The Casserole Club (also known as Sex, Lies, and Sugar) is a 2011 American drama film, directed by Steve Balderson. The film won five awards at the 2011 New York Visionfest. In this film set against the backdrop of the 1969 moonwalk, a group of suburban housewives hold dinner parties to test out their new casseroles. As boozy flirtation begins to dominate the gatherings - and more than recipes start getting swapped - the story shifts from stylized humor to a drama about irresponsibility, selfishness and damaged people.
Contents
Cast
Susan Traylor as Sugar Bainbridge
Kevin Richardson as Conrad Bainbridge
Daniel Sea as Jerome Holleran
Mark Booker as Leslie Holleran
Starina Johnson as Kitty Bloom
Garrett Swann as Sterline Bloom
Pleasant Gehman as Florene Johnson
Hunter Bodine as Burt Johnson
Jennifer Grace as Marybelle Beedum
Michael Maize as Max Beedum
Jane Wiedlin as Marjorie Lavon
Nic Roewert as Ned Lavon
Kelly Pedone as Patti Parker
Stuart G. Bennett as Gayle Parker
Iris Berry as The Broad
Anthony Pedone as Manson Newscaster
Awards
Won
2011 New York Visionfest:
Best Male Actor - Kevin Richardson
Best Female Actor - Susan Traylor
Best Directing - Steve Balderson
Best Production - Steve Balderson
Best Production Design - Steve Balderson
Nominated
2011 New York Visionfest:
Best Cinematography - Steve Balderson
Original Score - Rob Kleiner
Best Writing - Frankie Krainz
Reviews
Danielle Riendeau from After Ellen gave a positive review of the film, saying the film "offers a bizarre, compelling, and ultimately fascinating ride through the outwardly pretty yet-horrific lives of 'normal people' and "the soundtrack is as kitschy and catchy as the visuals are bright".
Jonathan Hickman from Daily Film Fix made note that he was not a "fan of the visual scope and digital look of the film", but mentioned it was Steve Balderson's best film to date.
Film Threat's Mark Bell gave the film a four out of five, writing a positive review and calling the acting "wonderful".