Bridges of Madison County

Entree: Meatball Grinders

Dessert: Scotcheroos 

Timing: Old Shawnee Days

Movie:
I'm glad to say that this film has stood the test of time since it premiered over over twenty years ago.  Meryl Streep brings grace & modesty to a character that everyone could just as easily dislike for lack of those very same traits.  Clint Eastwood of course hits it out of the park with his acting but what really stands out here is his directing.  Another highlight is the cinema photography with it's sweeping views of what first appears to be a lonely & barren land but is transformed into a land of subtle beauty & distinctive character. All of this in addition to the wardrobe, set design & music score come together to create a love story where a happy ending was just never possible.  In conclusion despite the film's thoroughness we are pleasantly left with questions to consider such as...

• During the rain scene is Robert yielding to the green light or is he waiting for Francesca?
• Why did the Illinois fair take so long?
• Is the overall message of the film to sacrifice your own happiness for the ones you love or carpe diem?

Mel's Rating: 93%
On a scale of 100.

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

Little Women

Drink: Hot Cider
Appetizer: Roasted Cranberry Crostini
Entree: Mini Beef Wellingtons with Sauteed Green Beans
Timing: Christmas

Movie:
There is no need to watch any other version of Little Women other than this one.  The cast includes
multitudes of talent which is exactly what works such as Little Women deserve.  Starting with the
obvious Winona Ryder. Her natural beauty makes her always a perfect fit for a period piece & even though she was the "it" girl in the 90's she overcomes her own presence & fully becomes Jo. The rest of the roster brings an abundant of life to characters all literary fans know so well such as Beth (Claire Danes), John Brooke (Eric Stoltz), Mrs. March (Susan Sarandon) & Laurie (Christian Bale).  Outside of the cast every detail including the wardrobe & set design are intricate & provide us with the sense that the story has actually come to life. Additionally shots are consistently artistically framed & well thought out which allows you to appreciate the art of film as its own medium.

Mel's Rating: 94%
On a scale of 100.

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

American Sniper

Timing: Memorial Day

Movie:
This is a very sad true story of one of our bravest U.S. Navy SEALS.  I was surprised to hear that many people were embittered by how this film ends but just as in real life the conclusion is not always ideal & clean cut.

As for the movie itself Bradley Cooper did an O.K. job however his Texas accent needs work.  The remainder of the acting was average but where the film really lacked was a cohesive screen play.  For example the article I read in the New Yorker prior to watching this film was better than the film.  With that said the lack of a screen play has many consequences to movie making such as...

• Character Development - Despite the fact that this is a deeply moving story there is no connection formed with the characters.  I don't think the source of this issue is due to casting or acting.  Everyone seemed to have done what was asked of them so that leaves me to think that it is just not good writing.
• Plot - One reason this is an interesting story is because it is about something that is going on in our world as we speak, something unfiltered because it is too current, unchartted territory that has not yet been granted 20/20 hindsight. Therefore precision & details such as dates & locations are key.  In this case Clint really should have taken some points from Homeland. This series does an earrily good job on covering current events.
• Hollywood Touches - 
• Special Effects - A slow motion bullet is not necessary neither is a fake baby. And since we are watching this in HD the prosthetic baby bump needs a touch up. Also the CGI needs to look like it is from 2014 & not a PS3.
• Some will see this as a little ruthless but you get a sense that there is an underlying agenda of gun control. Otherwise why was left wing Hollywood so excited about a film that honors a fallen soldier & is really was not that great? 

By far the most touching part of the film is when they used actual footage from the funeral procession.  Perhaps more of the actual footage was needed or maybe at least shoot it in a documentary style which generally allows for choppier screen plays.  Regardless it is a nice tribute & as they say it is the thought that counts. However in order to really do the story justice a quality film still needs to be made.

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

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

James Bond: From Russia With Love

Drink: Martini
Entree: Stroganoff
Dessert: Russian Tea Cakes

Movie:
The Cold War, tailored suits, wreckless driving & a very bad cat all come together to make this one of the best Bond films.  Being only the second installment of the series much of the brand was still being established but you can tell they are just about to hit their stride. For example many elements that we expect to see in every Bond film such as an original score, elaborate secret gadgets & an expensive lengthy chase scene first made their appearances here.  Also while viewing consider how the subject matter & the timing of the release was impeccable since it was the post-Cuban Missile Crises JFK era.  All of this made fiction & real life world events collide into a relevant edgy modern film that equals classic Bond.

Mel's Rating: 83%
On a scale of 100.

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

Notorious

Appetizer: Hearts of Palm Bacon Bites
Entree: Coconut Curried Chicken with Cilantro Lime Rice

Movie:
This film is mystifying because it actually received good reviews.  Sure Ingrid Bergman & Cary Grant are a classic duo but we've seen over & over again that you can't base the entire weight of a film on the popularity of the actors.  Plus the plot is wrapped up well before the ending which makes the last ten minutes seem like an eternity.  All in all aside from a couple of interesting shots the lack of story development makes you realize that this is a young Hitchcock film.

Mel's Rating: 57%
On a scale of 100.

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

L.A. Confidential

Drink: Irish Coffee

Entree: Bacon, Egg & Cheese Sandwiches

Movie:

L.A. Confidential gives us a gritty glimpse at police corruption, old Hollywood & organized crime in the otherwise squeaky clean sock hop 1950's.  Though the film feels campy at times it based on a solid story so make sure to follow it until the end to see what all the hype is about.  Additionally keep in mind when this premiered in theaters...1997.  This is after the world was exposed to LAPD's handling of Rodney King, the riots & the O.J. trial so to say the least public trust in their credibility was at an all time low which is a main element of the film's plot...based in the 50's.  With that said in a round about way it shows us how the corruption that ran L.A. for so long finally brewed over in the 90's.

Mel's Rating: 76%

On a scale of 100.   

Brett's Rating: ⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️

On a scale of 10.