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.