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.