A Toast to Battle Creek’s GRRREAT Breakfast Icon

“Trivial,” “Blasé,” “A below average comedy,” “It’s about nothing,” “One of the worst Netflix original movies,” and “Worst film of the decade.” Just a few lines lifted from reviews for “Unfrosted.” And those were the kinder reviews.

“Unfrosted,” produced, written and starring Jerry Seinfeld and his arsenal of comedic friends takes a look at the pop-favorite Kellogg’s Pop-Tart, with the film attempting to deliver a lighthearted fictitious spin on how the beloved breakfast staple catapulted into the hearts of everyone and into every suburban toaster in 1964. Seinfeld, whose day job during the “Must See TV” era became a household staple in the 90’s. He really couldn’t act then and was fortunately surrounded with actual actors who did the comedic heavy lifting.  

With so many people seeking out the hot docu-drama of the week on streaming services, it was only fitting that after backstories on Steve Jobs, Air Jordans, Uber, and a stalker, we’re left with the story behind the creation of the simple Pop-Tart. Don’t forget this is a comedy, and with the exception of the actual Kellogg’s logo, everything here is make-believe, and if you’re looking for any semblance of the city of Battle Creek, you’re better off buying a box of Rice Krispies.

“Unfrosted” is most definitely aimed at baby boomers, which isn’t exactly the lucrative target audience at movie theatres, and explains why the producers were smart to regulate it to Netflix. The comedy doesn’t really stretch, but then, this is Seinfeld. He’s still not a great actor, but once again, he is surrounded by a glorious variety of comedians and actors, like Melissa McCarthy, Jim Gaffigan, Amy Schumer, Christian Slater, Max Greenfield, and Hugh Grant who is priceless as a Shakespearian actor forced to make ends meet by donning the Tony the Tiger suit. Best cameo goes to Jon Hamm and John Slattery reprising their Mad Men roles. Can we ever see enough of Don Draper?

Colorful. In the spirit of a Saturday morning cartoon, the sets are as bright and colorful as a bowl of Froot Loops. “Unfrosted” doesn’t pretend to be what it isn’t. If you think the movie, “Airplane” is a stupid movie, you may want to skip “Unfrosted” and instead catch up the latest docu-drama on Netflix. But if you don’t mind laughing at silliness in spite of yourself, you’re in for a sugary treat.

Heidi McCrary is a writer and author of the novel, Chasing North Star – available wherever books are sold. Follow Heidi at heidimccrary.net and facebook.com/HeidiMcCraryAuthor