Movie of The Week: The Fugative

Free State of Jones

Entree: Fried Chicken

Sides: Mashed Potatoes, Gravy, Biscuit, Cole Slaw & Green Beans

Dessert: Chess Pie

Timing: President's Day

Movie:
Free State of Jones is a tale often skipped in history class, however, it plays an important role when trying to gain perspective on the bigger picture of the Confederate South during the Civil War.

Essentially, this is the making of the perfect storm well behind enemy lines within the delta of Mississippi. Below are just some of the contributing factors that led to this very unique situation:

• Despite popular belief rich Southern planters were equivalent to our current day 1%. The military ranks reflected those of society and the ones at the lead had the most to lose.  In other words, the war effort was led by the sons of those wealthy plantation owners while the foot soldiers consisted of poor farmers.
• In a desperate move to survive the Confederate army would rob and steal from their own people leaving them to starve.  
• Most importantly, slavery is a crime against humanity.  Plain & simple.

Enter Jones County, Mississippi and Newton Knight:

• Mississippi - Remains till this day one of the poorest states in the union.  
• Newton Knight - An incredibly courageous man who not only revolted against a war for the rich but against slavery and racism all together.

Additional interesting points to consider while watching are as follows:

• The Union's reaction to this "post" within enemy territory.
• The portrayal of the Reconstruction era.
• Contemplate how there were just three generations separating the defendant of the "modern day" trial (which occurs in the background of the main plot line) and that of Newton Knight.  It is a stark reminder that while this seems to have taken place a long time ago it really is not far removed at all.

Mel's Rating: 84%
On a scale of 100.

Brett's Rating:
On a scale of 10.

An Affair To Remember (1957)

Drink: Pink Champange

Entree: French Onion & Mushroom Chicken Pasta

Side: Arugula Salad

Dessert: French Macaroons 

Timing: Valentine's Day

Movie:
This film stands the test of time with Cary Grant's effortless suaveness and Deborah Carr's meticulously beautiful wardrobe.  We all know the lines and other films based even are based along the same plot.  With that said every diamond has it's flaws so here we go...

• Studio Factory - Money is to blame for this one. You will notice that they take their time telling the story thank god but the credits suffer.  For instance, right after the last line is uttered it is the end.  Period.  End of story. La Fin as the french would say.
• The scenes with the children singing could be nixed.  It sounds excruciating and it is undoubtedly racist too.

Mel's Rating: 90%
On a scale of 100.

Brett's Rating:
On a scale of 10.

Robin Hood: Prince of Theives

Drink: Mead

Entree: Lamb Chops with New Potatoes, Parsnips and Carrots

Dessert: Apple Tart

Movie:

The story of Robin Hood has been told for over 500 years. With such a long history, it is and understatement to say there are several versions of this tale available in both print and film, which vary drastically from good to just plain bad.  From the outside, this looks to be a bad version with the cheesy Bryan Adams hit "(Everything I Do) I Do It For You" fading in and out of numerous scenes. However, Kevin Costner grants us his signature backside scene.  Also, Alan Rickman comes very close to stealing the show with a pre-Snape portrayal of Sheriff Nottingham.  My only reservation is that sometimes the hair gets a little big but it was released in 1991, which was practically still the 80's.

Mel's Rating: 91%

On a scale of 100.

Brett's Rating: ⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️

On a scale of 10.

Karate Kid

Drink: Tokyo Schwill 

Entree: Stir Fry

Movie: 

I would like to see how many karate dojos opened up after this movie came out because it was a huge deal.  When you watched this in the eighties it seemed like an epic journey.  However, thirty years later our viewing habits have changed from movies to series that are so lengthy that the term binge-watching has been added to the dictionary.  We are drowning in a sea of content and forget that back in the analog days we clung to every scene of a good movie because it could be years until it was available on tape or until the sequel was released.

Regardless of the differences in audience landscapes between now and then, here are my thoughts on the film:

• The coolest part of the movie is still the end.  It is intense and exciting but then abruptly cuts to the credits.  What would have you done to ease this transition?
• Elisabeth Shue looks considerable older than Ralph Macchio.  I mean the sheer size of her skull compared to his is alarming but I guess that's how it was in high school.
• Do you think Mr. Miyagi would really let Daniel san play around with a bonsai tree that sick? 
• There are two life lessons that are valuable in this film which are listed below.  Do you think that kids now too often don't get exposed to such realities?
• Sometimes you get your butt kicked.
• Not everyone gets a trophy.

Mel's Rating: 80%

On a scale of 100.

Brett's Rating: ⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️

On a scale of 10.

Fargo

Timing: #icestorm2017fail
Activity: Snow&Co
Entree: Goulash
Dessert: White Chocolate Chip Bundt Cake

Movie:
I did not understand why this film was such a big deal when it debuted in the nineties & to be honest after viewing it twenty years later I'm still searching for something more tangible to help justify this epic opinion.  Regardless,  the below is I've come up with this time around:

• It provides a unique approach to the genre that is the dark comedy.
• I did not have much of a taste for Steve Buscemi until after Boardwalk Empire.  Even when he made appearances on The Sopranos I did not see what all the hype was about but now I understand better.
• I gained a sense of the culture of this part of the country that you usually do not hear from which was refreshing & complete with amazing lines like, "Prowler needs a jump."

Mel's Rating: 78%
On a scale of 100.

Brett's Rating:
On a scale of 10.

Malcolm X

Movie:
Only after I watched this movie did I realize how much I did not know about Malcolm X, which is a shame.  It became clear to me that we are not taught his story because it is too true to real life, in the sense that it includes more tragedy than victory.  In other words, too many times we have shied away from his story because it makes people uncomfortable but not telling it is a disrespect in itself.  Simply put he was soul the world was not ready for and refused to accept.

The system tried to take away his identity but each time his remarkable defiance led him to overcome the odds.  As a child, he hoped to be a lawyer but was told that was not a suitable position for someone of color.  Instead society had another plan for him, which included a string of menial and degrading jobs.  He was essentially taught by the system that this was the only foreseeable future for him and so he rebelled into a life of crime.  The system was then was all too happy to incarcerate him. However, what the system did not plan on was the spiritual awakening Malcolm experienced while in prison, which led him to his purpose in life.

As for the film itself it seemed a little segmented. This may be due to the length but the story of this man has many layers & therefore it is a huge accomplishment to narrow it down to one movie.  These days this could easily make for an entire series but that concept did not exist when the film was made in the early 90's.

Mel's Rating: 89%
On a scale of 100.

Brett's Rating: ⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️
On a scale of 10.

Nashville

Timing: Traveling through Nashville.

Movie:

I don't know even where to start with this film.  Maybe the end which we never reached?  The music, sound mix and Shelley Duvall made this movie intolerable.  That's really as simple as I can put it.  I've seen this film ranked highly on many esteemed lists which sparked my curiosity.  While we were watching it I was searching for a meaning, a ah-ha moment of why critics liked it so much.  However, halfway through I was thinking of how this does not represent Nashville at all.  In fact, it plays into many stereotypes that myself as a Southerner have time & time again have proven to be just wrong.

Let me put it this way...this film was so bad I don't even remember what I had planned for the themed dinner. Now that is just wrong!

Mel's Rating: 20%

On a scale of 100.

Brett's Rating:

On a scale of 10.

A Place in the Sun

Appetizer: Sunflower (Cheddar Cheese Triangles & Blackberries)

Entree: Sun-dried Tomato Chicken Alfredo with Penne Pasta

Movie:

The story of how beauty and fortune brings out the worst in people has been told many times.  The beauty here is Elizabeth Taylor & the fortune is hers to inherit.  When Taylor & the main character fall in love he has seemed to have found his place in the sun.  However, a previous tryst threatens to ruin it all.  At this major crossroad does he choose to come clean?  Or does he deny everything?  Or does his indecision decide his fate in a class driven society in which he so desperately would love to escape?

The plot, Taylor and her wardrobe by Edith Head will certainly keep your attention until the end in this classic black & white.

Mel's Rating: 96%

On a scale of 100.

Brett's Rating: ⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️

On a scale of 10.

The Cider House Rules

Drink: Cider

Entree: Hard Apple Cider & Rosemary Braised Pork Chops with Bacon, Apples, Shallots, Garlic & Sweet Potatoes

Movie:
A plot that at first appears to be typical love triangle reveals many supplemental layers as you progress through this film.  Several complicated issues are represented but one congruent conclusion is that not everything is has a right or wrong answer.  Throughout the duration of the film we see the main character Tobey McGuire come to this confusing dead end as he goes out into the world for the first time on his own.  Below are a few spoiler free items to read & discuss after your viewing:

• Why is one of the characters named Rose Rose?  
• What do the actual cider house rules represent in regards to the overriding main issue in the film?
• What is the irony in Candy's fate?

Mel's Rating: 81%
On a scale of 100.

Brett's Rating: ⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️
On a scale of 10.

The Uninvited

Drink: Blueberry Mojito Royale

Entree: Red Hot Dogs

Movie:
"Uninvited" was intended to be a nod to the much ignored genre of the up-to-date thriller.  However, it was disappointing to see that it does not do a good job of tying up all of the loose strings.  Especially, since details are what make a quality thriller.

The "Maine" detail you will first notice lacking is the film location.  The plot is set in Maine but as we suspected filming actually commenced in Vancouver. Ultimately, this does take away from the sincerity of the film.  The fact that the studio only committed to going up the coast instead of to the real location confirms that they knew this was not going to be a compelling story.

There were however some highlights to this film, one of which included Elizabeth Banks.  Her character eerily seemed modeled after Rebecca De Mornay in "Cradle" right down to her carefully styled look, which is that of a control freak.

Additionally, the M. Knight Shyamalan twist at the end was a nice touch.  The film does loop in some indicators of this surprise ending along the way but it was by no means thorough.  In retrospect, with some careful editing, filming on location and symbolism this actually had potential to be the modern "Cradle".

Items to ponder...

• Why did the children choose to terrorize unsuspected chefs from underneath the stove?
• What was the purpose of the CGI induced scene when the boyfriend sneaked into Anna's room?
• Are you sick of the cherub Anna mouth shots by the end of the film?  We sure were.

Mel's Rating: 69%
On a scale of 100.

Brett's Rating: ⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️
On a scale of 10.

Harry Potter Hiatus

Every fall we watch all of the Harry Potter films so for the most part the blog will be on hiatus until after Thanksgiving.

Belle

Drink: English Ale

Entree: Fish & Chips

Dessert: Trifle

Movie:

Belle is a story that is hidden within history because it is not often told.  Before watching the film I suggest taking a look at the above painting.  On the left is Dido Elizabeth Belle & to the right is her cousin Lady Elizabeth Murray.  It literally makes you wonder...

• Who were these two women?
• Why were they posing for the same portrait?
• What is behind Belle's mischievous smile?
• Cousins?  

In order to answer these questions we must first look at how Belle arrived to this situation. Belle's mother was an enslaved woman in the West Indies & her father a British Royal Navy officer.  After her mother died she was discovered by her father living in poverty.  He then made arrangements to send her to England to be raised as a free woman by his uncle.

In the home in which she was raised Belle was educated and well dressed but not allowed to eat at the same table during dinner parties.  Regardless, of how her new family felt about her they gave into society's racist culture. As a result, as the film continues we see her realize that she was not fully accepted as an equal.

Another subplot that came into the foreground was that of the trial regarding the Zong slave ship.  The questions at hand during the trial were...

• Did the slave traders throw the slaves overboard because they were sick and therefore could not render them a profit?

OR

• Did the slaves drown of their own accord when the ship was struck by a violent storm at sea?

What tied this all together was the fact that Belle's uncle was the Lord Chief of Justice that resided over the case.  Also in the background Belle falls in love with a liberal lawyer that was attending the trial and informed her of it's ongoings.

As for the film itself it does have some cheesy points for such serious topics.  With that said, overall it's not terrible it just needs more of a dramatic sharp edge to match the strict contrasts of society at this point in time.

Mel's Rating: 73%

On a scale of 100.

Brett's Rating: ⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️

On a scale of 10.

Risky Business

Appetizer: Edamame

Entree: Risky Business=Risky Eats=Sushi

Dessert: Magnum Minis

Movie:

In Risky Business we see why Tom Cruise was at the right age at the right time for film.  Here his character provides us with a glimpse into the life of a young teenager that is pressed to be perfect by his yuppie parents which was a sign of the times.  After all it was the 80's and making money was the most important, "quality in a person."  IE making it big made you a better person or did it?  The 80's were all about big hair, big houses, big bank accounts and earrings that were so big you had to take them off prior to talking on the phone.  However 30 years later we've seen that turn into corporate corruption, golden parachutes, divorce and burnt out kids on Ritalin.  

It's not all bad though.  The film successfully captures the style of this decade of decadence with shameless product placement and of course, "In The Air Tonight". At least that's what, "I RE-MEM-BAH."  

Mel's Rating: 84%

On a scale of 100.

Brett's Rating: ⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️

On a scale of 10.

Friday Night Lights

Timing: Football season starts.
Drink: Bourbon & Coke
Entree: Stadium Nachos

Movie:
Texas continues to be a hotbed for recruiting the nation's top college football players and we see why this is the case in Friday Night Lights.  This film takes us inside the high stakes world of high school football where lives are decided by what was intended to be just a game but has evolved into something most teenagers are ill equipped to handle.

These small rural towns shut down and gather on each of fall's Friday nights to support their high school football teams.  The pressure culminates in a success that can lead players and their respective families to a life that would otherwise be unobtainable.  Failure, on the other hand, can determine a destiny consisting of a limited continued life within the economically depressed town of their childhood.

Ultimately we see the struggle of the players as they put themselves through this gauntlet of high school football in order to make it to the next gauntlet of college football.  Most seem to play because of their love and hate of the sport and some are forced to do so out of no choice of their own.

Mel's Rating: 77%
On a scale of 100.

Brett's Rating: ⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️
On a scale of 10.

Little Children

Entrees: Caprese Salad Skewers, Chicken Cordon Bleu Bites & Puff Pastry Sausage Pockets
Dessert: Mini Eclairs
Timing: Visiting the National Museum of Toys & Miniatures

Movie:
I think this flick tried too hard to be the new American Beauty.  Kate Winslet did a great job but her main counterpart, Patrick Wilson, is just not convincing. Maybe this shortcoming is attributed to the fact that we are supposed to believe that his character is actually cheating on Jennifer Connelly.  Regardless, while the side story involving Jackie Earle Haley's character is indeed disturbing in itself the whole picture of this dysfunctional underlying world within idealistic suburbia does not quite come together.  However, the film succeeds in portraying that you can have "the house" in "the neighborhood", be married, and have a kid but that does not guarantee happiness nor does it necessarily make you safe.

Melanie's Rating: 79%
On a scale of 100.

Brett's Rating: ⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️
On a scale of 10.

Spartacus

Appetizer: Cotton Candy Grapes & Olives

Entree: Grilled Chicken Drumsticks & Caesar Salad

Dessert: Almond Stuffed Dates topped with Honey & Pistachios

Timing: Visiting Treasures of The Roman Empire exhibit.

Movie:
I'm not quite sure why this is such a highly regarded film.  Frankly, I enjoyed reading more about the movie than watching it.  For instance, Kirk Douglas owned the film's production company so he really was the boss.  In fact, Douglas ousted the original director just after one week on set and replaced him with Stanley Kubrick.  With Douglas' financial grip on the project Kubrick's opinions had to take a back seat.  However you can see some of Kubrick's style sneak forward with his

signature one shot close up and an almost unearthly view of the desert at night.  Kubrick later disowned the film which was the only one he directed without total artistic control.

Additionally if you do decide to watch this film make sure to get your hands on a restored copy post 1991. There is an interesting scene between Sir Laurence Olivier and Tony Curtis that was considered so risky at the time of original the release in 1960 and was ultimately cut altogether.

Below are some observations in regards to the actual film:

• Olivier is memorizing as usual.  
• Tony Curtis does not fit in at all.  
• The story seems rushed and therefore unbelievable.  This is especially true in terms of the relationship between Spartacus and Varinia.

Mel's Rating: 71%
On a scale of 100.

Brett's Rating:
Kurt Douglass' ⚡️⚡️⚡️
Movie ⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️
On a scale of 10.

Olympics Opening Ceremonies

Entree: Black Bean Pork Stew with Yellow Rice & Cilantro
Dessert: Fried Plantains

Per tradition we always watch the Olympics opening ceremonies so we'll be tuning into the events in Rio while dining on some Brazilian fare.

Here's some music to get you pumped...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MCqUESCoB1w

Did you know?

• The five Olympic rings symbolize the five continents.
• The first Olympics were held in 776 b.c.
• The U.S. has collectively won more medals in the Summer games than any other country.

Austin Powers - International Man of Mystery

Entree: Mini Beef Wellingtons & Salad
Dessert: English Toffee

Movie:
Elizabeth Hurley's beauty is ageless but unfortunately this film did not stand the test of time as successfully. I hate to admit that because I grew up on SNL during it's last great run which looking back had a lot to do with the pre-internet funneling of media.  Everyone watched it together or separately & talked about it the following week.  Back to the movie though...the ironic element is that Austin Powers having been frozen for 20+ years is tragically politically incorrect yet when you add another 20+ years to the movie you find some it has some politically incorrect elements of it's own.  The positives on looking back would be seeing gems in the making such as Will Ferrel & the obvious James Bond references.  Additionally you will remember tag lines you often used or still use around certain company.

Mel's Rating: 82%
On a scale of 100.

Brett's Rating: ⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️
On a scale of 10.

James Bond: The Man with the Golden Gun

Drink: Martini

Appetizer: Hot & Sour Soup

Entree: Moo Shoo Chicken

Dessert: Fortune Cookies

Movie:

There was serious lack of effort put into this film which is reflected by how short the credits are but we managed to single out some highlights...

• Oh the 70's.  I'm guessing it was one hell of a party even though the style was hideous.  Just look at the Bond car for this film.  There is nothing attractive about it.  In fact it looks like something a math teacher would drive.
• There were two Bond girls for this installment which is interesting because as we all know usually this post is reserved for only one underweight beauty.  At least there is a good girl versus bad girl dynamic.
• The film was released in 1974 which is also the same year Godfather II came out so that was probably a real moral crusher.  Regardless they do manage to put the signature Bond time stamp on it that reflects what was happening such as the energy crisis (which is still ongoing) & the martial arts trend (which is easy to say lasted well into the 80's...Karate Kid).  
• The golden gun is one of the most iconic props of the series & it was not even made by Q.  It consisted of a pen, lighter & cigarette case & even fired specially made solid golden bullets. And lets not forget that in the video game you can kill someone with one shot of the golden gun!

Mel's Rating: 55%

On a scale of 100.

Brett's Rating: ⚡️⚡️⚡️

On a scale of 10.

The Imitation Game

Drink: Kolsch

Entree: Reubens
Side: Cucumber Dill Salad
Timing: Studying binary code!

Movie:
The role that Alan Turing played in WWII is not well known & unfortunately this will remain the case even after this film.  Benedict Cumberbatch did a great job playing the role of this math genius.  He has endless depth and conviction but the film overall did not come together.  Keira Knightley certainly cheapened the effort by inserting her pretty commerical face into the role of Joan Clarke.  I'm all for picking English actors to play English parts because with our sophisticated audiences now the days of an American being able to pull off an English accent are done.  However let's keep in mind that there are other female English actresses out there besides Kiera Knightley.  She is getting over exposed in our home theater anyways!

Back to the movie...this is an interesting story but the screenplay had some holes & the directing was cheesy.  We have not had a modern day period piece in a while so that was nice but it was a little rough around the edges.

Mel's Rating: 72%
On a scale of 100.

Brett's Rating: ⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️
On a scale of 10.

Giant

Drink: Beerita 

Appetizer: Chips & Salsa/Queso

Entree: Mexican Lasagna

Movie:

Giant is all you imagined an old Hollywood masterpiece would be with no less than three legends, Elizabeth Taylor, James Dean & Rock Hudson, filling every shot.  In addition to the dream cast, you will notice how the location of the plot, Texas, is a central theme throughout the film with the big Texas attitudes, Hispanic civil rights and literally the landscape itself featured in beautifully framed shots.  Aside from the starlets & location the story offers many facets that focuses on society's shifting roles in terms of the patriarch, feminism, new money and as we mentioned above civil rights.  Below are a few supplemental items to discuss after your viewing:

• This movie was released after James Dean's death. Notice the irony that the character he plays in this film reaches an age he never would.  In fact Dean was concerned about being type casted as a heartthrob so he looked forward to taking on a role that down played that element with wrinkles & gray hair, etc.
• Lutz (the first) was very threatened by Leslie to the point that it cost her her life but wouldn't you be intimidated by Elizabeth Taylor?  She was no wallflower.
• Leslie was not upset at all about her horse!  
• Do you think the movie should have ended after Jett crashed into the banquet table?  We do but we also think that audiences then might have burned down the theater in reaction to such a harsh realism ending.  As a result the wrap up is cheesy but still does not take away from the film as being one of the greats.
• Lyndon B. Johnson was a Texan through & through & he often commented on his sympathetic views towards how Hispanic people were treated in his home state.  He is mostly remembered in association with Vietnam but read more below about his thoughts & actions in regards to the very same civil rights issues we are still trying to resolve today.                                 http://www.npr.org/2014/04/11/301820334/lbj-carried-cotulla-with-him-in-civil-rights-fight
• Check out Marfa, TX which is where the movie was filmed.  It resembles what Austin might have been like when it was still authentic & an interesting place to actually visit.

Mel's Rating: 88%

On a scale of 100.

Brett's Rating: ⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️

On a scale of 10.

Apocalypse Now

Drink: Green Tea, Honey & Rice Wine
Entree: Asian Grilled Salmon
Side: Asian Cole Slaw
Dessert: Coffee Toffee Ice Cream
Timing: Fourth of July Weekend

Movie:
We felt obligated to watch this movie here in our amateur classroom of film.  After all it was directed by Francis Ford Coppola & includes greats such as Marlon Brando, Robert DuVall & Dennis Hopper.  However we struggled to hang on towards the end & now feel that much of it was just an egotistical rant on Coppola's part.  I can't imagine how alienating this would have been when it came out in 1979 right on the heels of the war's end. Audiences were not used to seeing such grotesque images but unfortunately over the past 30+ years we have become more immune especially after shows such as Game of Thrones.Regardless of its imperfections this remains a must see for those serious about movies.  It certainly starts off strong but gets lost as we make our way further & further up the river.  Maybe that's Coppola's whole point though?

Mel's Rating: 71%
On a scale of 100.

Brett's Rating: ⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️
On a scale of 10.

Walk The Line

Entree: Nashville Hot Chicken Po'Boy's
Dessert: Peanut Butter Cookies
Timing: It's June & the movie is about Johnny Cash & June Carter.

Movie:
Walk The Line is the story of the rocky start to June Carter & Johnny Cash's relationship.  For a proper set up of this plot we are provided with an interesting glimpse of the unflattering early tour days for up & coming stars like Elvis, Buddy Holly & Jerry Lee Lewis.  The strategy was playing a grueling circuit over & over again until your name sticks.  The result for Johnny Cash was an addiction to uppers coupled with alcohol & a broken home all admist finding his soulmate June.  Unlike his wife June can relate to his love for creating & performing which is what bound them together through thick & thin. You would think is a solid foundation however there are more twists & turns to this real life struggle between morals, money & love.

Below are a couple of things to consider after viewing:

• How was June & Johnny's initial relationship complicated by the over simplistic 1950's expectation to rush to get married & have kids?
• Did Johnny's realization of his unapproved love for June cause him to ultimately have a meltdown?
• What would you do if you were in Vivian's situation?
• Is the foreshadowing showing us Elvis' demise as a by product of the early tour days?

As far as the nuts & bolts of the movie goes Joaquin Phoenix did a phenomenal job.  Reese won the Oscar for her role as June Carter but honestly by the end of the movie I got a little of tired of her.

Mel's Rating: 84%
On a scale of 100.

Brett's Rating: ⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️
On a scale of 10.

Meek's Cutoff

Entree: Cowboy Stew

Dessert: Chocolate Cowboy Hats
Timing: June Heatwave

Movie:
Meek's Cutoff is an intuitive mix of fiction & real life events revolving around a group of westbound pioneers. It turns out that there was a man named Meek who led about 200 people into the Oregon high desert under the assumption that they were taking an alternative short cut from the Oregon Trail.  In the movie the premise is the same but the amount of characters is cut down to about nine people.  Even though the film simplified the situation it is anything but simple on it's own.

Audiences are intentionally left with many questions and theories which are essentially mysteries of the frontier that no one except those present would know anyways.  For example:

• Was the Native American on a suicide mission & purposely leading them into a very certain death via starvation?
• Was the Native American trying to help the settlers but with language being the main barrier was unable to do so?
• Did Meek ever really know of a short cut or did he greatly underestimate the vastness of the country?
• Did Meek plan on getting these people out into the country & robbing them but then decided not to go through with it?

Additionally there are a couple of well thought out themes that make this even more interesting to watch. For instance:

• The movie is filmed in SD which to say the least is an adjustment for modern day audiences. However the purpose is to feel as trapped as the settlers did in the high desert.
• The women are wearing bonnets in order to protect themselves from the sun, wind, etc.  However think about how they represent the confines of being a woman during this time period.  
• One of the pioneers brings a yellow canary on the trail.  The bird is a symbol of refinement & frivolous culture which is in stark contrast to the barren & harsh frontier. 

In the end this is not an action packed movie & people that don't appreciate history will not enjoy it. However if you are a fan of history, like reading in between the lines & symbolism you will appreciate it for what it is...a half fiction, half non-fiction character study of what life might have been like on the unforgiving westbound trail.

Mel's Rating: 90%
On a scale of 100.

Brett's Rating: ⚡️⚡️
On a scale of 10.