All posts filed under: Films In Review

Television Series: Catch 22 and Traitors

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Films or television series based on Post World War II is something that has always fascinated me – and I love the fact, private media companies are doing much investing in the best of period shows in my opinion. For example – The Crown, The Amazing Mrs Maisel, and now Catch-22 and Traitors, among some I am certain, that I haven’t yet discovered (feel free to make your recommendations here). Anyhow, as I stated a week or so ago, I started watching season 1 of Catch-22 on Hulu and although the first two episodes had a slow start, somehow, someway, I got hooked and by the end of the season I was sad to see it end. Well done George Clooney – your investment is well worth every million.  In case you haven’t seen Catch-22 – the story filmed mostly in Italy was already one I had to see, even if it entailed blood and gore, the fact it was in Italy, had something to do with post WWII, I was going to endure. But …

Food: Dinner Tonight – Pineapple, BBQ Chicken, Quinoa

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I’ve switched gears, just like that, regarding eating less comfort food and more healthy meals. Yes, the weather has been unusually freezing in San Francisco, with the weirdest of storms passing over the city. But my body is in Spring-Summer mode I think and it is craving more veggies, and less starch – so the meal planning begins to satisfy my cravings. Yes folks, the family usually works around my clock – in terms of food. 😉 So, here we go – tonight’s dinner INGREDIENTS 2 pounds  boneless skinless chicken breasts 2  cups BBQ sauce, homemade or store-bought (if using store-bought, I like Primal Kitchens BBQ Sauce) 2 tablespoon pineapple juice juice from 2 limes 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks 2 jalapeños, chopped, and seeded if desired 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped kosher salt and pepper 3 cups cooked quinoa or rice  – OR in my case, I prefer cauliflower rice over quinoa 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved 1/2 cup fresh basil, and or cilantro leaves, roughly chopped 5 cups shredded romaine lettuce 1 avocado, sliced 4 fresh chives, chopped fried garlic for serving (optional)  {more} On another note – what TV shows are you binge-watching right …

Let’s Talk Entertainment

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I have a habit, where when I watch anything on television, I need to google the story behind the story or the actor’s bio to get a better understanding of how things led to this particular project. Although this behavior can be a bit annoying, I know that most people can relate. So this morning I though maybe I can share what got me interested in the story behind the story: {source for featured image}

Day After A Holiday…

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A long weekend tends to throw me off – in that – the confusion of having that extra day to do whatever, makes it very difficult the day after to continue the norm. But here we are, and there’s lots to talk about this week. As I said here, that I planned to watch ROMA last night, which I did and I have to first say, the film won two Golden Globe awards out of three a few weeks ago and is up for a few Oscar nominations – coming our way February 24, 2019: The movie is over two hours long and filmed in black and white to perfectly depict the period the events took place (1970-71). With much detail, Cuarón chronicles the day-to-day life of a maid living with a middle-class family in Roma, Mexico.  Although, the family has its own set of troubles, and the country is in the middle of a revolution about the gaps between those living in the slums and those that are wealthy, the main focus is the …

January Films To Help Kick Start Your New Year Goals

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While on a ten-hour flight to and from England last month, I had ample time to see eight films on the plane. Some were repeat, but overall I felt I had a selection of films worthy of mentioning here. The interesting thing about movies, is that, although they claim to be fiction, but really borderline some truth, impact us in ways where we are often times considering to make changes – whether it be a makeover, a new decor just like that loft or house in the country as the backdrop in a film, travel to all the filming locations, and  of course, relationships – mostly relationships – the how, why and the search for happily ever after – films play a pretty major role in our lives – like…    

Food: Dinner Tonight – Coq Au Vin A Try

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I’ve always considered Coq Au Vin an unobtainable recipe to follow for my kitchen. I don’t know why I freak out over French cuisine. Perhaps it’s because I appreciate the art to the point, I am intimated by it. But I was watching Leap Year for the umpteenth time last night, where there is a scene the two main characters cook up Coq Au Vin for a B&B they were forced to spend the night, after missing their train to Dublin – if you haven’t seen the film, and need a jolt of silly-funny, then select on any pay-per-view you subscribe to  – Netflix or Amazon Prime and watch it. Anyway, I am finally getting my appetite back and dish recipe is one I am going to to attempt for dinner tonight – with no substitutes – I feel too malnourished for substitution. INGREDIENTS 4 slices thick cut bacon, chopped 1 yellow onion, chopped 4 cloves garlic, minced or grated 2 tablespoons tomato paste 4 carrots, chopped 1 1/2 pounds boneless chicken breasts 2 cups cremini mushrooms, sliced 1 1/2 cups dry red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon 1 cup low …

The familiarity of the film Book Club

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Last night, I watched Ocean’s 8, while on the first night of four of an all girls weekend getaway. This ritual I have committed to every few months includes not eating well – or putting aside all dietary restrictions and just gorging and then complaining about it the following morning over coffee and a soft-boiled egg. But I suppose that’s what makes it fun or give us time to bond on a whole different level then the way we do with our significant others. Right? Anyway, after consuming too much sugar and spice and everything not-so-healthy, I had trouble sleeping. So I went back downstairs and watched a film which everyone earlier declined, opting for O8 instead. The film, Book Club is now on demand, with purchase or membership for our viewing pleasure – you know, the over 40 crowd would probably enjoy the story more than those just reaching maturity or are at the start of their life. But I have to tell you – I haven’t laughed as hard since binge-watching the Golden …

Lifestyle: What Are You Watching On Television?

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When I started blogging – twelve years ago – wow! I didn’t know if it was best to keep a separate blog for my love of films and filmmaking and another for all other interests that I have. Since being new to the concept of blogging, I ended up launching several blogs across the internet and watched them take flight here, here, and here. Twelve years later, I have slowed down this blog to a crawl – because I don’t get the chance to red carpet premieres anymore like I did, nor attend film festivals every year. But nevertheless, I still maintain an entry here and there about some of my recent favorite shows and films or discuss upcoming projects I am excited about – minus all the reality (actually staged) TV shows. But today, I am interested in finding out what films you’ve seen or shows you’ve binge watched, if you care to share. Because, I keep feeling as if I have reached the end of all films, and have caught up to all …

Film Locations Travel Destination

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I took a film history class while in college, mostly to fulfill the electives portion of my degree program.  The course outline was to introduce the students to film making from the very beginning – from the Lumiere brothers short films made in Paris in 1895 onward.  On the first day of class, the professor gave us a one question quiz  – why do we go see films? My answer, along with everyone else in the classroom was – mostly to escape. Which apparently was not the correct answer, and so she went on to explain the many reasons  otherwise. The funny thing is no one in the classroom accepted her list and even to this day, I firmly believe that most folks go see a film to escape. So, if you think like me – then here’s a list of travel destinations to check out – where some of the best of films were made: {Salzburg photo source} {photo source for Cortona, Italy} {photo source for Nuuk, Greenland}   {Scotland photo source} {featured photo …

Saturday Film Night

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On a twelve hour flight – as one might know – you either read for a few hours and fall asleep or watch television and nap in between the boring scenes or credits.  I managed to do all of it of course – but  actually was amazed at the selection of films I liked enough to recommend – just in case you have a planned movie night with your significant other.