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.