Dinner and a DVD

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation

2009-11-26T08:40:09Z

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 37^th 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?

My Sister's Keeper

2009-11-20T02:52:26Z

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?

Up

2009-11-14T04:24:07Z

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.

Orphan

2009-11-07T04:39:57Z

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?

Halloween Frightfest 2009

2009-10-30T22:57:45Z

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?

How I Met Your Mother, The Awesome Season Four

2009-10-08T22:48:15Z

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?

Ghosts of Girlfriends Past

2009-09-25T03:33:24Z

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?

Dirty Dancing

2009-09-19T03:58:09Z

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?

Fringe: The Complete First Season

2009-09-12T02:29:25Z

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)?

Earth

2009-09-05T03:34:33Z

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?

Adventureland

2009-08-28T22:24:06Z

Film (with rating): Adventureland (R)

Studio: Buena Vista Home Entertainment

Summary: When James Brennan (Jesse Eisenberg) has to cancel his summer vacation in order to make money for graduate school, his lack of on-the-job experience means he's only qualified to run a game booth a the kitschy amusement park, Adventureland. But in the middle of his boredom, he meets some unique people like Em (Kristen Stewart), and suddenly, his boring summer becomes one of the best ever.

Review: From the packaging, "Adventureland" seems to be an amusement park-themed counterpart to the hilarious "Waiting," also with Ryan Reynolds. But it's not. "Adventureland" is actually a "Wonder Years" for the adult circuit, with some college-aged John Hughes flavor thrown in for good measure. It's a coming-of-age comedy, a smart comedy that elicits laughs of recognition, not of hysteria.

I was drawn to the film because, like James, I too spent some time after college making money for grad school working at an amusement park. And while the work itself didn't challenge my upper-level education, it did allow me to meet some amazing people. I viewed those summers spent working on the rides as some of the best I've had, thanks to my coworkers. Plus, this movie is set in the 1980s, and I'm a sucker for all things '80s, especially the music, which is in ample supply here.

But even with my predisposition toward liking "Adventureland," I was still surprised that I enjoyed it as much as I did. It was an intelligent, heartfelt, character-driven film. It didn't smack me over the head with nostalgia, stereotypes or comedy; it let me find all that on my own. Director Greg Mottola ("Superbad") far surpassed my expectations for this film (especially since I hated "Superbad," and yes, I'm very aware I am one of the few who did). Eisenberg was brilliant and multifaceted as the geeky yet irresistible James, and Stewart had some good moments as Em. But it was Eisenberg's show all the way. His ability to weave dorky honesty and witty confidence together was brilliant.

I actually not only liked the characters, but I believed them, too. They weren't portrayed as "stupid youth," nor did they speak and act like sassy Hollywoodized twentysomethings. Everything felt honest, not forced. It's rare a comedy will master that trick, but this one did. In the shadow of John Hughes' passing earlier this summer, "Adventureland" comes out on DVD at a great time. I for one loved this trip back into the '80s, and my own days of asking "how many in your party?"

Extra highlight: "Just my Life: The Making of Adventureland"

What to serve for dinner: Theme-park food--corn dogs, roasted corn and funnel cake (cooks.com).

Corn Dogs

1 cup corn meal
1 cup flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 tablespoon oil
1/2 tablespoon powder curry
1 small can cream corn
1/2 cup corn starch
8 regular franks
1 slightly beaten egg
8 Popsicle sticks

Be sure franks are dampened a bit, but not wet. Mix all ingredients together, including egg, creamed corn, and oil. Add buttermilk a little at a time until it is at the right consistency (almost like a cake batter). Set aside for a few minutes allowing baking powder to rise. Place cornstarch in a flat dish. Push Popsicle sticks into franks and roll then in the corn starch, shake off extra, then coat with the batter. Heat enough oil in a pan to cook four dogs at a time. Cook to the degree of brownness you desire.

Roasted Corn

Remove outer husk. Turn back inner husks, remove silks. Replace inner husks. Place on grill. Turn often. Roast 12 to 15 minutes. Husks will brown, but corn will be delicious. Serve corn on cob with butter, salt, and pepper.

Funnel Cake

1 1/2 cups flour
2 eggs
1 cup milk
3 tablespoons sugar
1/4 teaspoon mace (optional)
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/4 teaspoons salt

Combine all ingredients. Drop mixture through a large funnel into hot peanut or vegetable oil (365-375 degrees), swirling the mixture and frying until golden. Remove to paper towels using a slotted spoon. When cool, place in a clean paper bag and shake with confectioners' sugar. Alternatively, drizzle with syrup or honey just before serving.

What to talk about over dinner: What was your job after college or during college? What was the lamest job you've ever had? The worst? Did you ever have a job that seemed really boring until you got to know your coworkers? What lessons did those summer jobs teach you? Have you ever met people like those in "Adventureland?" What do you think of the 1980s? What was your favorite song from back in the day? Have you ever dated anyone from work? Why or why not? If given the chance and the money, would you again work at a no-brainer job just so you could have some fun without all the office politics? Why or why not?

I Love You, Man

2009-08-23T04:05:47Z

Film (with rating): I Love You, Man (R)

Studio: Paramount Home Entertainment

Summary: A lovable, yet awkward, groom-to-be Peter (Paul Rudd) discovers he has no one to serve as his best man and embarks on a search to find one. That's when he meets his polar opposite (Jason Segal) and somehow, they click. Hysterically.

Review: Who cares about romantic comedies? It's all about the bromantic comedies now, my friends! "I Love You, Man" is just the ticket. Director John Hamburg could have easily made this flick into nothing more than one giant fart-and-genital joke, but instead, he created a funny, smart, slightly touching comedy. With a few fart and genital jokes thrown in for good measure. It's an ideal balance of endearing and naughty, never tipping over to one side. Rudd, as he was in "Knocked Up," is brilliant. He plays metrosexual, girls'-best-friend Peter perfectly without being irritating or unbelievable.

Yet it's Segal who steals the show. I love him in the television series "How I Met Your Mother," and laughed myself tearful watching him in "Forgetting Sarah Marshall." His comedic timing mixed with his physical comedy skills once again light up the screen. Segal's ability to deliver deadpan one-liners is classic. He may not be the sensitive guy in this film as he has been in others, but Segal still comes through without a hitch. If you find yourself getting a bit bored by the slightly slow buildup of "Love," hang in there. Once Segal hits the screen, there's no turning back, and it's well worth the wait. The chemistry between Segal and Rudd, mixed with their individual characters and acting styles, makes this movie work big time.

Extra highlight: The gag reel, of course.

What to serve for dinner: Honor Peter here with a nice bottle of wine and a summer salad, such as a dill veggie tuna salad (allrecipes.com).

1/2 cup small pasta shells, uncooked
1 (6 ounce) can water-packed tuna, drained and flaked
1 large tomato, chopped
1 cucumber, peeled, seeded, and chopped
1 small red bell pepper, chopped
1/2 cup chopped green onions
2 stalks celery, chopped
6 tablespoons ranch dressing
3 tablespoons chopped fresh dill

Fill a pot with lightly salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Once the water is boiling, stir in the shell pasta, and return to a boil. Cook the pasta uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta has cooked through, about 13 minutes. Drain well in a colander set in the sink, and chill by rinsing with cold water. Combine the cooled pasta, tuna, tomato, cucumber, red bell pepper, green onions, and celery in a salad bowl, and toss lightly to mix. Stir in the ranch dressing and dill, cover, and refrigerate until chilled, at least one hour.

What to talk about over dinner: Who do women prefer, the guy with girl friends, or the guy with girlfriends? Do nice guys finish last? If you're a guy, do you have guy friends? What would you do to find a friend? Have you ever had a bromance? Is it OK for women to have close friends, but not men? What was your most romantic evening? What do you think of "Chocolat?" Do you have friends who are your polar opposites? What makes the friendship work? What is your favorite "How I Met Your Mother" episode? "Slapsgiving" anyone?

17 Again

2009-08-13T22:23:21Z

Film (with rating): 17 Again (PG-13)

Studio: Warner Home Video

Summary: Nearly 40-year-old Mike O'Donnell realizes his job stinks, his kids resent him and his marriage to his high-school sweetheart is over. But he's given another chance at life when he's miraculously transformed back to the age of 17, but in the present day and with the outlook of a thirtysomething husband and father.

Review: I'm too old to be a fan of "High School Musical" (any of them. What are we up to now in that franchise? Twelve?) or its bubble-gum star Zac Efron. I knew the audience the movie studio shot for when releasing this film, and I'm about 25 years past the edge of that marker. Yet when I watched "17 Again," I was pleasantly surprised, not just with the story, but with Efron. He's not nearly as tweener cheesy as I feared. He's got a likeable charm about him, and he's easy on the eyes to boot. Plus, his comedic timing was admirable. The film's plot, while on the surface sounds completely recycled ("Big," "13 Going on 30," "Freaky Friday") actually added a few twists, characters and unique subplots to keep the story reasonably fresh. The movie is slow to show its real flavor, but once it gets going, it does so quite well. I wouldn't go so far as to call it a great movie, but it was enjoyable and cute. I loved the scenes featuring Ned, portrayed beautifully by hysterically funny Thomas Lennon of "Reno 911" fame. The man is a comedy genius, and he holds nothing back here. Matthew Perry, who plays the grown up Mike, is rather bland, but I think that was the point. And Efron, as both Young Mike from 1989 and Young Mike Today, holds his own both in the funny and more serious moments. No, "17" not my favorite film of the year, not by a longshot. But it's a pleasant romp that you can watch with your own tweeners, both enjoying it for different reasons.

Extra highlight: "Going Back to 17" for you, and "Zac's Dance Flashback" for your tweener daughter.

What to serve for dinner: What was your favorite food as a teen? I'm thinking pizza, mac and cheese, hamburgers. Let's update those cravings with some adult flare. Serve up caramelized-onion and gorgonzola grilled pizza ("Gourmet," June 2008). Add a mixed-green salad, garlic bread and red wine.

    * 6 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, divided
    * 1 1/4 pound onions (two large), halved lengthwise and thinly sliced
    * 14 to 16 ounce pizza dough, thawed if frozen
    * 1/4 pound Gorgonzola dolce, crumbled (1 cup)
    * 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted and coarsely chopped
    * 1/4 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley

Heat 1/4 cup oil in a 12-inch heavy skillet over medium-low heat until it shimmers, then cook onions with 1/2 tsp. salt and 1/4 tsp. pepper, covered, stirring occasionally, until golden, 15 to 20 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl and keep warm, covered.

Prepare a grill for direct-heat cooking over low charcoal (medium heat for gas). Stretch dough into a roughly 12- by 10-inch rectangle on a large baking sheet and brush with one tbsp. oil. Bring dough, onions, cheese, nuts, parsley, and remaining oil to grill area.

Oil grill rack, then put dough, oiled side down, on grill and brush top with remaining oil. Grill, covered, until underside is golden brown, 1 1/2 to 3 minutes.

Using tongs, return crust to baking sheet, turning crust over (grilled side up). Sprinkle evenly with onions, cheese, nuts, and parsley. Slide pizza from sheet onto grill and grill, covered, until underside is golden brown and cheese is partially melted, about 3 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board and cut into pieces.

What to talk about over dinner: What were you like in high school? Would you ever want to be 17 again? Why or why not? What are the perks? The downside? What mistakes from your past would you want to rewrite? What did you do well in high school that shaped who you are today? What were your favorite parts of high school? The most hated parts? When was your life most golden? Who was the Zac Efron of our tween years? Compare this movie to other middle-age-life-swap flicks. How does it measure up?

John Hughes Retrospective

2009-08-08T23:42:55Z

Films: John Hughes Restrospective: "Sixteen Candles," "The Breakfast Club," "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" and "Christmas Vacation"

Summary: Everyone forgets Samantha Baker's "Sweet Sixteen" birthday, five high school students from all walks of life spend an entire Saturday sharing their secrets in detention, a precocious high schooler spends one glorious day playing hookey with his friends, and Clark Griswold does his best to have an old fashioned family Christmas complete with all the festivities and dysfunction the season offers.

Review: With the passing of legendary 1980s screenwriter John Hughes this week at the age of 59 from an apparent heart attack, I scrapped my planned column and opted to do something a bit out of the ordinary in tribute to on of my teen idols. My formative years simply would not have been the same without the impact and influence of Hughes and all of his memorable, realistic and enviable characters.

While Hughes was also a director and producer, his real gift was his writing. Through the magic of his words, Hughes made characters like Ferris and Sam and Clark come alive. The writing, especially in those films featuring the "Brat Pack," sparked much of the lingo I used throughout high school. Hughes also shot such 1980s' stars as Molly Ringwald, Emilio Esteves, Ally Sheedy, Anthony Michael Hall and Judd Nelson to household-name status.

Watching those actors back in their own youthful years transports me immediately to summers at the beach with my friends, hours spend trying to perfect the amazing Molly Ringwald fashion look I coveted, endless fantasies and gossip sessions about the ideal boyfriend known as Jake Ryan (played by the yummy Michael Schoeffling, who is now building furniture in Pennsylvania). The ending of "Sixteen Candles" is still my all-time favorite conclusion of any movie. Hands down. As a teen, I must have watched my VHS tape of that movie a hundred times, never once tiring of it. I dreamed of having a play day with friends like Ferris, and I so wanted detention to be as cool as that featured in "Breakfast." And the soundtracks! Instant happy music.

"Christmas" is another movie I never, ever tire of watching again and again. I can quote much of the film's impeccable banter and one-liners with pride, and I know I'm not the only viewer out there who has holiday memories that are more than a little bit similar to those had by the Griswolds. It's a holiday tradition in my family to watch "Christmas" every Thanksgiving night to ring in the holiday season. Some families may enjoy "A Christmas Carol" or something else traditional, but to me, there's nothing more festive than Randy Quaid emptying his chemical toilet into the street sewer.

There are so many other Hughes films I could also recommend, but the weekend, alas, is short and so I'm giving you my top four choices. John Hughes was a legend, and his passing leaves a gaping hole. For all of you babies of the 1980s out there, our youth is now officially over. But we'll always have the memories. Thanks, John.

Extra highlight: Instead of watching any extras tonight, just call up the soundtracks on your iPod and rock out to the tunes of David Bowie, Spandau Ballet and Billy Idol. Toss in a "Danke Schoen" and "Mele Kalikimaka" for variety.

What to serve for dinner: It's 80s' night, folks. Order what you would have as a teen: pizza. Lots of pizza. And beer. And pretzels.

What to talk about over dinner: What is your favorite John Hughes movie? Who was your favorite Hughes character? Favorite ending? What movies and characters influenced you the most during your younger years? Why? Whose fashion sense did you try to copy (thanks Molly Ringwald!)? Who adored Judd Nelson's bad-guy image? Is there a "Brat Pack" today? Who, or why not? What 1980s' movie has the best soundtrack? See who can spout off the most John Hughes quotes. Admit it: who had a crush on Farmer Ted? And who cried when Cameron's dad's car bit the dust? Who thought Mrs. Griswold was a hottie? How many boys did you go out with in high school who tanked just because you compared them to Jake Ryan? (Or am I just airing my own teen dysfunction here?) Can you name what films Hughes appeared in? What about Hughes' later films, like "Drillbit Taylor?" Like, or not? When you run out of things to say, just raise a glass to John Hughes. In the words of Ferris, "Life moves pretty fast. You don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it."

Coraline

2009-07-25T00:37:31Z

Film (with rating): Coraline (PG)

Studio: Universal Studios Home Entertainment

Summary: Crabby, bratty and friendless Coraline Jones (voiced by Dakota Fanning), who just moved with her distracted parents to a dumpy apartment in Oregon, uncovers a secret door which leads to a parallel life much like her own, yet seemingly better. But soon, Coraline sees that the Other World is not be what she once thought, and instead might prove to be dangerous.

Review: Just because "Coraline" is a stop-motion animated film, don't make the mistake of thinking it's kid-friendly. The film, while beautifully created by director Henry Selick,
("The Nightmare Before Christmas"), is dark, deep and disturbing. It looks like a children's film, but it's not. It's more like a child's nightmare. I very much enjoyed this movie, but I wouldn't let my two-year-old near the TV with it on. Heck, I wouldn't let her watch if she was eight. The gorgeous animation actually makes the film creepier than I expected it would have, serving the movie's plot beautifully. I loved that Coraline wasn't a sugary-sweet heroine who must do what is right to save the day. She's bossy and unpleasant, and real. The parents are disturbing, especially because many watching the film may see shadows of themselves there. And that's depressing. The mom and dad are both checked-out, neglectful adults in the eyes of Coraline, but seen on a grown-up level, they could also be viewed as desperate and struggling just to make life keep moving forward. Either point of view is sad.

The Other Mother and Other Father in Coraline's Other World are downright chill-inducing, even in the beginning. I think it has something to do with those nasty button eyes. I may have to rip all the buttons off every single article of clothing I own now and sew on snaps or something. Buttons really are starting to creep me out. At first, These Other Parents seem to be everything Coraline wants in her family: good cooks, attention givers, etc. But that's only at first blush. Even before "Coraline" takes on a nightmarish flavor, viewers sense the danger lurking, even if it's hiding back in some closed-off closet in our imaginations.

The voice acting was perfect and not at all overdone, making the characters engaging and real. Selick created a visual masterpiece even more gorgeous than "Nightmare," if that's possible. "Coraline" feels bipolar in a sense--one minute, the Other World seems comforting and loving, the next, it's dangerous and scary. Sort of like life sometimes, huh?

Extra highlight: "Voicing the Characters"

What to serve for dinner: Chicken Marbella (cooks.com).

4 chickens, 2 1/2 lb. each, quartered
1 head garlic, peeled and finely pureed
1/4 c. dried oregano
Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1/2 c. red wine vinegar
1/2 c. olive oil
1 c. pitted prunes
1/2 c. pitted Spanish green olives
1/2 c. capers with a bit of juice
6 bay leaves
1 c. brown sugar
1 c. white wine
1/4 c. Italian parsley or fresh coriander (cilantro), finely chopped

In a large bowl, combine chicken quarters, garlic, oregano, pepper and coarse salt to taste, vinegar, olive oil, prunes, olives, capers and juice and bay leaves. Cover and let marinate, refrigerated, overnight. (Marinating overnight ensures the moistness of the chicken and enhances the flavor.)

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Arrange chicken in a single layer in one or two large, shallow baking pans and spoon marinade over it evenly. Sprinkle chicken with brown sugar and pour white wine around them. Bake for 50 minutes to 1 hour, basting frequently with pan juices. Chicken is done when thigh pieces, pricked with a fork at their thickest, yield clear yellow (rather than pink) juice.

With a slotted spoon, transfer chicken, prunes, olives, and capers to a serving platter. Moisten with a few spoonfuls of pan juices and sprinkle generously with parsley or cilantro. Pass remaining pan juices in a sauceboat.

What to talk about over dinner: What was your "ideal life" in childhood? Your ideal parents? Your ideal life now? Did you see flavors of yourself in Coraline's parents? What does this film say about our modern-day families? Compare this to "Alice in Wonderland." Did you like this film or "Nightmare" better? Why or why not? Contemplate the buttons. What do you think is in the stars for Dakota Fanning? Is she the next Jodie Foster? What was the saddest part about "Coraline?" The scariest?