Cupcakes

If they hired Pedro Almodóvar to direct the next ‘Sex and the City’ film, it might end up like ‘Cupcakes’. The sort of movie that adjectives like ‘frothy’ and ‘bubbly’ were invented for, it’s the tale of five women of varying ages – and one dude in a tutu – who throw their names into the ring for a global singing contest and end up representing Israel at the finals. It’s daft, gushy, camp and entirely predictable, but director Eytan Fox – whose 2002 film ‘Yossi & Jagger’ won plaudits for its sensitive portrayal of gay relationships in the Israeli army – knows precisely what he’s doing. He crams in enough plot twists, subtle satire and all-round charm to just about see us through the rough patches. Best of all is his use of primary colours – a sequence in which each member of the gang sees Paris through a different coloured pair of wraparound shades is lovely and inventive. Hardened cynics should steer clear, but those of a sunnier disposition will find much to enjoy.