Frozen Planet: Winter

Entrée: Fish Tacos
Dessert: Gummy Worms
Timing: Friends of The Kaw is hosting its first ever Eagle Days 1/30 in Kaw Point Park (KCK).

Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/sports/outdoors/article8561117.html#storylink=cpy

Eagles roost at the confluence of the Kansas and Missouri rivers December-March. The churning waters provide oxygen, and openings in the ice bring Asian carp to the surface.

Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/sports/outdoors/article8561117.html#storylink=cpy

Documentary:
This is a high quality wildlife BBC documentary which focuses specifically on the poles.  There is one episode for each season so being that it's January we watched the winter episode.  It was very interesting & informative but very graphic so not by any means would this be kid friendly.  In fact there were a couple of scenes I had to wait for my designated violent movie scene watcher (my husband) to tell me when it was over while I cover my eyes & look away from the TV.

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

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

Best in Show

Timing: Eve of going to the local cat show.
Pictures: Yes these are actual pictures from the cat show we attended & yes someone actually had a birthday cake for their cat.

Movie:
Eccentric pet owners is the theme of this flick which is scripted, full of ad lib & filmed in a documentary style.  This unique comedy follows various participants, played by Parker Posey, Eugene Levy & Jennifer Coolidge, to a dog competition.  Soak up all of the awkward moments & listen for the under the breath comments which serve as the film's finishing touches. 

And finally just as a reminder don't shop, adopt.

Mel's Rating: 96%
On a scale of 100.

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

James Bond: Diamonds Are Forever

Drink: Martini
Entrée: Danish Street Dogs
Dessert: Apple Braid
Atmosphere: Tulips

Movie:
The bad styling in this film takes away from the sophisticated & sleekness that forges the Bond brand.  In fact we continually referenced Jill St. John's above look as the jester & the only character outside of Bond that had real style was the cat with it's diamond collar.  Then we have to endure scenes with Mr. Kidd & Mr. Wint which simply cannot be taken seriously as assassins.  And finally we have Bambi & Thumper...was that their pathetic 70's way of showing that not all of their female characters are weak?  Regardless you have to admire their athleticism.  Looking back maybe the idea behind all of this was to let Sean Connery just to have fun in his last Bond film because there are additional elements that are uncharacteristically comical such as the moon landing filming scene &
James operating the crane for Blofeld's submarine.  All in all though this is not one of James' best efforts. 

Mel's Rating: 52%
On a scale of 100.

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

Elizabeth

How does a woman go from this...

...to this?

Drink: Wine

Entree: Smoked turkey leg with braided bread & mixed grill veggies.

Dessert: Apple Tart

Timing: Lavender garden is growing.

Movie:

There are many answers to the above.  For starters...

• Her legitimacy to the most powerful throne on Earth at the time is constantly being questioned which results in imprisonment & assassination attempts.
• The notion that a queen must marry presents many power hungry suitors with anything but her best interest in mind.

As you can see from the above this film takes us through the transformation of Elizabeth daughter of Henry VIII & Anne Boleyn to the Virgin Queen.  The set, costumes, casting and acting are all superb & to top it all off it shows us a very interesting time in the British monarchy which was left insecure after Henry VIII's carelessness. In the end in order to sustain her power she announced, "I am the Virgin Queen.  I am married to England."  And that was that!

Mel's Rating: 100%

On a scale of 100.

Brett's Rating: ⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️

On a scale of 10.

James Bond: Dr. No

Drink: Martini
Entrée: Jerk Chicken, Rice & Roasted Red Bell Peppers
Dessert: Grilled Pineapple

Movie: 
Cars, women, exotic locations & a villain with baller facilities...this is the formula for every James Bond movie which was successfully established in Dr. No.  Stuffing all of this information into one
film while making it viewable is a big achievement & obviously it worked since the series that is still going after 50+ years.  Honey Rider is iconic as the first bond girl & of course Sean Connery delivers like no other Bond ever will.  Fix a martini, sit back & see where it all began!

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

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

Winter's Bone

Entrée: Country Fried Steak & Gravy
Side: Green Beans
Dessert: Black Walnut Ice Cream
Timing: J. Law just won a Golden Globe & it's cold outside.

Movie:
Winter's Bone provides us with a realistic & graphic snapshot of the meth epidemic in America's rural communities.  These are the people that live along those lonely state highways that you speed past while on the way to another destination & wonder, "Does someone really live there?"  The truth is yes & decades of limited economic options have created the perfect storm for the manufacturing & selling of meth.  The beauty of the Ozarks country side is captured eloquently by the film's cinematography & is a drastic contrast to the underground socioeconomic system that has infiltrated it.  In the movie we see the main character's fight against the law, bail bondsmen, neighbors with alternative motives, giving in to escape & her own family which is intimately involved in the local meth supply chain themselves, all in order to simply stay afloat & continue supporting her young siblings.  Towards the end as winter begins to thaw we see new hope but options are finite & the struggle continues to be very real.

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

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

The Untouchables

Drink: Limoncello Martini
Dinner: Deep Dish Chicago Style Pizza
Dessert: Gelato

Movie:
There are two stand out elements from this film:

• The baby carriage scene at Union Station.
• Robert De Niro as Al Capone. 

Both of these change the path of the film & instead of cheering for Kevin Costner's character you really find yourself wanting more Al Capone.  Oddly from the lack of information available it seems like the windy city would prefer this part of history be forgotten.  Back to the movie though...De Niro absolutely steals the show & rises above in what sometimes seems like a campy Dick Tracyesque depiction of Chicago's 1930's mob scene.  All in all there are better mob movies out there but you need to see De Niro in action in this role.

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

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

The Duchess

Timing: Kate Middleton the Duchess of Cambridge has a birthday 1/9.

Dinner: High Tea (pictured above)

Mini Pimento Cheese Sandwiches

Ham, Brie & Green Apple Bites
Strawberries & Cream Sugar Wafers
Cranberry Scones
Earl Grey Tea

Movie:
This film is based on a true story & an incredibly interesting one for that matter.  Additonally the costumes are exceptional & rightfully so won an Oscar.  However even with a good story & the best costumes you can't make a quality film with bad directing & lack luster casting. 

The plot has a great set up especially being that the lead role Georgiana is Princess Di's great, great, great, great aunt who's life is full of hopelessness & despair despite being the envy of everyone in the public eye.  (Don't worry when they were promoting this film they did market the irony of how similar their lives were & people were not pleased at this obvious ploy for attention.)

And then there's Keira Knightley who is just too commercial for this role.  A very stoic actor is needed for this part...think Cate Blanchett in Elizabeth. 

Mel's Rating: 51%
On a scale of 100.

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

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.