 Film (with rating): National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
(PG-13)
Studio: Warner Home Video
Summary: All
Clark W. Griswold (Chevy Chase ) wants for Christmas is an old-fashioned family
holiday, complete with all the Rockwellian trimmings. Instead, in true Griswold
fashion, what he gets is gift-wrapped chaos and enough hilarity to fill a dozen
stockings as everyone invades the Griswold home for the holidays.
Review: Every year on Thanksgiving night, my family has a
tradition. Overstuffed to the point of discomfort, we collapse on the couch and
muster up just enough energy to flip on the DVD player. And what waits for us
there is the start of the holiday season.
Yes, I know KOST 103.5 FM and other
radio stations began playing Christmas carols two weeks ago. And I understand
that Disneyland decked itself out into a winter wonderland on Nov. 13. But for
me, Christmas doesn't start until the first showing of "Christmas
Vacation." In the past 20 years, this film has taken on cult status.
Written by none other than the genius known as John Hughes, "Christmas
Vacation" is one of the best holiday films around. It's actually better on
the 37th viewing than it is on the first, thanks to the scores of
slight jokes, visual gags and puns that pepper the film. No, this is not in the
same league as "It's a Wonderful Life," but who ever thought it would
be? It's still a classic in its own right.
This movie is actually a lot like
reality. You've got the dad who just wants things to be nice for his family,
and instead screws everything up. Then there are the kids, sullen and sick of
their family's craziness. Let's not forget the in-laws, each one crazier than
the last. It's sort of like a dysfunctional Rockwellian portrait.
Chase, as he
was for the prior two "Vacation" films, is perfect as the lead
character. His comedic timing and physical comedy never fail. Beverly D'Angelo
is flawless as wife Ellen, but it's Randy Quaid as redneck cousin Eddie who
really adds unforgettable punch to the movie. He delivers some of the best
lines throughout the entire thing. I mean, the whole part with the chemical
toilet? Priceless.
Every year, my family and I watch this film, laugh ourselves
silly and realize that for all the chaos and commercialism the holiday season
brings, we still have each other. And we're not nearly as screwed up as the Griswolds.
For that, we're grateful. So ring
in the holiday season with this classic, my friends. Happy Thanksgiving everybody.
Extra highlight: Create your own. Reenact the "Where's
the Tylenol" scene. Or create
a list of great quotes and take turns reading them. Here's one to get you going:
Clark: Can I refill your eggnog for you? Get you something to eat? Drive you out to the middle of nowhere and leave you for dead?
Eddie: Naw, I'm doing just fine, Clark.
What to serve for dinner: Nothing. You just ate your weight in
turkey, stuffing and mashed potatoes. But if you're viewing this on another day
this weekend, serve up Thanksgiving Dinner Redux, or take those leftovers and
spin them into a new dish, such as turkey hash (www.delish.com).
2 tablespoons margarine or butter
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
2 cups leftover stuffing
2 cups leftover cooked turkey, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 cups leftover cooked vegetables, coarsely chopped
1/4 cups (loosely packed) fresh parsley leaves, chopped
1/2 cups leftover cranberry sauce
In 12-inch nonstick skillet, melt margarine on medium. Add
onion and cook eight to 10 minutes or until browned, stirring frequently. Stir
in mashed potatoes, stuffing, turkey, and vegetables. Cook 20 minutes, turning
occasionally and pressing with spatula, until browned. Sprinkle with parsley.
Serve with cranberry sauce.
What to talk about over dinner: How is your family like the
Griswolds during the holidays? What are your favorite lines from the movie?
Your favorite scenes? Favorite characters? Come on--how many of you loved kooky
Aunt Bethany? What is your favorite "Vacation" film? What are some of
your holiday traditions? If you could have an old-fashioned Christmas, what would
it be like? As a kid, did you have to give up your bedroom when family invaded
your home during the holidays? Who was your favorite relative growing up? Who
was the craziest? What is Chevy Chase's best movie ever? Worst? See who can
figure this out: What was Mae Questel (Aunt Bethany) first famous for? What's
your favorite holiday dish? What was the best Christmas gift you ever received?
The best Christmas ever?
 Film (with rating): My Sister's Keeper (PG-13)
Studio: Warner Home Video
Summary: A young girl (Abigail Breslin) who was created with
the sole purpose of saving her older sister (Sofia Vassilieva) from cancer,
gets fed up with the process and hires an attorney to become medically
emancipated.What results is an emotional roller coaster of a court battle as everyone fights to do what they think is right.
Review: Being a parent, I feel an incredible sense of sorrow
whenever I see a child ill or hurt. I'm sure I'm not alone in this. So it was
with difficulty I watched "My Sister's Keeper." I couldn't even
finish the book by Jodi Picoult, on which the movie is based.
Director Nick
Cassavetes (alumnus of the heartwrenching and tear-squeezing "The
Notebook") does his best to place viewers in front of this emotional train
wreck. At times, he plays it too heavily and manipulatively, but at other
times, the drama is just right and heartfelt. There's no way around it:
"Sister's" is good, but it's a weepie, mainly because of the
amazingly touching and real performance by Vassilieva (from the television show
"Medium"). Cassavetes pulls no punches when documenting what an
illness like cancer can do physically to a person, and Vassilieva rises to that
challenge. She even shaved her head to play Kate.
Cameron Diaz also shines in
her role as the uber-strong lawyer-turned-crusader mom. It's hard to turn her
into a monster when we see that she's doing what she does out of love. The
film, as was the book, is filled with numerous ethical minefields.
Unfortunately, Cassavetes sidesteps some of them. It would have enhanced the
film if he faced them as squarely as he did the emotional aspects.
Aside from
the director heavily pulling our emotional heartstrings, "Sister's"
is a good film filled with amazing performances. It brings up difficult
subjects and even more difficult "what-if" scenarios. The movie is a
tough view, but one that's worth seeing.
Extra highlight: Additional scenes
What to serve for dinner: Let's honor Vassilieva, the major star of this film and a
vegetarian since 2004, by serving up a vegetarian dish like Garlic-Ginger Tofu Stir-Fry
(vegcooking.com).
1 small Thai pepper, minced
1 tsp. minced ginger
1 garlic clove, minced
1 Tbsp. olive oil
3 Tbsp. soy sauce
1/4 cup water
1 Tbsp. arrowroot powder or
cornstarch
2 Tbsp. vegetable oil
1 16-oz. pkg. firm tofu, drained and
cut into 1x1/2-inch pieces
1 tsp. soy sauce
2 carrots, cut into 2-inch strips
1 red pepper, sliced
1 large bok choy (or 4-5 baby bok
choy), cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1/2 medium onion, sliced
1/2 cup yellow squash, sliced into
1/2-inch-thick pieces
Cooked lo mein or soba noodles
Sauté the minced pepper, ginger, and garlic in the olive oil
for two to three minutes over medium heat. Add the soy sauce and water,
stirring until well combined. Stir in the cornstarch and simmer over low heat
until the tofu and vegetables are ready. Heat the vegetable oil over
medium-high heat in a nonstick 12-inch skillet. Add the tofu and cook, stirring
frequently (stir-frying), until heated through and browned on all sides, about
10 to 15 minutes. Add the soy sauce and stir-fry for 1 minute. Transfer to a
bowl. Add the carrots, red pepper, bok choy, onions, and squash to the skillet
and stir-fry until the vegetables are tender but crisp, about 3 minutes. Add
the prepared sauce and tofu and stir-fry until all the ingredients are coated
and heated, about two minutes. Serve immediately over the lo mein or soba
noodles.
What to talk about over dinner: What lengths would you take
to save your child? Would you create another life just for that purpose? Why or
why not? Is it right to have a baby just to save another? Could you love that
child as much as you do your other children, namely the one you're trying to
save? Do you think medical technology has outpaced ethical safeguards and legal
boundaries? Do you think young Anna was correct in finally saying no to her
family's request at her body? Would you be able to make that kind of decision,
knowing that the person your marrow/blood/kidney could help might die without
you? What was the hardest part of the film for you to watch? Have you ever
watched a loved one's health deteriorate? What would you have done to ease the
suffering?
Film (with rating): Up (PG)
Studio: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment
Summary: A cantankerous, 78-year-old balloon salesman
fulfills his lifelong dream of embarking on a grand adventure to South America,
but he unknowingly takes a stowaway along for the ride when balloons carry his
house up, up and away. What results is a journey in life, emotion and
imagination.
Review: Once again, Pixar hits a homerun--for the tenth
straight time. "Up" is fantastic, not just visually, but poetically
as well. The animated film is beautifully done (which is why you shouldn't
regret not seeing this theatrically in 3D. It's gorgeous just as it is, in 2D.)
Academy Award nominee Pete Docter directs this newest installment in the Pixar
Hall of Fame; he's best know for his absolutely brilliant "WALL*E"
screenplay as well as his writing and directing abilities in one of my all-time
faves, "Monsters, Inc." "Up" lives up to the high
expectations set by its predecessors. It's fantasy (a house being lifted by
thousands of balloons? Huh? It totally works) mixed with reality mixed with
adventure mixed with frivolity.
Carl the balloon salesman (voiced to perfection by Ed Asner)
is one of the main characters, and it's lovely to see a grumpy old man featured
as a film's hero. While the movie is animated, the subject is not. There are no
sugar-coated morals or sticky-sweet characters in "Up." Everything
rings true, and is relatable. The beginning montage of Carl and his wife is one
of the best in ANY film ever. The depth of emotions in "Up" is what
sets this film apart from even its successful brethren. While some of the
subject matter is rough (for example, Carl's loss), the humorous scenes are
plenty. The ones involving dogs (yeah! Dogs!) are nothing shy of hysterical. So
go out and buy--yes, buy--this film. It's sure to be a family classic, watched
over and over again. It's simply perfect. It's a tonic for what ails your soul.
Extra highlight: "Dug's Special Mission" short and
the "Partly Cloudy" short
What to serve for dinner: Serve up South American cuisine
tonight. Try Ecuadorian Potato Soup
(www. recipes.wuzzle.org).
*
4 tablespoons butter
*
3 medium onion -- finely chopped
*
2 tablespoons flour
*
3 cups chicken broth
*
4 medium potatoes -- peeled and diced
*
1/8 teaspoon saffron
*
1 teaspoon salt
*
1 teaspoon aji chile powder (or cayenne)
*
3 cups milk
*
1/2 cup green peas
*
3 medium eggs
*
1/4 pound cream cheese
*
1 medium avocado, peeled and sliced
Heat butter in large saucepan. Add onions and sauté for 10
minutes. Add flour and mix until smooth. Add chicken broth gradually, stirring
constantly until boiling. Add potatoes, saffron, salt and chile powder. Simmer
for 20 minutes. Add milk and peas and continue to cook for five minutes. Beat
the eggs and cream cheese together in a bowl and gradually add two cups of the
hot soup. Beat constantly to avoid curdling. Return the contents ob the bowl to
the saucepan and heat but do not boil. Place a few thin slices of avocado in
each soup bowl and pour soup over them. Serve with a side green salad.
What to talk about over dinner: Have you ever felt like
turning your back on the world after a loss? What is your biggest dream? What
are some favorite hobbies you and your spouse enjoy doing together? Who in your
life has been married the longest? Where is your favorite travel destination?
Where do you dream of going? What are the other movies with grumpy old men as
endearing characters? Ever been up in a hot air balloon? Why does Pixar know
the recipe for success, and how does it do it so well? What is your favorite
Pixar film? How cool are these characters in "Up?" Who was your
favorite? If anyone brings up "Balloon Boy" in connection with
"Up," her or she automatically has to do the dishes. For a week.
Film (with rating): Orphan (R)
Studio: Warner Home Video
Summary: The loving Coleman family (Vera Farmiga, Peter
Sarsgaard) adopts young Esther, the Russian-born orphan with the tragic past,
and all seems perfect. Until circumstances start unfolding and the Colemans
wonder if "sweet" Esther is all she pretends to be.
Review: I guess
I didn't get enough of my scary-movie fix last week, because here I am,
reviewing yet another gem in the genre.
"Orphan" is impressive in that it plays upon the whole evil-child
plot like in "Omen" while having plenty of its own unique twists to
keep the audience shrouded in suspense. It's not a brilliant psychological
thriller, but it isn't a remake of "Children of the Corn," either.
"Orphan" may not be a horror film or a true thriller; it falls
somewhere in between, and director Juame Collet-Serra makes it work. The film's
climax is commendable, and somewhat shocking. I did enjoy the film for the most
part, even though I have problems with scenes involving children and violence
of any kind. But man! Is this kid one bad seed! Newcomer Isabelle Fuhrman
portrays Esther with amazing creepiness. This is one "Dinner and a
DVD" you'll want to watch when the kids are at Grandma's. Definitely.
Extra highlight: The alternate ending.
What to serve for dinner: A Russian recipe--Chicken Kiev
(RusCuisine.com). Serves six.
2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts 1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 tsp. black pepper
1 tsp. granulated garlic powder
1 large egg
2 Tbsp. cold water
1/4 tsp. black pepper
1/4 tsp. granulated garlic powder
3/4 tsp. dried dill weed
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup fine dried breadcrumbs or saltine crackers
2 cups of olive oil or cooking oil for frying chicken
1/2 medium sliced fresh lemon
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
Remove all fat from chicken breasts and discard. Carefully
cut chicken breast in half with a sharp knife, but do not cut right through
(leaving a hinge on one side.) Place open chicken breasts between two sheets of
wax paper and, using a mallet or the flat of a cleaver, pound the chicken
carefully until about 1/4 inch thickness or less. Set prepared chicken on a
plate separated by wax paper and place in the refrigerator.
In a small bowl, combine softened butter, 1/2 teaspoon of
black pepper, 1 teaspoon of granulated garlic powder, mix well to blend. Spread
butter mixture on a piece of aluminum foil into a rectangular shape, about two
inches by three inches and place in freezer for about 1/2 hour or until frozen.
When butter is firm, remove from freezer and cut into six equal pieces. Place
one piece of butter on each chicken breast at one end. Start to roll chicken
over butter, then fold in both sides and continue rolling to encase the butter
completely. Secure chicken rolls with skewers or round toothpicks.
In a bowl, beat egg with water until fluffy. In a separate
bowl, mix together 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2
teaspoon dried dill weed and 1/2 cup flour.
In another bowl, add the dried bread crumbs. Coat chicken
rolls with seasoned flour. Now dip chicken rolls in egg mixture, then dip and
coat with bread crumbs. Place coated chicken in a shallow dish and refrigerate
for at least 30 minutes to chill or longer if desired.
Add two cups of vegetable oil or olive oil into a frying pan
and heat to medium-high heat.
Carefully place chicken rolls into heated oil and fry for
about five minutes on each side or until done and golden brown. To test for
doneness, cut into 1 rolled chicken to make sure there is no pink showing. Serve
immediately, garnished with lemon twists and parsley.
What to talk about over dinner: Do you believe there can be
bad seeds? What is your favorite evil-child film? What do you think adoption
proponents have to say about this movie? Why do you think more and more
celebrities are adopting overseas? If you did adopt, what country would you
choose? Why? Are orphans in other countries in more danger than American
orphans? Why or why not? Which ending of the movie did you prefer? Would you
rather adopt an infant, or an older child? Why?
Film (with rating): A Halloween Frightfest: Halloween (1978
original and 2007 remake) along with Halloween 2 (1981 original).
Summary: In "Halloween" (both versions), a teen
babysitter tries her best to stay alive after Michael Meyers, the masked serial
killer, escapes from a mental institution and returns to Haddonfield, Ill., on
a killing spree. In the sequel, Michael Meyers continues his quest to kill the
babysitter, for reasons soon made clear.
Review: It's Halloween weekend, folks. Time for some tricks,
treats and terrors. And who best to serve up the latter than the king of fear,
John Carpenter? "Halloween" is perhaps one of the best horror films
of all times. It doesn't have all the shock and gore that today's films
embrace, and instead zooms in on the genuine creepy factor. Think about it: a
psychopath escapes a mental institution and then stalks people in a town on
Halloween night. Plain and simple.
And terrifying. Carpenter didn't spend a fortune on this film at all (I think
one story involves how he needed a mask for the killer, so he went and got the
only one the store had: a William Shatner mask, and painted it white. Now, that
dime-store purchase is Hollywood legend.), and yet, it triumphed. In fact, it's
better than many high-budget horror films today.
Jaime Lee Curtis was crowned a true Scream Queen for her
role as Laurie Strode, and Donald Pleasence made a decent career for himself
throughout the "Halloween" franchise as Dr. Loomis, appearing in
many, many of the sequels. But what really makes this movie perfect is the
soundtrack. I mean, is there anything scarier that the "Halloween"
theme music?
The 2007 remake, shockingly, is really good. A lot more
gory, but still good and true to the original. Rob Zombie did a wonderful job
meshing modern notes with the classic storyline so that "Halloween"
feels fresher, yet familiar. There are practically identical scenes and dialog
to the original, but it doesn't look like a lazy remake. In fact, half of the
film is dedicated to Michael Meyer's backstory and his descent into darkness,
which gives this version additional depth.
The 1981 "Halloween 2" is another classic. All the
original characters appear, which in my opinion strengthens a sequel
tremendously. (It isn't until "Halloween 3" that the franchise begins
falling apart, and it doesn't redeem itself until "Halloween H20.")
Lots of screaming, teens running for their lives, scary theme music and Donald
Pleasence racing after a mask-wearing psychopath. All of this adds up to some good
Halloween DVD watching.
These movies aren't thought-provoking, Oscar-winning flicks.
But who wants that on Halloween night? I want to turn out the lights, curl up
on the couch with a bowl of trick-or-treat candy and get freaked out as soon as
I hear the beginning notes of the theme music. Happy Halloween everyone.
Extra highlight: Diving into your kid's trick-or-treat bag. And check out the trailer for the original "Halloween." Turn up the sound.
What to serve for dinner: A family tradition of mine on
Halloween is to cook up some hearty chili and serve it piping hot after a long journey
around the block collecting candy in the name of holiday fun. Try out this
vegetarian version. (Recipe courtesy of AllRecipes.com.).
*
1 tablespoon olive oil
*
1/2 medium onion, chopped
*
2 bay leaves
*
1 teaspoon ground cumin
* 2 tablespoons dried oregano
*
1 tablespoon salt
*
2 stalks celery, chopped
*
2 green bell peppers, chopped
*
2 jalapeno peppers, chopped
*
3 cloves garlic, chopped
*
2 (4 ounce) cans chopped green chile peppers, drained
*
2 (12 ounce) packages vegetarian burger crumbles
*
3 (28 ounce) cans whole peeled tomatoes, crushed
*
1/4 cup chili powder
*
1 tablespoon ground black pepper
*
1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, drained
*
1 (15 ounce) can garbanzo beans, drained
*
1 (15 ounce) can black beans
*
1 (15 ounce) can whole kernel corn
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Stir in
the onion and season with bay leaves, cumin, oregano and salt. Cook and stir
until onion is tender, then mix in the celery, green bell peppers, jalapeno
peppers, garlic and green chile peppers. When vegetables are heated through,
mix in the vegetarian burger crumbles. Reduce heat to low, cover pot, and
simmer five minutes. Mix the
tomatoes into the pot. Season chili with chili powder and pepper. Stir in the
kidney beans, garbanzo beans and black beans. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to
low, and simmer 45 minutes. Stir in the corn, and continue cooking five minutes
before serving with hot cornbread or warm flour tortillas and avocado slices.
What to talk about over dinner: What is the best scary movie
ever? How many horror movies have featured Jaime Lee Curtis? Who is today's
Scream Queen? Do you like sequels? Which horror sequel is the best? What about
remakes? What is the scariest modern-day horror movie? Did you like scary
movies as a kid? What are some of your best Halloween memories? How do you like
to celebrate now? Is the holiday more fun with kids? What was your all-time
favorite Halloween costume? What are some of the best Halloween costumes for
adults you've seen this year? For kids? How do you like your carved
pumpkins--happy, goofy or scary? Or made into bread?
Film (with rating): How I Met Your Mother, The Awesome
Season Four Studio: Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment
Summary: The woman of his dreams is out there, but who is
she? And where is she? "How I Met
Your Mother" tells the tale of how twentysomething Ted Mosby meets his soulmate
(eventually) all while living one adventure after another with his best
friends. The series, set in modern-day New York, is told in flashbacks (voiced
by Bob Saget) by the off-camera dad talking to his teen children about how he
met their mother.
Review: This series is one of my favorite television shows
of all time. The writing is witty, the characters are believable and likeable,
and the show has survived four seasons without resorting to overworked plot
points or improbable twists. In too many comedies today, the writing strains
hard to get the obligatory chuckle, and the characters come across
one-dimensional at best.
In "HIMYM," that just doesn't happen. It's
one of those rare shows that sidesteps all the pitfalls of the average comedy
and races without a hitch season after season. All five main actors are brilliantly played, and the
chemistry between them all is legend-WAIT FOR IT-dary. (Sorry. I couldn't
resist. The series produces some of the best one-liners to date). Neil Patrick
Harris, about a million miles away from his Doogie Howser days, is a true gem
in this series, never failing to polish every single scene he's in, as do the
other anchors--Josh Radnor (Ted),
Jason Segel (Marshall), Cobie Smulders (Robin) and Alyson Hannigan (Lily).
For
extra fun, check out the first three seasons on DVD; you'll see the series just
keeps getting better. And you'll see my all-time favorite episode: "Slapsgiving." It makes me want to hang out at a bar like MacLaren's, to
move to New York, to have best friends like that, to come home one day and find
a goat in my apartment, to buy lots of suits, or to jump across the rooftops to
the neighbor's terrace. Well, maybe not that. But it would definitely earn me a
high-five from Barney if I did.
Extra highlight: Check out the gag reel, and "Eriksen's
Fight Club."
What to serve for dinner: Pub food, such as pub stew
(cooks.com). Serve with thick steak fries and some Guinness beer.
1 1/2 lbs. top quality beef, cut into chunks
1/4 c. butter
10-11 oz. can tomato soup, plus an equal amount of water
3 carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
4 med. potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
1 rib celery, cut into chunks
4 onions, cut into chunks
2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
1/4 c. minced fresh parsley
1/2 c. cooking sherry
2 bay leaves
Preheat oven to 275 degrees. In a heavy skillet, brown the
beef in the butter over medium-high heat. Add the soup and water and stir well.
Add the rest of the ingredients and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring once or
twice. Transfer the mixture to an oven-proof pot and cook in the oven, covered,
for 5 hours, stirring occasionally if desired. Serves 4-6.
What to talk about over dinner: Would you want to be a
twentysomething again in search of your soulmate? Which "HIMYM"
character do you most relate to? Which one is your favorite? List as many
Barneyisms as you can. I'll start you off: legendary, Bro Code, suit up.....Do
you think we've met Mrs. Mosby yet? What did you think about Stella? What was
your favorite episode of Season 4? "The Naked Man," anyone? Are you a
Woooo Girl? Have you ever been one? Anyone have brothers like Marshall's? Why
is Neil Patrick Harris so awesome? Did you catch the jokes about Cobie and
Alyson's real-life pregnancies, which weren't written into the script? Would
you ever jump from building to building? What do you think of Barney and Robin? Do you know the words to "Sandcastles in the Sand?" Do you have friends like this gang?
 Film (with rating): Ghosts of Girlfriends Past (PG-13) Studio: Warner Home Video Summary: A good-looking lothario (Matthew McConaughey) feels no need to settle down, until a few ghosts from his past show him the error of his ways. Review: Once again, Matthew McConaughey portrays a handsome, Texas-drawling, chiseled commitmentphobe who is found irresistible by the opposite sex. Yeah, he's really stretching the acting muscle here playing Connor Mead in "Ghosts." To say he's typecast in this film is an understatement. But McConaughey fans will find no fault with his performance, however recycled it may be. The film itself is a bit predictable, and falls flat too many times for my taste, but it does offer a mindless romp into romantic comedy. Director Mark Waters ("Mean Girls" fame) seems a bit confused--does he wants to make "Ghosts" a true comedy, or more of a funny yet moralistic piece about growing up and learning what matters? In the end, "Ghosts" comes across as a bit of "A Christmas Carol" (sorry, Dickens!) blended with every single other rom-com McConaughey has tacked his name to. Jennifer Garner, who plays Connor's childhood love, does what she can with the material and helps keep "Ghosts" afloat. But her performance feels secondary, unfortunately. After "13 Going on 30," I became a fan of her romantic-comedy chops. Michael Douglas, who has a small yet pivotal role as Connor's womanizing uncle, shows up as a ghost to help lead Connor down the path of recognition and repentance. Douglas' performance is a highlight of the film and not to be missed. Overall, "Ghosts" isn't going to teach you any earth-shattering life lessons (other than don't be a jerk), nor is it going to sprain your brain in an attempt to understand the subplots. Just watch it for some mindless entertainment, McConaughey's abs and a quick escape from this relentless heat wave outside. Extra highlight: none What to serve for dinner: Since McConaughey's voice, dripping with twang, is now linked to the National Cattleman's Beef Association commercials, let's grill up some steak. For kicks, say his line with a heavy Southern drawl: "Beef: It's what's for dinner." Balsamic-Marinated Sirloin and Asparagus (http://www.txbeef.org) * 1 boneless beef top sirloin steak, cut 1-inch thick (about 1-1/4 lbs.) * 1 lb. fresh asparagus, trimmed * 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar * 2 Tbsp. olive oil * 1 Tbsp. chopped fresh basil * 1-1/2 tsp. Dijon-style mustard * 1 clove garlic, crushed * 1/2 tsp. sugar * 1/2 tsp. salt * 1/8 tsp. pepper In a small bowl, combine vinegar, oil, basil, mustard, garlic and sugar to make marinade. Place steak and 1/3-cup of the marinade in a sealable plastic bag. Close bag securely, turn to coat steak and marinate in refrigerator 15 minutes to two hours, turning occasionally. Cover and refrigerate remaining marinade. Meanwhile, bring one inch of water to a boil in a large skillet. Add the asparagus and reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and cook two to three minutes or until asparagus is just crisp-tender. Drain asparagus and combine with the reserved marinade tossing to coat. Remove steak from marinade and discard unused marinade. Grill over medium heal or medium coals. Grill uncovered for 16-20 minutes for medium rare, turning once. During the last three minutes, arrange asparagus on the grill and cook for three minutes, turning once. Season with salt and pepper. Carve the steak crosswise into slices and serve with asparagus. What to talk about over dinner: Have you ever needed to be shown the error of your ways? What regretful thing did you do in your youth? Are you or have you been a womanizer? What was the worst way you ever broke up with someone? How about during a conference call? Why do you think Matthew McConaughey keeps getting headlining work? Is he that talented, or just gorgeous? Is it fair that he keeps getting leading romantic roles when he's nearing 40 when women that age in this industry are not? What do you make of that? What was your favorite romantic comedy ever? Have you seen Bill Murray's "Scrooged?" What "SNL" alum has or had the best career?
 Film (with rating): Dirty Dancing (PG-13) Studio: Lions Gate Summary: An innocent young woman (pre-nose job Jennifer Grey) on vacation with her family in the Catskills is introduced to the sensuality of dance and love when she meets the dance instructor (Patrick Swayze) at her resort hotel. Review: "That was the summer of 1963 - when everybody called me Baby, and it didn't occur to me to mind. That was before President Kennedy was shot, before the Beatles came, when I couldn't wait to join the Peace Corps, and I thought I'd never find a guy as great as my dad. That was the summer we went to Kellerman's." --Frances "Baby" Houseman God, I love this movie! It's campy and simplistic at times, complex and realistic at others. And I love it. Even more now. Although we knew Patrick Swayze was most likely not going to win his latest battle, it still came as a sad shock when we learned he passed away this week after a 20-month battle with pancreatic cancer. Although he has a huge body of work throughout his decades as both a movie star and dancer, it will always be "Dirty Dancing" that I think of whenever someone mentions Patrick Swayze's name. When this movie came out in 1987, I was in high school, and my friends and I spent many, many Friday nights at the local theater, swooning over Johnny Castle and wishing we were Baby Houseman. The dance sequences always captivated me, and watching the chemistry between Swazye and Grey never failed to fascinate. I begged my parents to let us vacation in the Catskills, secretly hoping I'd find myself a tall hero who would tell the world, "Nobody puts Baby in a corner." The soundtrack, the quotes--all of it reminds me of simpler times and idealistic youth. One of the reasons I enjoy the movie so much now, all these years later, is because I can see how versatile an actor Swayze was. He danced, did all of his own stunts (much to the producers' terror), produced a believable character and even wrote/sang one of the hallmark songs on the soundtrack. Sure, he made some poor career choices when it came to movie selection, but in the end, his fans loved and respected him for what he did well: play the romantic hero. T hank you, Patrick, for making us all believe that anyone can dance, and no one has to put us in corners. As he one said to "Entertainment Weekly:" "No matter what opinion Hollywood has of you, fans never forget you if you never forget them." Amen, Patrick. We'll miss you, and won't forget you. Extra highlight: Who cares? Just watch the movie again. What to serve for dinner: Go with what they serve at a modern-day Catskill's resort, Mohonk Mountain House: Grilled New York strip steak with potato gratin and steamed baby carrots. For the steak....(www.thatsmyhome.com) * 1/4 C. brown sugar * 1/4 C. soy sauce * 2 T. Worcestershire sauce * Juice of half a lemon * 1/4 t. garlic powder * 1/2 C. Jack Daniel's Tennessee whiskey Stir together brown sugar, soy sauce, Worcestershire, lemon juice, garlic powder and whiskey. Place steaks in a big plastic bag. Pour in marinade and seal bag. Refrigerate at least one hour. Remove meat from marinade and grill over medium coals for five minutes per side for medium-rare. For the potatoes...(foodnetwork.com) * 2 pounds baking potatoes, peeled and sliced paper-thin * 2 cups heavy cream * 2 garlic cloves, split * Leaves from 4 fresh thyme sprigs * 3 tablespoons chopped fresh chives, plus more for garnish * 1 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano * Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients, tossing to coat. Season with salt and pepper. Put the potato mixture into a casserole dish, flatten it out with a spatula and bake for 40 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the gratin is bubbly. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chives. What to talk about over dinner: What was your favorite "Dirty Dancing" quote? Scene? Character? How many times have you seen this movie? Did it inspire you to take up dancing? Vacation in the Catskills? What were your favorite Patrick Swayze movies? Who was your first love? Did you ever go away on family vacations like this? What one was your favorite? What have you done that is totally out of character? Or that scared you silly? Did you ever date someone your parents disapproved of? Did you ever fall for someone out of your league? Why did Jennifer Grey get a nose job anyway? Did that have anything to do with her career falling off the radar?
 Film (with rating): Fringe: The Complete First Season Studio: Warner Home Video Summary: When three unlikely colleagues-a beautiful and determined FBI agent (Anna Torv), a brilliant and certifiably crazy scientist (John Noble) and his roguish son (Joshua Jackson)- team up to investigate a series of peculiar deaths and disasters, they suspect that someone is using the world as a giant laboratory. Review: I've been following this series since it first aired last fall on Fox. From the start, I loved the mix of slight comedy and massive creepiness combined with likeable characters and a mysterious, yet engaging, plot. Joshua Jackson (hello, Pacey! Nice to see you're in a decent series for once) is the most well-known actor in the bunch, but Australian Anna Torv is excellent as well. Yet it's John Noble--and his quirky performance as the off-kilter, formerly institutionalized Dr. Walter Bishop--who makes each episode a keeper. His one-liners (sometimes unintentional) break the tension of a scene, and Jackson's dry wit finish the job. But even with this comedic relief, "Fringe" does not go overboard and create slapstick banter or a watering-down of the issue at hand. Bishop's acting chops see to that. The dialogue feels realistic, not forced, and never overshadows the general dark, ominous tone of the show. The writing is just fantastic. Perhaps that's why it was nominated for a 2009 Writers Guild Award for best new series. At first, I thought "Fringe" would be too "X Files"-ish for my taste, too surreal and way too sci-fi. But I quickly learned that while the series has those elements, it's much more of a mystery/drama/horror/forensics show, with an enjoyable creepy factor thrown in for good measure. I should have clued in when I saw J.J. Abrams of "Lost" fame was at the helm. This series isn't as mind-bending as is "Lost," but it's just as smart and engaging. In addition, the special effects and visual quality of "Fringe" are amazing, especially for television standards. If you haven't yet seen the series, now is a perfect time to check out all 20 of the first-season episodes. The second season begins this month, so it's time to get hooked, and figure out what type of crazy apparatus Walter will plug his head into next. Extra highlight: The "Behind the Real Science of 'Fringe'" featurette, as well as the Gene the Cow montage, just for kicks. What to serve for dinner: Since all the characters definitely don't have time to stay home and cook a wholesome meal, do what they would do and order some food to be delivered. Try something totally off-beat, but stay away from beef, in respect of Gene. Perhaps some tea-smoked duck like that served at Fu-Shing's in Pasadena. Or stick with a tried-and-true staple, vegetable chow mein.
What to talk about over dinner: Do you believe things in "Fringe" could ever happen? Are happening? Could someone run massive scientific experiments on the population? Will science ever invent a realistic robotic hand? Who is your favorite character? What was your favorite episode? What about the season finale? How would an alternate reality like that be? Do you think Peter and Olivia will get together? How can Walter be so loveably crazy and annoying and brilliant, all at once? What is the deal with Olivia's ex? Own up--did you ever watch "Dawson's Creek?" What do you think is in store for us when "Lost" starts up again next year (yes, folks, it won't be back until 2010)?
Film (with rating): Earth (G) Studio: Walt Disney Home Entertainment Summary: This documentary featuring three separate stories of a mother polar bear, African elephants and a humpback whale weaves together a portrayal of life on our planet Earth. Review: If you liked the television show "Planet Earth," you will not want to miss "Earth." The jaw-dropping visuals are indescribably beautiful. Just like in the small-screen version, the nature photography is haunting, supreme and beyond memorable. You may recognize some of the more unforgettable shots from the TV show here in the big-screen "Earth," but it won't feel like a repeat. These snapshots of life on our planet are worth seeing time and time again. Filmmakers Alastair Fothergill and Mark Linfield used some of the most innovative tools around to bring these stunning visuals to the screen. It's hard not to become personally invested in some of the "characters," especially the polar bears. Disney employs the soothingly bass-voiced James Earl Jones to narrate the movie, and he does a commendable job. It would have been nicer to have a more enriching script for him to read (think "March of the Penguins"), but even with the more pedestrian tidbits, JEJ still made it sound good. I could have actually done with a bit less talk, though, and let the stunning visuals speak for themselves. This held especially true when the narration got more cutesy than informative. Despite being a nature show, it is a Disney movie. That means the more difficult aspects of the animal kingdom are not showcased in high definition. All in all, the family-friendly "Earth" is a gorgeous, unforgettable portrayal of our planet and its creatures. Extra highlight: "Earth Diaries" What to serve for dinner: Honor our planet with food designed to be kind to both Earth and its animals: cheesy baked eggplant (allrecipes.com). To take it to a higher level, buy the produce from a local farmers market and use organic pasta sauce and cheeses--especially cheeses. Remember, happy cows... * 1 eggplant, sliced into 1/2 inch rounds * 2 tablespoons olive oil, or as needed * 1 tablespoon garlic powder, or to taste * 2 tablespoons olive oil * 1 small onion, chopped * 3 cloves garlic, chopped * 2 small tomatoes, chopped * 1 (10 ounce) package fresh spinach leaves * 1/2 cup ricotta cheese * 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided * 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided * 3/4 cup tomato pasta sauce * 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Brush eggplant slices with olive oil on both sides, and place them on a baking sheet. Sprinkle garlic powder over the top. Bake for 10 minutes. Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, tomatoes and spinach. Cook and stir for a few minutes until fragrant and the tomatoes have released their juices. In a medium bowl, mix together 1/2 cup of ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese, and 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese. Set aside. Place the eggplant slices in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Top with the spinach mixture. Spoon the cheese mixture over the spinach, and spread into a thin layer. Pour the spaghetti sauce over the cheese layer. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning. Bake for 30 minutes in the preheated oven, or until heated through and the eggplant is easily pierced with a fork. Serve with warm bread and a side salad.
What to talk about over dinner: What was the most touching scene in the film? Has "Earth" changed your view of Earth and animals? What will you do differently now? What about global warming? True, or overblown? What can you do to help slow it down? How can you live more green? What did you learn from this movie? What nature shows did you love to watch as a kid? Have zoos gotten better in the past decade? How can they improve? How can you get involved to make a difference in the lives of animals? Will polar bears be around for our grandchildren to see? Did you ever go whale watching? How can you help your kids be better global citizens?
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