Explore the hilarious fictional battle between Kellogg's and Post in the comedic biopic 'Unfrosted' that delves into the creation of the iconic breakfast pastry, Pop-Tarts. Discover the satirical rivalry, the real-life historical figures, and the allusions to the 1960s in this entertaining film.
Unfrosted: The Hilarious Take on the Pop-Tart Creation Story
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In recent years, biopics have become a popular genre, exploring the origin stories of various products. From shoes to electronic devices, these films delve into the unique circumstances surrounding their creation and cultural impact. However, not all of these films take themselves too seriously. Jerry Seinfeld's comedic interpretation, "Unfrosted," hilariously depicts the fictional battle between food manufacturing giants Kellogg's and Post to create the iconic breakfast pastry, Pop-Tarts.
( Credit to: Collider )
A Fictional Rivalry Based on Real History:
"Unfrosted" introduces a fictional rivalry between Kellogg's and Post, but it's worth noting that these two companies did have a real-life competitive relationship. Both founded in Battle Creek, Michigan, they developed groundbreaking cereal recipes in the early 20th century. Post infamously stole Kellogg's recipe for Corn Flakes, creating their own version called "Post Toasties." This historical context adds a touch of authenticity to the satirical film.
The Characters and their Real-Life Counterparts
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While many characters in "Unfrosted" are fictional, some are loosely based on real historical figures. For instance, Marjorie Post, depicted as the eccentric head of Post in the film, was a real person and the daughter of C.W. Post, an American breakfast food innovator. Similarly, Bob Cabana, portrayed by Jerry Seinfeld, is inspired by William Post, a Kellogg's employee.
The Creation of Pop-Tarts
"Unfrosted" humorously explores the process of creating Pop-Tarts, with Bob Cabana, a food inventor, and NASA scientist Donna Stankowski leading the charge. Although the film takes a comedic approach, it is worth mentioning that Kellogg's did test Pop-Tart flavors with children. The initial prototypes were referred to as "fruit scones" before the name "Pop-Tart" was inspired by the pop art movement of the 1960s.
Incorporating Real Historical Figures
"Unfrosted" incorporates real historical figures into its storyline. Thurl Ravenscroft, portrayed by Hugh Grant, leads a revolution of cereal mascots against Kellogg's, drawing inspiration from Ravenscroft's real-life role as the voice of Tony the Tiger in Frosted Flakes commercials. Additionally, the film features figures like Jack LaLanne, known as "The Godfather of Fitness," and the real "Chef Boyardee," Ettore Boiardi, who founded the famous canned pasta brand.
Allusions to Historical Events
Seinfeld's satire in "Unfrosted" cleverly alludes to historical events from the 1960s. The film humorously suggests that President John F. Kennedy played a role in encouraging Kellogg's to develop Pop-Tarts to prevent the recipe from falling into the hands of the Russians. This playful take highlights the rising commercialization of the era and the importance placed on consumer products and branding.
Conclusion
"Unfrosted" is a comedic take on the creation of Pop-Tarts, lampooning clichés commonly found in biopic films. While the storyline is fictionalized, it incorporates elements of real history and corporate rivalries between Kellogg's and Post. With its hilarious interpretation and incorporation of real historical figures, the film offers an entertaining glimpse into the making of a beloved breakfast pastry.