Babycakes

In the 1989 romantic comedy 'Babycakes,' we meet our main character, Grace (played by Shelley Long), a mortuary cosmetician working for a funeral home in New York City. Despite being surrounded by deceased individuals, Grace is a vivacious and vibrant person who seems to have a passion for making people look their best – even in death. However, her own life is lacking a certain spark, as she has yet to experience true love. As Grace goes about her daily routine, she becomes smitten with Rob (played by Vincent Gardella), a handsome and charming subway train conductor. But what stands in the way of their love is the fact that Rob is completely oblivious to her existence. Despite their proximity on the subway, Rob doesn't notice the beautiful and lively Grace, leaving her to feel invisible and unnoticed. Determined to capture Rob's attention, Grace devises a plan to meet him. With the help of her coworker, she comes up with a clever scheme to make Rob notice her. Disguising herself as a 'lost' commuter, Grace boards the subway and finds herself standing beside Rob, attempting to get his attention. To her surprise, Rob is kind and courteous, going out of his way to help the 'lost' woman. As they strike up a conversation, we learn that despite their physical differences – with Rob being the epitome of good looks and Grace being a larger woman – they have a deep connection. They share similar interests, values, and personalities, making it easy for them to converse and bond. As their relationship begins to blossom, they discover that they have a lot more in common than they initially thought. However, just as things start to fall into place, their physical differences begin to pose a challenge. As a conductor, Rob faces difficulties with his employer due to his relationship with Grace, who is perceived as being outside of his typical social circle. On the other hand, Grace struggles with accepting herself, especially with the way society views obesity. They both fear that their physical differences will be the foundation of their breakup. Throughout the movie, the chemistry between Shelley Long and Vincent Gardella is undeniable. Their love is built on a foundation of mutual respect and understanding, and as they navigate their differences, they grow and learn from each other. Whether it's taking a trip to a beauty parlor for a makeover or participating in various fun activities together, their relationship is genuinely endearing. One of the most compelling aspects of 'Babycakes' is the portrayal of its female lead. Shelley Long's portrayal of Grace is both humorous and poignant, capturing the complexities of her character as she struggles with self-acceptance and love. It's refreshing to see a movie featuring a plus-sized woman as the lead, and Long brings a certain level of authenticity to the role. 'Babycakes' may not be an action-packed or intellectually stimulating film, but its lighthearted and romantic tone makes it an enjoyable watch. As they navigate their differences and work through their insecurities, Rob and Grace prove that love can conquer all, even when it seems like the odds are against them. With its positive message, charming characters, and witty dialogue, 'Babycakes' is a heartwarming romantic comedy that will leave viewers feeling uplifted and inspired.