Cookies & Cream Movie Review

Cookies & Cream is an independent movie from writer and director Princeton Holt, who makes his directorial debut. Holt also co-produced, with Brian Ackley, this character piece centered on Carmen (Jace Nicole), a racially mixed single mother who accepts an adult entertainment job to take care of her daughter and herself.

This story is told through Carmen’s eyes. As an independent woman, Carmen has unbreakable career ambition and the internal fortitude to persevere through tough life circumstances. Throughout the story, she dates men from various backgrounds with different intentions. Carmen sometimes finds it tough to separate her job in the adult entertainment industry from her love life. Some of the men she dates don’t understand the difference either.

Similar to another recent independent film, from the One Way or Another Production gang, Cookies & Cream is a raw story featuring genuine characters and scripting. There are definitely different styles and type so indie movies, and this company seems to specialize in character-driven stories. Their emphasis appears to be on having the film come off as a natural, almost home video like, depiction of people acting as though real life is happening. It is quite a change from the sometimes over-scripted big picture productions.

Aside from a somewhat racy and vulgar introductory scene, the movie is presented very tastefully given the subject matter. The focus is on the characters, especially Carmen, and the story they tell through their interactions, mannerisms, and dialogue.

Cookies & Cream is an artistic movie that will likely appeal to a niche audience that appreciates real characters and is okay with a slightly less glamorized production. Jace Nicole is a scene-stealing driving force as Carmen. Ardie Fuqua, Naama Kates, and Brian Ackley also star in supporting roles. Though, Uptown is a bit more of a captivating movie, Cookies & Cream tells a very poignant tale.

The Cookies & Cream film and its team are currently navigating the all important film festival circuit, which helps make or break many indie films. July 5th, the movie makes its World Premiere at the New York City Anthology Film Archives. It then goes to LA in August, and to Australia in October.

You can actually watch Cookies & Cream sooner with a purchase from the production company’s “Naked Series” DVD collection, which includes a DVD of just the original films without any typical DVD extras.

MPAA Rating: NR (Some adult themes/language)
Running Time: 90 minutesFilm Premiere Date: July 5th, 2009

Movie Review by Neil of Movie Room Reviews (originally featured July 28th, 2009)

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