Watch Flakes

In the quirky indie comedy Flakes, audiences are introduced to a group of young misfits living in a bohemian part of New Orleans. The focal point of their community is an offbeat cereal cafe, where owner Neal Downs (played with off-kilter charm by Aaron Stanford) serves up a variety of obscure cereal blends to a small but dedicated group of customers.

As the film opens, Neal's relationship with longtime girlfriend Pussy Katz (Zooey Deschanel, in a role that plays to her quirky strength) is on the rocks. Shaken by the possibility of losing her, Neal begins to reevaluate his life and the state of his business. Meanwhile, a big-box store called MegaLoMart is set to open down the block, threatening to put Neal out of business for good.

Adding to the chaos is an ongoing rivalry with Neal's eccentric landlord, Willie (Christopher Lloyd), who is waging his own war against the city's zoning board. The ensuing hijinks involve a makeshift music festival, a botched attempt at corporate espionage, and a wild scheme to produce the world's most valuable cereal box.

At its heart, Flakes is a character-based comedy that mines its humor from the oddities and contradictions of its ensemble cast. Neal is that rare hero who is deeply flawed yet still sympathetic, and Stanford imbues him with a kind of hapless charm that makes us root for him even when he's making terrible decisions. Deschanel brings her signature offbeat vibe to Pussy, who is a delightful mess of contradictions and quirks. Together, they form a believable and endearing pair.

But Flakes shines brightest in its supporting cast. Christopher Lloyd is a standout as Willie, imbuing his character with a manic energy that keeps the film from ever feeling too predictable or safe. The other denizens of the cereal cafe are equally colorful, from the aspiring musician who works at the store (played by Keir O'Donnell) to the oddball regulars who come in for their daily dose of sugar and nostalgia.

In many ways, Flakes feels like a throwback to a particular brand of indie comedy that was popular in the early 2000s. It's a film that revels in its quirky characters and offbeat setting, and it's not afraid to take risks or go off on tangents. Some viewers may find it a bit too meandering or lacking in plot, but for those who appreciate character-based humor and a distinctive sense of style, it's a gem of a film.

Visually, Flakes is a delight, with director Michael Lehmann (who also helmed the classic black comedy Heathers) infusing the film with a vibrant, colorful energy that perfectly captures the eccentric vibe of the cereal cafe and its surroundings. The film's soundtrack is equally eclectic, featuring contributions from indie artists like The Flaming Lips and Clem Snide.

Overall, Flakes is a charming, offbeat comedy that doesn't quite fit into any particular box. It's a film that values character over plot, and that's more interested in immersing viewers in its unique world than in following any kind of formula. It's a film that values individuality and creativity, and it celebrates the quirks and oddities that make us all unique. For those who appreciate that kind of thing, it's a treat of a movie.