hour and forty-four in the dark.
  
  --Lynn Hoffman, author of THE NEW SHORT COURSE IN WINE and
  the forthcoming novel bang BANG from Kunati Books.ISBN
  9781601640005
  
  
• Better than chocolate?
  By on 2000-01-07
  It's always nice to see a lesbian flick with some steamy scenes and cute girls, but it's better when there is a good story line. This movie's plot is unbelievable, is unconvincingly serious at times, and poorly acted. It's a decently fun light date movie, but lacks substance as it tries to have deeper meanings and dwell in social and politcal issues. This movie was fun to watch, but offers nothing more than a few decent bedroom scenes and a failed attempt at a powerful movie. It's a mediocre romantic comedy that tries to accomplish too much. I recommend seeing it, but don't pay too much or expect great filmmaking.
  
  

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