Godfather II

Drink: Mojito
Dinner: Cuban Sandwiches with Black Beans

Movie:
This a rare situation where the sequel is actually better than the original.  Since Michael has evolved into his role as the Don we are provided with a closer look at the inside world of organized crime.  The story line follows actual mafia chapters such as the development/success of Vegas & the attempted shot at doing the same off shore with Cuba.  In the end we see that even with all of the money the Corleone family still struggles to wash it's hands of the old ways & become legitimate.  The ghosts of New York & Sicily haunt every endeavor & history ultimately repeats itself with more bloodshed. 

A classic must see in every sense of the word.  In fact I have a hard time taking anyone seriously that has not watched this film in depth.

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

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

Alien

Drink: Cosmo
Entrée: Pad Thai Noodles
Dessert: Space Dots (AKA Dots ice cream)

Movie:
Let's think about what was popular when Alien came out in 1979...

• Space - Check.
• Strong Women - Check.
• Permed Mullet - Check.

The above reasons & the shock factor of the famous alien ripping open a crew member's chest scene are probably why this was a successful film.  It's shallow & pre-calculated but it does contain a few iconic scenes that you have to view in context in order to be considered movie educated.

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

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

The Client

Dinner: BBQ
Timing: Passing through Memphis on road trip.

Movie:
This brilliantly casted adaptation of Grisham's book with the same namesake includes Susan Sarandon, Tommy Lee Jones & Mary Louise Parker.  All shine equally but if I had to pick I would say Mary Louise Parker's performance is more impressive due her intensity.  The plot will keep your interest until the end & includes the regular Grisham mix of Memphis, New Orleans, mafia & a snub to big government.  The ending does include a cheese factor which is not needed & undermines the film by leaving you on a cheap note...literally.

Mel's Rating: 88%
On a scale of 100.

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

Cleopatra

Drinks: Midas Touch by Dogfish Head
Appetizer: Hummus & Veggies
Entrée: Yellow Curry Chicken & Rice
Timing: Easter

Movie:
Elizabeth Taylor is stunning in the lead title role of Cleopatra.  Another impressive element of this movie are her costumes which are works of art.  The story of Cleopatra & her survival in a man's world during unstable times is interesting but read up a little on what was happening in Liz's world at the moment as well.  Scenes between Liz & Richard Burton are all too real which is one of the reasons Liz was a little risqué for her time.  Liz did not care though.  She did what she wanted & when...just like Cleopatra.

Mel's Rating: 91%
On a scale of 100.


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

Vertigo

 

Drink: Anchorsteam Beer
Entrée: Frisco Melts
Dessert: Ghiradelli Chocolates
Picture: From our trip to San Francisco in 2011.  The top photo is of Golden Gate Bridge & the bottom photo is in Muir Woods.

Movie:
Vertigo is packed with foreshadowing, symbolism & dual meanings which makes it an artistically interesting film.  However the plot is not strong enough to hold its own against all of these elements.  In fact the story reaches it's height well before the end of the movie but Hitchcock's heavy artistic point of view endures throughout.  Below are themes to watch out for to enhance your viewing experience:

• The usage of green in almost every scene from furniture, clothes to lighting.  The color itself represents birth & death.
• Tunnels & corridors symbolize the passage to the other side.
• The nosegay tells us that Judy will never be as good as Madeline. 

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

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

Platoon

Appetizer: Edamame
Entrée: Banh Mi Sandwiches

Movie:

Released in 1986 Platoon provided a gritty narrative of one soldier's experience on the front lines of Vietnam when many were still coming to terms with the lingering effects of the war overall.  The congruent theme is survival against both the enemy & ourselves.  More specifically it explores how a chaotic war broke down the line of command which led to an every man for himself situation to unfold deep within the jungle behind enemy lines.  Casting is flawless with Charlie Sheen, Tom Berenger & Willem Dafoe equally holding their ground.  The music score is well known along with a few other shots that will cause de ja vu.  In regards to improvements...

• Lets get out our time machine & shoot it in HD so we can get a better understanding of the jungle.  It is such a big element in the movie it is practically a character as well.  
• Hold off on animating Tom Berenger's eyes with fire during one particular scene of the film.  It probably seemed like a good idea at the time but it's similar to a shaky badly timed zoom.
• Tone down Charlie Sheen's hair it's not realistic for the setting.

Mel's Rating: 86%
On a scale of 100.

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

Let It Be

Drink: Apple Cider
Appetizer: Bangers & Mash
Entrée: Fish & Chips
Timing: Anniversary of John Lennon's death.

Movie:
This documentary shows us why the Beatles ended it after such an unprecedented run.  Culture took a dramatic 180 since the group formed & so had the members themselves.  Paul seems to be the most eager member to keep things as they are by urging the others that going on tour would bring back the inspiration.  The others are less than enthusiastic about this idea & the rest is as they would say is history.  The film does not reveal an incredible amount of insight but they save the best for last:
A hum drum weekday afternoon interrupted by their rooftop concert which would prove to be the last.  Businessmen & policemen alike were frustrated but they both gave up when it was clear they would not stop playing without being told.  Really puts a new meaning behind going out on top!

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

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

Jurrasic Park

 

Timing: Summer

Movie:
What starts out with innocent intentions ends up to be a tale of greed & a "what did the five fingers say to the face" lesson from mother nature.  This movie screams 90's with it's Ford Explorers, summer blockbuster aspects, Americans' love for theme parks, Laura Dern before she got dumped by Billy Bob, Spielberg & Jeff Goldblum with all of this quirks on full display.  The good news here is that even after all of these years the iconic scenes still remain iconic & the children are still well...annoying.  All that aside though the serious angle would be that even in 1993 we recognized our ill perceived notion that we as humans can do whatever we want & with no environmental repercussions. 

"Hold on to your butts." - Samuel L.

Mel's Rating: 91%
On a scale of 100.

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

Rushmore

 

Entrée: Pizza cut into square pieces.
Timing: School starts.

Movie:
On paper Max Fischer looks like a future presidential candidate but in reality he follows with thru with none of it & plays by his own rules.  In the end you don't know if Max is a loser or just smarter than the rest of us but that is what makes this movie a great character study.  It was ahead of its time in terms of sense of humor & style yet it is dated with every shot including the 90's granola heroine played by Olivia Williams.  Bill Murray pulls in a smart performance as well but most audiences at the time did not know what to think of him in a role that does not require overacting. 

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

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

James Bond: Thunderball

Drink: Martini
Entrée: Grilled Shrimp Caesar Salad

Movie:
With an abundance of scenes taking place underwater you sometimes feel like you are watching a silent film.  In addition to the lack of dialogue the treatment of the sharks used in the film is not acceptable according to today's standards...thank god!  I would guess that alone is one big reason why you do not see this one running on cable very much. 

Mel's Rating: 25%
O a scale of 100.

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

Back to the Future I

Entrée: Hot Dogs

Dessert: Root Beer Float
Timing:  Huey Lewis & The News concert

Movie:
This movie is a money making machine.  I mean the DoLorean might as well have had dollars bills spewing from the back instead of flames when it whisks us away not into the future but into the franchise.  With that said the most impressive aspect of the film is that the shameless product
placements & ground laying for a sequel don't take away from the fact that it stands on its own.  The DoLorean, the red vest, the "McFly"s have all stuck with popular culture which would not be possible after all of these years if it was a bad movie.

Mel's Rating: 85%
On a scale of 100.

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

JFK

Drink: Sazerac
Entrée: Low Country Boil
Timing: JFK's birthday May 29th
Picture: From our trip to DC in 2008.

Movie:
The outstanding supporting cast of Sissy Spacek, Tommy Lee Jones, Kevin Bacon, Donald Sutherland, Laurie Metcalf, John Candy & Joe Pesci keep this rather lengthy movie rolling.  The meat of the movie is of course all of the different hypothesis surrounding the assassination which takes you on a journey with unexpected turns including a prison, mafia, Cuba, New Orleans & the FBI.  However despite all of this those that are not history buffs will not be as enamored by the film's significance nor by the ending which as with most real life stories lacks luster.  Regardless keep in mind that the story is continuing to unfold as previously classified documents are released conveniently as those involved are deceased. 

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

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

Gone Girl

Drink: Schlafly Beer (St. Louis brewery)
Entrée: Imo's Pizza (St. Louis style pizza)
Dessert: Ooey Gooey Butter Cake

Movie:
This is one of those rare cases where the movie is better than the book.  It managed to cut out parts of the book that dragged & wrapped up the ending in a more satisfying fashion.  I was impressed by the accurate job of portraying the Midwest setting & stereotypes.  Details such as Midwest landscaping, t-shirts worn by Nick, hairstyles & a reference to frito pie were not overlooked.  As far as casting goes I would have preferred someone with a little more intensity or what I call "crazy eye" to play Amy.  On the other hand Neil Patrick Harris almost stole the show making his character much more three dimensional than he was in the book.  Overall this is a solid present day thriller though probably not a good choice for a first date!

Mel's Rating: 86%
On a scale of 100.

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

Godfather I





Appetizer: Bruschetta
Dinner: Lasagna
Drink: Chianti

Movie:
A young man emerges unscathed from a brutal war with his entire future in front of him & a bride waiting in the wings.  However before he can make any real decisions about the direction his life will take he is granted the unwanted legacy of running the family business.  By the end everyone is depending upon him because the machine must keep going & there was, "not enough time."  Most people say that part II is better which is the more obvious choice but the subtleties of part I is what makes it an equal contender in my mind.  Calculation can be read into every action & word uttered by Michael Corlene well before he is the Don.

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

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

Taking Woodstock

Dessert: Tie Dye Cheesecake
Timing: We turned in our mail order request for the Grateful Dead shows old school style.
Picture: Mail orders had to be sent in the old school way via snail mail for the shows.  Back in the day prior to the internet when we sent in these mail orders we would put stickers on the envelope with the hopes that it would get noticed & picked over others.  With this in mind the band held a contest for the best decorated envelope & the above was our entry...to be forever lost in the U.S. postal system.

Movie:
I was disappointed with this movie after the first few scenes because I thought it would be documentary instead of a scripted film however I gave it chance.  At the center of the plot is Elliot who is coming to terms with himself while simultaneously trying to save his parents from financial ruin.  It briefly touched on things synonymous with Woodstock such as mud sliding, tripping, music, VW vans, Vietnam & trash but in the most shallow sense.  In the end it just did not come together for me & I'm still confused about Liev Schreiber's character.

Mel's Rating: 50%
On a scale of 100.

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

Easy Rider

  

Drink: Pimm's Cup
Entrée: Gumbo
Timing: Fourth of July

Movie:
Ok so Peter Fonda does have that sniveling jugdemental I've never worked a day rich kid look on his face but you have to get past that.  For those that don't know too much about his background this will work in your favor.  Regardless this is a culturally significant film that outlines the division within the country at the time that had grown bitter & challenges us to think how free are we really.  Even today how free are you with all of the obligations & bills to just exist?  The ending is abrupt & makes you feel like the dollars ran short but maybe that's all part of the movie's realism feel?  After all sometimes in life there are abrupt endings.

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

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

Ferris Bueller's Day Off

Drink: Goose Island 312

Entree: Chicago Dawgs

Timing:  Prior to our trip to go see the Grateful Dead Chicago shows.

Movie:

If you think about it Save Ferris was the first campaign to go viral which to say the least is an indication of a good movie.  That aside my personal favorites are any scenes including pre-Dirty Dancing & nose job Jennifer Grey as the Ferris' sibling rival Jeannie.  And of course we have to take note of the most iconic scene which is Cameron versus Georges-Pierre Seurat's A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte.  Enjoy Chicago as a main character in this film as well & next time you are in town schedule some of your stops around Ferris' old haunts.

Mel's Rating: 94%

On a scale of 100.

Brett's Rating: ⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️

On a scale of 10.

James Bond: You Only Live Twice

Drink: Sake
Dinner: Japanese Takeout

Movie:
You can see why Sean Connery was burned out & ready for a change after watching this Bond story unfold flat on it's face.  The best part of this film is the villan which was inspiration for the first Austin Powers film.  Also take a look at the set inside the bad guy's layer it's comical & impressive at the same time.  

Mel's Rating: 65%
On a scale of 100.

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

Rebel Without A Cause

Drink: Spiked Cherry Limeade

Dinner: Cheeseburger & Fries

Movie:
While this is the most iconic James Dean film it does not stand on it's own very well.  The most interesting aspects actually pertain to factors outside of the movie.  For example look at the correlation between the personal lives of Natalie Wood & Dean & the roles they play as fragile & disillusioned teens.  Also keep in mind this was groundbreaking for 1955 & supposedly struck a cord with teens at the time longing for a serious voice. 

Mel's Rating: 70%
On a scale of 100.

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

Sunshine Daydream

Drink: Dancing Bears Martini (pictured above)
Dinner: Grilled Chicken, Salad & Peace Sign Macaroni & Cheese
Dessert: Rainbow Swirl Sugar Cookies
Timing: Jerry Week (First week of August)

Movie:
The original "rockumentary."  Sunshine Daydream offers a very casual look into what was the counterculture scene during Grateful Dead circa the early 70's.  Take it all in & be "grateful" someone had the forethought to get this all on film.  At the end you'll find yourself asking, "what happened to all of these people?" 

Mel's Rating: 97%
On a scale of 100.

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

Cold Mountain

Drink: Mint Julep
Dinner: Fried Chicken, Green Beans & Mashed Potatoes/Gravy
Dessert: Dixie Pie
Timing: Dead of winter.  It's cold!

Movie:
Where do I start?  Nicole Kidman, Jude Law, Donald Sutherland, Renee Zelweger, Jack White, Philip Seymour Hoffman & Natalie Portman all in a Civil War period piece.  The point of view is of ordinary people caught in the middle of a war in which even though they play a minute role are expected to pay the ultimate price.  Out of sheer ignorance the war that is romanticized & as we all know ends up being the most brutal in American history.  We see law & order disappear in rural Appalachia, the gruesome battlefront, slaves running for their lives & the bounty on so called deserters.

Mel's Rating: 98%
On a scale of 100.

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

The Graduate

Dessert: Limoncello Pound Cake
Timing: Graduation Season

Movie:
The Graduate is deeply rooted into our culture from inspiring a scene in Wayne's World & Mrs. Robinson being the original cougar to the enduring Simon & Garfunkel soundtrack.  At the root this film is about confusion in the wake of change.  If the characters make you feel uncomfortable they are doing their job...

• Benjamin - Remember that awful time between graduating college & entering the real world as a rookie?  You are not adult yet but neither a kid anymore.  You are not welcome at home or at school where you just spend 4+ years.  You just exist until the next stage.
• Mrs. Robinson - She is still attractive but past her prime in regards to the standards of the day.  Additionally she has no role to play next either since her only child is an adult woman in college. 
• Release Date 12/21/67 - Yes the release date practically a character!  Socially the world was different after the Summer of Love but people could not pin point how just yet.  It seemed innocent enough but going against the grain of tradition left people disoriented.  Little did they know how disillusioned the coming years would be with the Civil Rights movement & questions about Vietnam both coming to a head.

Mel's Rating: 95%
On a scale of 100.

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

Pelican Brief

Drink: Abita Purple Haze
Entrée: Jambalaya
Dessert: King Cake
Timing: Mardi Gras Weekend

Movie:
This sophomore John Grisham movie delivers.  Julia Roberts does what she is best at which is playing a character that is vulnerable but not completely helpless.  Denzel somehow makes us forget about his dashing looks & focus on the actual story which is a feat in itself.  The plot does not disappoint either with twists & turns that the most experienced film critics will not see coming.  The underlining theme is consistent with Grisham:  The ordinary citizen that has stumbled upon news meant to be kept from the public eye.  Then successfully exposes the powerful & corrupt while simultaneously being pursued.
Plus along the way we get some cool glimpses of New Orleans. 

Mel's Rating: 91%
On a scale of 100.

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

Days of Thunder

Drink: Miller Lite
Entrée: Pizza from a gas station, "famous for pizza."
Timing: Daytona 500 Weekend

Movie:
This film got a lot of attention from NASCAR fans when it came out because it helped validate racing as a sport.  With a big budget & names to go along it did capture the racing world but only in the most shallow sense.  Nicole Kidman is a newcomer still developing herself so she only eclipses Tom Cruise by her hair.  Robert Duval is perfect in his part as pit master & there's a good three wide racing scene. 

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

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

Caddyshack

Drink: Arnold Palmer
Entrée: Club Sandwiches
Dessert: Snickers Bar
Timing: Masters Weekend

Movie:
If you have ever played Golden Tee or sat for hours watching a Golden Tee tournament you probably have every line of this movie memorized.  The story is supposed to center around a coming of age caddy named Danny but it's hard to make all cylinders click with the likes of Bill Murray & Chevy Chase in the wings.  For me the supporting characters Carl the greens keeper, Lou, Lacey & Ty really stole the film.  Overall it is a great comedy that while at times seems a little disjointed is really a classic SNL to big screen flick & worth all of the extra scenes.  The only part that is annoying is
Rodney Dangerfield.  I just don't go for slap stick comedy but it was becoming popular at the time.  The best parts however are the scenes with ad lib & of course those all so memorable quotes. 

Mel's Rating: 92%
On a scale of 100.

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

The Firm

 

Entree: Memphis Style Muffulettas

Dessert: Peanut Butter Banana Pie

Movie:
The Firm delivers on many levels & even includes a classic Tom Cruise running scene.  Being the first John Grisham movie out of the gate the idea of a lawyer getting in over his head & embattled with the system was fresh.  This is reflected in the casting which is superb & includes the likes of Gene Hackman, Hal Holbrook, Holly Hunt, Jeanne Tripplehorn, Ed Harris & let's not forget Gary Busey.  Memphis also plays a solid supporting role as the story unfolds on Beale Street, Mud Island & The Peabody.  The only downfall is the "we are normal people rags to riches" set up in the beginning which is cheesy but somewhat needed.  However once you get into the meat of the story the film stands on its own two legs with a suspenseful & realistic plot.

Mel's Rating: 88%
On a scale of 100.

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

Harry Potter Hiatus

Every fall we watch the entire Harry Potter series which in a way puts us on a hiatus at least in an analytical/rating sense.  There are eight movies total which will start this Friday & carry us through Halloween weekend.  In the meantime I'll continue to post movies we've done in the past & perhaps a few recipes inspired by HP. 

 

The coolest office entrance of all time. 

Varsity Blues

Drink: American Lager
Entree: Stadium Dogs
Dessert: Bavarian Nuts
Timing:  Football season starts next weekend.

Movie:
MTV tends to be way ahead of trends.  One good example is they were the first in reality TV with The Real World.  Here they do the same by addressing the all encompassing pressures of high school athletes & corrupted medical care administered within athletic departments before anyone else in mainstream media.  All of this is paired with music that represented what "kids" were listening to at the time is a combination that makes them very in tuned with what's going on.  One downside of the film is that the casting can cause the Dawson's Creek theme song to get stuck in your head which is very unfortunate.  Also some situations such as all night bingers in a club, stealing a squad car & a team coaching themselves are just unrealistic.  However Jon Voight casted as the head coach is genius & eerily mirrors the coach on MTV reality series "Two-A-Days" which did not air until seven
years later.  Another one of my favorite parts is seeing the MTV astronaut at the beginning of the movie IE - MTV needs to do more movies if anything to let the rest of us know what's really going on these days.

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

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