Recently in Comedies Category

Film (with rating): Ferris Bueller's Day Off (PG-13)

Studio: Paramount

Summary: A high school slickster is determined to take a day off of school and have some fun.

Review:  Maybe it's spring fever, or perhaps a yearning to be back in high school (I tell you, that "Glee" kick has really messed with my head!). Or maybe it's just a deep desire to take a day off. Whatever the reason, I went vintage this weekend and pulled a classic out of the vault. "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" is one of my favorite John Hughes films. It's got romance, adventure, the Chicago skyline, comedy and Charlie Sheen, all wrapped up in a fuzzy blanket of teen angst and emotion. Matthew Broderick stars as the title character in this 26-year-old (good Lord! It's that old?!) film, and despite all he's done in his very accomplished career, he can't outrun "Bueller....Bueller."

For those of you not familiar with this movie, it's about Ferris, a savvy teen who decides the day is too beautiful to be spent in school. So he gets his girlfriend and best friend to take a day off with him and enjoy the sights, sounds and escapades this day holds for them. We've got baseball, a parade, museums, fancy cars, swanky restaurants. Ferris does more in one day than I've done in the past year, I think.

One thing that makes "Ferris" such an all-star movie is the all-star cast. Jennifer Grey plays Ferris' angry sister (who tries to pick up Charlie Sheen in the police station. Classic scene!) and Jeffrey Jones is the unforgettable Ed Rooney, who makes it his mission to destroy Ferris and keep him in high school another year. The comedy is beyond classic. One-liners and laugh-out-loud scenes are the norm here. Hughes, the master of the teen comedy and teen angst, knew just what he was doing with "Ferris." He not only captured the essence of the teenager, but he encapsulated the spirit of Chicago. Classic. I saw the movie for the first time all those years ago, and to this day I still recite the lines. And I still want a Ferris Bueller-style day off.

Perhaps the Ferris-ism I took most to heart was the main one from the movie: "Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it." So true, Ferris. So true. After enjoying a trip back in time to the 1980s this weekend, take a note from Ferris. Stop and look around a bit. Life does move pretty fast, you know. Don't miss it.

Extra highlight: Skip it. Call in sick to work and go visit the museum or catch a baseball game.

What to serve for dinner: In honor of one of my most-favorite cities, serve up some deep-dish Chicago-style pizza (foodnetwork.com). To pay homage to "Abe Froman, Sausage King of Chicago," add some sausage to this pizza pie. Follow it up with a handful of gummi bears for dessert. Preferably warm and soft.

Pizza Dough:

16 ounces water

1/8-ounce yeast

1/2-ounce salt

2 pounds bread flour

1/4 cup olive oil

1/4 cup cornmeal

Toppings:

2 cups tomato sauce, jar or homemade

2 cups shredded mozzarella

1/2 cup sliced mushrooms

1/2 cup spinach, shredded

1/2 cup grated Romano

1/2 cup sliced pepperoni

1/2 cup grated Parmesan

Sausage, cooked and sliced

In a mixer combine the water and the yeast and allow the yeast to dissolve. Add the remaining ingredients except for the cornmeal and begin to mix the dough using a dough hook on low speed. Once a ball is formed mix on medium speed for 1 to 2 minutes until the dough becomes elastic and smooth. Remove from the mixer and place in a bowl coated with olive oil. Allow the dough to rest for approximately 4 hours. Once the dough is rested, place on flat surface and dust with some flour.

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. In a deep baking dish or deep-dish pizza pan, spread the dough using your fingers at the bottom of the pan and make sure to have enough dough to come up the sides of the pan approximately 1/2-inch high.

Begin by placing a layer of the mozzarella cheese on the bottom of the crust. Add the tomato sauce and all of the toppings. Place in the oven for 30 to 40 minutes until golden and crispy.

What to talk about over dinner: What was your favorite scene? Favorite adventure? Did you have a friend like Ferris in high school? Were you Ferris? Are you still that guy? What would you do if you could take a Ferris-style day off tomorrow? What was your favorite line from the film? Why was John Hughes such a genius when it came to the teen-angst drama/comedy? What was your favorite one? Don't even get me started on "Sixteen Candles." I could talk about that all night. What were the best parts of the 1980s? Where was the best place you went to when you ditched high school? I think mine was the Oscars. Or should I say, the parking lot near the Shrine Auditorium as we stood so far back from the red carpet we could only manage a tiny glimpse of some actors' heads as they rushed inside. But hey, I'd say that counts as a quasi-Ferris moment. It would only be a true Ferris-style adventure, though, if I had managed to walk down the red carpet myself, get inside the ceremony and finish the evening dancing with Tom Cruise at the Governors Ball. 

Film (with rating): Joyful Noise (PG-13)

Studio: Warner Bros.

Summary: A small-town choir and its feuding choir leaders (Queen Latifah and Dolly Parton) set out to win a national competition despite overwhelming odds and obstacles.

Review: Perhaps it's because I'm addicted to "Glee" episodes streaming online. Or maybe because I have watched "9 to 5" three dozen times. Or that I was one of the 19 people who loved "Beauty Shop." Whatever the reason, I found "Joyful Noise" surprisingly enjoyable. At first blush, the film looked to be at risk for major clichés, canned lines and syrupy song numbers. But in reality, the Todd Graff-directed piece turned out to be rather charming. The insane musical talents--not just of Parton and Latifah, but of the entire cast-- greased the wheels of "Noise" so that it sailed right past most of the sticky parts. It's like "Glee" and "Footloose" and "Sister Act" with a sprinkle of "Steel Magnolias" for good measure. Parton showcased her trademark feistiness, portraying G.G. with enough Southern spunk and fire to please her fans. And really, who doesn't like Dolly Parton? The woman is an icon.

As is Latifah. With her character bent on keeping the church choir as traditional as possible, she clashes with G.G., who feels a more modern twist is needed. The two dish out some campy lines, but also some hysterical ones. A great scene is where G.G. pokes fun of her "facial enhancements" during a food fight with Vi Rose (Latifah), who tells G.G. she may have lost herself in the world of cosmetic alterations.

"God didn't make plastic surgeons so they could starve," snapped G.G.

The movie features things fans of "Glee" or big booming voices will love: strong characters, predictable plot twists, romance and lots and lots of singing. The singing, in fact, stole the show. "Noise" is not going to win any Oscars for Best Screenplay, but it will entertain you and make you tap your toe to the beat. Or belt out a diva song in the shower.

Extra highlight: "Make Some Noise" or, for the Blu-Ray, "Spotlight on a Song: Dolly Parton's 'From Here to the Moon'"

What to serve for dinner: In the snappy food-fight scene, G.G. tosses a handful of spaghetti at Vi Rose. So serve up a plate full of Fettuccini with Salsa Cruda and Feta (allrecipes.com). Happy Meatless Monday, everyone!

1 pound fresh fettuccine pasta

5 ripe tomatoes, chopped

1/2 small red onion, chopped

1 cup chopped fresh basil

1/2 cup pitted kalamata olives, chopped

1-2 teaspoons of minced garlic to taste

freshly ground black pepper to taste

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 cup crumbled feta cheese

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add fettuccini and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain. In a medium bowl combine tomatoes, onion, basil, olives, garlic and black pepper. Toss the fettuccini with olive oil. Serve pasta topped with tomato mixture and feta cheese.

What to talk about over dinner: What was your favorite song? Who else could have played G.G. and Vi Rose? What is your favorite Dolly Parton song? How has she lasted this long in the spotlight? Was the movie too predictable, or comfortably so? If you could sing like that, what would you do with that talent? Why do so many great singers get self-destructive? What song do you sing in the shower? What song do you think you know the words to, but really just make up the lyrics as you go along? What was your favorite scene from "9 to 5?" How much work has Dolly done on her face? Is she different than the average Hollywood star because she's so open about the plastic surgery? Who has the worst plastic surgery in Hollywood?

Film (with rating): New Year's Eve (PG-13)

Studio: Warner Bros. Home Entertainment

Summary: As the old year comes to a close and the new year is born, people from all over New York look for love, hope and happiness.

Review: Katherine Heigl's character said it best: "There are going be more celebrities here than at rehab." So very, very true. "New Year's Eve" is packed with more stars than a moonless sky in the desert. We've got an eclectic bunch of actors, such as Halle Berry, Jessica Biel, Josh Duhamel, Zac Efron, Jon Bon Jovi (*sigh*), Lea Michele, Hilary Swank, Ashton Kutcher, Abigail Breslin, Robert De Niro,  and Sarah Jessica Parker. (I kept looking around for Jennifer Aniston. You just know she was contacted about this movie. It has her name written all over it.) Each one stars in a little vignette about hope, love and forgiveness on New Year's Eve. It's a lot like 2010's "Valentine's Day."

So really, folks, we're not seeing anything new. In fact, some reviewers have compared watching this movie to sitting through an impressive party filled with beautiful people who have nothing to say. I wouldn't go that far. Yes, "New Year's Eve" juggles more than its fair share of clichés, and some of the storylines are downright cheesy. But the acting isn't half bad, and with such a huge stage of talent, there's bound to be someone in there who resonates with you. Heck, I'd watch it just to see Bon Jovi. Did anyone else have a poster of him and the rest of the posse tacked to her ceiling back in the 1990s? Or was that just me?

I digress. 

Garry Marshall, the genius behind many classics like "Pretty Woman," tackles "New Year's Eve" and his stamp is evident. It's not one of his better films, but he does his best to keep it from sinking during the low parts. The film does have some touching moments and some funny ones (Biel is a hoot). Not quite enough of these to totally overlook the more unbelievable plot lines, but enough to keep us entertained and interested. And for those of us who embrace the symbolism of New Year's Eve instead of the party-fueled hype, "New Year's Eve" offers some rays of optimism. Not many, but enough to keep us satisfied until that first resolution breaks. And it can't hurt to watch it in honor of Dick Clark, America's Oldest Teen, who gave us many, many years of amazing New Year's Eves. Thanks, Dick. We'll miss  you.

Extra highlight: Gag reel, of course.

What to serve for dinner: The ringing in of a new year is filled with tradition. Let's celebrate that by serving up some symbolic New Year's food for dinner.

Start with grapes. In Spain, revelers dine on 12 grapes at the stroke of midnight on New Year's Day to ring in the new year--one grape for each clang of the clock. Then dish up some black-eyed peas with collard greens for luck (www.nytimes.com). Finish the meal with pork carnitas (allrecipes.com), since pork is viewed by many the world over as a symbol of wealth and prosperity.

Black-Eyed Peas with Collard Greens

1/2 pound black-eyed peas, rinsed

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 large onion, chopped

3 large garlic cloves, minced

1 bay leaf

Salt to taste

1 large bunch collard greens (1 1/2 to 2 pounds), stemmed, washed well and chopped or cut in ribbons

2 tablespoons tomato paste dissolved in 1/2 cup water

1/4 to 1/2 cup chopped fresh dill (to taste)

Freshly ground pepper to taste

For topping (optional): crumbled feta or fresh lemon juice

Place the black-eyed peas in a large saucepan, cover with water by two inches, bring to a boil and then drain. Combine with half the onion and one of the garlic cloves in the saucepan. Add water to cover by two inches, and bring back to a simmer. Add the bay leaf, and reduce the heat. Add salt to taste, cover and simmer 30 minutes, until the beans are just tender. Drain through a strainer set over a bowl.

Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350 degrees. In a large, ovenproof lidded skillet or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil over medium heat and add the remaining onion. Cook, stirring, until tender, about five minutes, and add the remaining garlic. Stir together for 30 seconds to a minute, until fragrant. A handful at a time, stir in the greens. As the greens wilt, stir in another handful, until all the greens have been added and have collapsed in the pan. Add the dissolved tomato paste and stir together. Add salt to taste. Add the beans and enough cooking liquid to barely cover everything, cover and place in the oven for 30 minutes, until the collards are tender and the beans very soft.

Uncover the pot, and add a bit of liquid if the beans are dry. Stir in the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and the dill, cover and continue to simmer for another 10 minutes. Add salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Serve warm or hot. If you wish, top with crumbled feta or a squeeze of lemon.

Pork Carnitas

1 (3 1/2) pound boneless pork shoulder, trimmed and cut into 2 inch chunks

2 oranges, quartered

1 large white onion, quartered

6 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed

1/4 cup kosher salt

1 tablespoon ground cumin

1 tablespoon whole black peppercorns

2 bay leaves

Place the pork shoulder, oranges, onion, garlic, kosher salt, cumin, black peppercorns, and bay leaves into a large Dutch oven. Add water to cover. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low, and simmer for 10 minutes. Skim off any foam that rises to the top. Cover loosely, and simmer until the meat is tender, about 1 1/2 hours. Allow the pork to cool, covered, in the broth for 1 hour. Shred the meat with two forks. Can combine with BBQ sauce for a pulled-pork sandwich, or roll up the meat in some tortillas with salsa.

What to talk about over dinner: What was your favorite story in the movie? Favorite character? What was your best New Year's resolution ever? Worst? How many resolutions have you kept? Do you even make resolutions? Why are they so hard to keep? Know any secrets to keeping resolutions? Who has kept her 2012 resolutions? What was the funniest scene in the movie? The most touching? What was your best New Year's Eve? Worst? Do you like the holiday, or do you feel it's more of a letdown? What would be your dream New Year's Eve? Have you ever been to Times Square on New Year's Eve? Would you want to? Who else could listen to Bon Jovi sing until next New Year's Eve?

Film (with rating): Leap Year (PG)

Studio: Universal

Summary: Anna Brady (Amy Adams) plans to travel to Ireland to propose to her boyfriend on Feb. 29 because, according to Irish tradition, a man who receives a marriage proposal on a leap day must accept it. But getting there is filled with obstacles, issues and a stubborn, yet handsome, Irishman named Declan (Matthew Goode).

Review: In light of both Feb. 29, 2012, and St. Patrick's Day, I figured I'd dig one out of the vault for this column. "Leap Year" fit the bill. While this film isn't an award-winning romance nor is it an unforgettable comedy, it is a pleasant stroll in the Irish countryside with some likeable characters thrown in for good measure. This rom-com is predicable, but really, what romantic comedy is not? It is also hobbled a bit by some one-dimensional and rather stereotypical Irish characters (sorry, about that Éire!). But all of that can be overlooked because of the charming performances by Adams and Goode, and the spectacular eye candy known as the Irish landscape.

In "Leap Year," Adams plays a high-maintenance career gal with a plan to finally get her stick-in-the-mud boyfriend to marry her--by popping the question herself. But as she heads out to Ireland from the East Coast in order to meet up with said boyfriend at a conference, she's sidelined by one travel problem after another. When she finally arrives on Irish soil, she must find a way to Dublin. Enter Declan, who of course hates Anna and the feeling is mutual. But remember, this is a romantic comedy. The hate won't last forever.

So while "Leap Year" isn't going to shock anyone, it is a worth a watch just for the likeable Adams and the sensational Irish setting. So on this St. Patrick's Day weekend, enjoy some food and scenery from the homeland. And to all my readers, saol fada chugat. 

What to serve for dinner: Corned beef sandwiches with spicy mustard, green beer and Irish soda bread (simplyrecipes.com). Finish up with a scoop of vanilla ice cream drizzled with Bailey's Irish Cream.

4 to 4 1/2 cups flour

    2 Tbsp sugar

    1 teaspoon salt

    1 teaspoon baking soda

    4 Tbsp butter

    1 cup raisins

    1 large egg, lightly beaten

    1 3/4 cups buttermilk

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Whisk together 4 cups of flour, the sugar, salt, and baking soda into a large mixing bowl. Using two knives or a pastry cutter, work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse meal, then add in the raisins.

Make a well in the center of the flour mixture. Add beaten egg and buttermilk to well and mix in with a wooden spoon until dough is too stiff to stir. Dust hands with a little flour, then gently knead dough in the bowl just long enough to form a rough ball. If the dough is too sticky to work with, add in a little more flour. Do not over-knead! Transfer dough to a lightly floured surface and shape into a round loaf. Note that the dough will be a little sticky, and quite shaggy (a little like a shortcake biscuit dough). You want to work it just enough so that the flour is just moistened and the dough just barely comes together. Shaggy is good. If you over-knead, the bread will end up tough.

Transfer dough to a large, lightly greased cast-iron skillet or a baking sheet (it will flatten out a bit in the pan or on the baking sheet). Using a serrated knife, score top of dough about an inch and a half deep in an "X" shape. The purpose of the scoring is to help heat get into the center of the dough while it cooks. Transfer to oven and bake until bread is golden and bottom sounds hollow when tapped, about 35-45 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a long, thin skewer into the center. If it comes out clean, it's done.

If the top is getting too dark while baking, tent the bread with some aluminum foil.

Remove pan or sheet from oven, let bread sit in the pan or on the sheet for 5-10 minutes, then remove to a rack to cool briefly. Serve bread warm, at room temperature, or sliced and toasted. Best when eaten warm with butter and honey.

What to talk about over dinner: What is your most memorable St. Patrick's Day? What is the history behind this holiday? Do you have any roots in Ireland? Have you ever been to Ireland? What's your favorite spot in that country? What was your favorite scene in the movie? Your favorite movie location? Ever kissed the Blarney Stone? Did you find the movie unbearably predictable, or comfortably predictable? Do you enjoy romances, or romantic comedies more? What's your favorite Amy Adams movie? Why is she so likeable? She named her daughter Aviana Olea. Like, or no?

 

Film (with rating): A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas (R)

Studio: Warner Home Entertainment

Summary: It's been six years since Harold and Kumar escaped Guantanamo Bay, and now they're estranged, living totally different lives. Harold is a straight-laced banker with a beautiful wife he's trying to impregnate, and Kumar is still stoned out of his mind and living like a college frat boy. But when holiday circumstances get these two back together again, hilarity--and some pretty illegal activity--ensues.

Review: Ever seen "Bad Santa?" Did you enjoy it? Then "A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas" is right up your chimney. Nothing and no one is spared in this third "Harold & Kumar" film, not religion, not Jesus, not Santa (who gets shot in the head, for crying out loud), not even babies. The entire film is not to be taken seriously, but really, what did you expect? Being an older, rather boring, suburbanite mother, I find it rather wickedly enjoyable to watch these guys (played hysterically again by John Cho and Kal Penn, who wasn't nearly as good in his recent guest run on "How I Met Your Mother") do all sorts of stupid and stoned things. Such as play beer pong at a mobster's party, all for a Christmas tree. I did not watch the film in 3D, which I'm sure added to the appeal in theaters (that, and a little help from some non-medicinal Mary Jane, perhaps). But even without those effects, the film can still be enjoyed.

Thomas Lennon, who plays Harold's new BFF Todd, is a delight. It's his poor baby who becomes perhaps the youngest crackhead in history. While absolutely not politically correct, the joke stream involving sky-high tykes is obscenely funny. The stint in the mobster's closet is just hysterical.

Another perk: Neil Patrick Harris. His bit in the film is fantastic, but pretty much everything he does rocks. Do not miss him.

All in all, this is a good film to watch any time of the year if you're craving some absolutely stupid, no-thinking-required, offensive-to-all comedy. But even with that said, "A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas" does have a decent message or two. Such as some friendships are worth fighting for. And waffles rock. Two things anyone can enjoy, even without the help of Kumar's stash. 

Extra highlight: Bringing Harold & Kumar Claymation to Life (Blu-Ray)

What to serve for dinner: Do as WaffleBot says, and eat some waffles. Try Savory Cornmeal Waffle & White Bean Chicken Chili (from achowlife.com).

1 recipe Chicken and White Bean Chili (see below)

1 cup sifted all-purpose flour (sift before measuring)

3/4 cup yellow cornmeal

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup wheat germ

3 large eggs

2 cups well-shaken buttermilk

6 tablespoons vegetable oil plus additional oil for brushing waffle iron

Into a large bowl sift together flour, cornmeal, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Repeat sifting two more times and stir in wheat germ. In another large bowl, whisk together eggs, buttermilk and oil. Add flour mixture all at once and whisk just until combined. Preheat a waffle iron and brush lightly with additional oil. Spoon batter into waffle iron, using 1/4 cup batter for each 4-inch-square standard waffle and spreading batter evenly, and cook according to manufacturer's instructions. Transfer waffle to a baking sheet and keep warm, uncovered, in middle of oven. Make more waffles with remaining batter in same manner, brushing waffle iron with oil before adding each batch. Serve waffles topped with hot chili.

Chili:

1/4 cup olive oil

1 1/3 cups chopped onion

1 large green bell pepper, chopped

6 garlic cloves, chopped

2 1/4 pounds skinless boneless chicken thighs, cut into 1/2-inch cubes

3 1/2 tablespoons chili powder

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 tablespoon ground cumin

1 tablespoon dried oregano

2 15- to 16-ounce cans white beans, drained, juices reserved

2 15-ounce cans diced tomatoes in juice

1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro

(sour cream and white cheddar as topping options)

Heat oil in large pot over medium-high heat. Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic; sauté until vegetables begin to soften, about 5 minutes. Add chicken; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Sauté until chicken is no longer pink outside, about 5 minutes. Mix in chili powder, tomato paste, cumin, and oregano. Add beans, 1 cup reserved bean juices, and canned tomatoes. Simmer until chicken is cooked through and chili is thickened, about 25 minutes. If chili is too thick, add more bean juices by tablespoonfuls to thin. Season chili to taste with salt and pepper. Mix in cilantro and serve with your choice of additional toppings including sour cream and white cheddar cheese.

What to talk about over dinner: I'm not really sure there's much to talk about. I mean, you may have lost numerous brain cells just from watching that movie. So why don't you just keep calling each other "dude" and eat more waffles? WaffleBot would be proud.

Film (with rating): Horrible Bosses (R)

Studio: Warner Home Entertainment

Summary: Three working professionals conspire to murder their "horrible bosses" when they realize these bullies are standing in the way of their happiness and sanity.

Review: I watched "Horrible Bosses" with a sense of apprehension. My past has a few horrible bosses lurking in the dark corners of my memory. Not too many, thankfully, but the few ass...terioids that did launch themselves into my orbit left some large craters where they made contact with my terrestrial plane. So I know the pain of having to show up every day at a job you need only to be tortured by a boss who holds all the cards.

I mean, who hasn't experienced this at some point in time? A jerk of a boss?  But what do most of us do? Gripe, complain, drink too much, pocket some extra Post-it notes and ballpoint pens, surf Facebook on company time? Who gets together with some pals and arranges to kill people off? The guys in this film. Nick, Dale and Kurt (Jason Bateman, Charlie Day and Jason Sudeikis) can't deal with their awful bosses any longer, and so after a drunken night of fantasy, they arrange to kill them off. And of course, what ensues is hysterically funny chaos.

Unfortunately, "Horrible Bosses" wasn't as good as I had hoped. Yes, it's very funny. And yes, it's good across the board. But it's not the-best-movie-ever-and-ever great. Day's character, with his whiny voice and stupidity, begins to annoy early on, and Sudeikis' character is totally unbelievable nine times out of 10. But Bateman is once again fantastic in his role as the pinched and buttoned-up executive who finds himself at the mercy of his evil boss day after day.

Speaking of evil bosses.....they made the movie, hands down. Kevin Spacey, Jennifer Aniston and Colin Farrell are absolutely brilliant as the employee-destroying bosses. Spacey is just so smarmy, you want to shower after watching a scene with him in it. Although I'm really not a fan at all of Aniston, I have to admit she was perfect in this role as the sex-obsessed dentist who sexually harasses Dale non-stop. And Farrell, sporting the world's worst comb-over, is horribly delightful. Or should I say delightfully horrible?

The writing is, more often than not, witty and quick, while the fart jokes and physical humor are thankfully kept to a minimum. Some of the one-liners, especially when delivered by Bateman or Aniston, are laugh-out-loud funny. I'm thinking of the Dust Buster scene. Classic.

So even if you don't have any horrible bosses in your closet, you'll still enjoy this flick. And if you are permanently scarred thanks to the person who signed your paychecks? You'll really enjoy it. Just don't get drunk with a couple of pals before watching it. 

Extra highlight: Additional scenes, or, for Blu-ray, the "My Least Favorite Career" featurette

What to serve for dinner: Thai Peanut Chicken. Mwhahaha! (allrecipes.com).

2 cups uncooked white rice

    4 cups water

    3 tablespoons soy sauce

    2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter

    2 teaspoons white wine vinegar

    1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

    3 tablespoons olive oil

    4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cut into thin strips

    3 tablespoons chopped garlic

    1 1/2 tablespoons chopped fresh ginger root

    3/4 cup chopped green onions

    2 1/2 cups broccoli florets

    1/3 cup unsalted dry-roasted peanuts

    Combine the rice and water in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes, or until rice is tender. In a small bowl, stir together the soy sauce, peanut butter, vinegar, and cayenne pepper. Set aside.

    Heat oil in a skillet or wok over high heat. Add chicken, garlic and ginger, and cook, stirring constantly, until chicken is golden on the outside, about 5 minutes. Reduce heat to medium, and add green onion, broccoli, peanuts and the peanut butter mixture. Cook, stirring frequently, for 5 minutes, or until broccoli is tender, and chicken is cooked through. Serve over rice.

What to talk about over dinner: Who was the worst boss you've ever had? Why? Are you a horrible boss? What's the worst thing any boss ever did to you? Did you ever fantasize about doing what these three guys did? Who was the most horrible boss in the movie? How could Dale not have been so annoying? Who was the funniest of the trio of friends? What was your favorite scene? What makes a horrible boss, anyway? Are you afraid to go to the dentist now?

Film (with rating): Bridesmaids (R)

Studio: Universal Studios Home Entertainment           

Summary: Thirty-something Annie (Kristen Wiig) has hit a rough patch and realizes her life is just about rock bottom. Her boyfriend is a dolt, she lost her beloved bakery, she's living with these creepy roommates, she's beyond broke and her current job stinks. But it gets worse. Her best friend Lillian (Maya Rudolph) is now engaged, and she wants Annie to be the maid of honor. In way over her head but determined to succeed, Annie leads a hilarious hodgepodge of bridesmaids (Rose Byrne, Melissa McCarthy, Wendi McLendon-Covey and Ellie Kemper) on a wild ride down the road to the big event.

Review:  Oh, where do I start? The airplane scene? How about the Brazilian restaurant? The slapdown by "Mike and Molly's" Melissa McCarthy? I could go on and on. That's how much I enjoyed this flick. I couldn't wait to see "Bridesmaids" in theaters. My sister and I went, and it was so worth ever minute I waited for it. This is definitely one to see with your girlfriends. That's not to say guys won't enjoy "Bridesmaids," too. But it's just a bit more fun to let loose with your gal pals and enjoy the ride.

Surprisingly, this film actually lived up to all the hype. I'm still a bit shocked about that. Never a big fan of Wiig (I couldn't get past that crappy "MacGruber" baggage), I did enjoy her for the most part on "SNL." But she sold me with her genius stint in "Bridesmaids." Paired with Rudolph (who always raises the bar in whatever she does), Wiig took what could have been a cheap estrogen-fueled rendition of "The Hangover" and instead turned it into a really funny, beautifully disgusting, witty film.

While Wiig was brilliant in the main role, it was the supporting cast that catapulted "Bridesmaids" through the roof. McLendon-Covey, formerly of the late-"Reno 911" television show, was beyond hysterical. Her one-liners left me hurting from all the laughter.

Yes, there are some very gross scenes involving lots of body fluids. I had to turn away a couple of times, but that's the beauty of the film--I couldn't watch someone pooping in a sink, but the dialog happening during the disgusting-palooza could still be enjoyed, even with my hands splayed across my eyes. The screenwriting is just that good. "Bridesmaids" is so worthy of being the highest-grossing "R" rated female comedy of all time.

In a (nasty crunchy Jordan almond) nutshell, see it. Grab some of your besties, crack open the Two-Buck Chuck, tear off the top of a Ben & Jerry's and enjoy the show. 

Extra highlight: The gag reel, or if you have Blu-ray, aim for the "Drunk-O-Rama," featuring Kristen Wiig's greatest moments on the plane.

What to serve for dinner: A big bowl filled to the brim with those glossy, hard-as-stones Jordan almonds. Kidding, kidding. Wait until you watch the movie. Then you'll get it. OK, well, since the gals went to a Brazilian restaurant for lunch, let's whip up some non-meat entrees. Again, watch the flick and you'll so catch my drift. Try Brazilian Black Bean Stew (allrecipes.com).

1 tablespoon canola oil

1 medium onion, chopped

    2 cloves garlic, minced

    2 (1 pound) sweet potatoes, peeled and diced

    1 large red bell pepper, diced

    2 (14.5 ounce) cans diced tomatoes with juice

    1 small hot green chili pepper, diced

    1 1/2 cups water

    2 (16 ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained

    1 mango - peeled, seeded and diced

    1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

    1/4 teaspoon salt

    Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Place the onion in the pot, and cook until tender. Stir in garlic, and cook until tender, then mix in the sweet potatoes, bell pepper, tomatoes with juice, chili pepper, and water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 15 minutes, until sweet potatoes are tender. Stir the beans into the pot, and cook uncovered until heated through. Mix in the mango and cilantro, and season with salt. Serve with a spinach salad and brown rice.

And for dessert? In honor of Wiig's "SNL" history, let's dish up some of Ben & Jerry's newest, "SNL" inspired flavor, "Schweddy Balls." Eat it right from the carton. No bowls required.

What to talk about over dinner: What was your favorite scene? Who was your favorite character? Did you like the ending? Still singing Wilson Phillips? Why are there not more R-rated female comedies like this one? Why did this movie succeed where so many others failed? What did you think of the bridal shop scene? The airplane scene? "Stove," anyone? Who else really loved Officer Rhodes? Let's see more of that Irish cutie Chris O'Dowd, shall we? What is your favorite "SNL" skit of all time? Who can recite the "Schweddy Balls" one from heart? How did they get through that skit without exploding with laughter? Oh, Alec Baldwin, you gave us such good times with that "delicious dish." We just can't resist. 

Film (with rating): The Back-up Plan (PG-13)

Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment

Summary: A successful businesswoman (Jennifer Lopez) realizes she can't wait for Mr. Right any longer, and so she starts a family by herself. But as soon as she embarks down that road, she meets Stan (Alex O'Loughlin) and realizes she just may have found her Mr. Right, but at the wrong time.

Review: I'm not a big J-Lo-the-Actor fan, but I have to admit, she was not too bad in this romantic comedy.  I'd rather see her sing and perform than act and speak, but in "Plan," she proves she does have some decent cinematic talent. (Just don't think about "Gigli".) This film pretty much nails the "chick flick" genre, so if you're a fan, you'll be thrilled. Even if you're not (which I am not), the movie still offers you a few high points. And if you're pregnant or ever have been pregnant, you'll find a few avenues in the flick to really enjoy, too.

Unfortunately, the plot has more than its fair share of clichés (they meet in a taxi!? In New York City?! Pregnant women are crazy and eat like truck drivers?!), and it is pretty predictable overall, but there are some really good memorable and comedic moments. A few of the best involve the gal-pal Mona, as well as the special-needs dog, who is just so cute, I want to adopt it. Another point in the film's favor is J-Lo's co-star O'Loughlin. Remember him from "Moonlight" fame? He serves up some well-timed laughs (and great eye candy) throughout the movie. Makes me really want to tune in this fall to the upcoming "Hawaii Five-O" series.

The on-screen chemistry between Lopez an O'Loughlin just skimmed the surface, but the latter's admirable screen presence made me (mostly) overlook that flaw. The other supporting cast members also do an excellent job at lending more comic chops to "Plan." Some of the more hilarious moments happen when these guys take over and start their own childbirth conversations and experiences. More often than not, these guys are the scene stealers, and they, along with the really funny pregnancy quips, should be why you see the flick. In a nutshell, "Plan" is a decent movie to watch this long holiday weekend when the sun gets too hot, the BBQ is heating up and the workweek ahead looks decades away.

Extra highlight: "Belly Laughs"

What to serve for dinner: Since, like the main character, I, too, am pregnant, let's honor the pregnant woman's cravings and focus on some of my current must-have dinner choices: Mexican food.  My latest fave? Cheese enchiladas, with lots of sour cream. (Bet you thought I'd say pickles, ice cream and cake, didn't you? Nope. I did go through a pickle phase for about two days in the first trimester, but now, can't go near the things.) Recipe from SimplyRecipes.com.

    * Grapeseed oil (or another high smoke-point oil such as peanut or canola oil)

    * 12 corn tortillas

    * 1 medium onion, chopped

    * 1 clove of garlic, minced

    * 1 cup of salsa

    * 3 Tbsp of tomato paste

    * 1 cup water

    * 1 cup of canned crushed tomatoes (preferably fire roasted)

    * Olive oil

    * 1 lb of jack cheese, mild cheddar or longhorn or any mild yellow cheese, grated

    * A handful of cilantro

    * 1 cup of sour cream

    * Half a head of iceberg lettuce

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large fry pan at high heat add 3 Tbsp of grapeseed oil. Add a tortilla to the pan. Cook for 2-3 seconds, lift up the tortilla with a spatula, add another tortilla underneath. Cook for 2-3 seconds, lift again, both tortillas, and add another tortilla underneath. Repeat the process with all the tortillas, adding a little more oil if needed. This way you can brown and soften the tortillas without using a lot of fat. You do this process to develop the flavor of the tortillas. As the tortillas brown a little, remove from the pan one by one to rest on a paper towel, which absorbs any excess fat.

Sauté up the chopped onion and garlic, then turn off the heat. Add 1 cup of salsa. Dissolve 3 Tbsp of tomato paste into 1 cup of water, add to pan. Add 1 cup of crushed fire-roasted canned tomatoes. Taste. If the sauce tastes too vinegary, add a teaspoon of sugar.  Put some olive oil on the bottom of a large casserole pan. Take a tortilla, cover 2/3 of it lightly with the shredded cheese, then roll up the tortilla and place it in the casserole pan. Continue until all tortillas are filled and rolled. Add sauce to the top of the tortillas in the casserole pan. Make sure all are covered with the sauce. If not, add a little water. Cover the whole thing with the rest of the grated cheese. Put the casserole in the oven for 10 minutes or until the cheese melts.

Garnish with cilantro and sour cream (lots of sour cream). Serve with sliced iceberg lettuce that has been dressed only with vinegar and salt.

What to talk about over dinner: Should Jennifer Lopez stick with singing, or should she continue to try and excel at this second career on the big screen? Has her image changed since she settled down and had kids? What is your favorite J-Lo song? Movie? Did you think she was trying too hard in "Plan," or did she finally get the comedic timing just right? Why was "Moonlight" canceled, especially since vampires are hot right now? Will you watch "Hawaii Five-O"? Who was the funniest supporting character? Mona? What about that kiddie pool scene? Would you ever have a home birth? Would you ever get pregnant using a sperm bank and embark on this journey as a single mom? What was the best part about being pregnant? The worst? Your craziest craving? Do you think more women are going for the single-mom route? Why or why not?

Film (with rating): Hot Tub Time Machine (R)

Studio: Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment

Summary: When longtime pals Adam (John Cusack) and Nick (Craig Robinson) learn of their friend Lou's (Rob Corddry) suicide attempt, they decide to cheer him up by taking a trip down Memory Lane and vacationing in the hard-partying ski resort they fondly remember from their '80s youth. But now, the town is dried up and boring...until a fateful dip in their hotel's magical hot tub transports them back in time to 1986.

Review: One of my favorite movies is "Back to the Future." I love everything about it: the characters, the simpler life of the 1950s, the 1980s "present," Michael J. Fox, the DeLorean. "Hot Tub Time Machine" is sort of like a drunk version of "Back to the Future," without the classic feel. I guess you could call it a wayward, dysfunctional lovechild of "Future" and "Hot Dog--the Movie."

That being said, I still enjoyed "Hot Tub." It's silly, brainless and peppered with too much vomit humor, but it's still funny and memorable. Add to that the 1980's staple Cusack (one of my favorites from the decade) and an obvious "Future" nod with the inclusion of side character Crispin Glover (hello, McFly!), and you've got yourself a decent romp back in 1980s territory.

It doesn't hurt at all that one scene featuring Cusack and his newfound reporter friend screams "Sixteen Candles," the all-time best 1980s film around. The music, silly hairstyles and ridiculous clothing trends are worth a viewing of this DVD all by themselves (did we really look like that? Did I really wear a headband--on my forehead?)

"Hot Tub" also boasts of an appearance by another 1980s icon, Chevy Chase, whose character is pretty lame, but sort of funny just because it's Chase muttering the nonsensical lines. He could read the phonebook and still be hysterical. The other characters, especially Cusack and newcomer Clark Duke, take the sometimes-lame dialog and turn it into some really funny fodder. A highlight? When Craig Robinson's character lectures his future wife, now just 9 years old, on the perils of infidelity.

So on this holiday weekend, when all you want to do is laugh and mindlessly enjoy your post-BBQ euphoria, "Hot Tub" my just be the answer you seek. So take a plunge back into the leg-warmer 1980s, tip your hat to the McFly factor and wonder what you would do if your tub suddenly transported you back in time.

Extra highlight: None

What to serve for dinner: A 1980s food mentioned in the film: fondue! Start with the classic cheese fondue (gofondue.com). Have crusty French or sourdough bread on hand for dipping, as well as a variety of cut up, raw vegetables: broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, celery, cauliflower, etc. It's also helpful to have a fondue pot for this, as it keeps the cheese warm and enables you to take your time eating.

1/2 lb Emnenthaler Cheese (shredded)

1/2 lb Gruyeye (shredded)

1 clove garlic

2 cups dry white wine

1 tbs lemon juice

2 tbs flour

3 tbs Kirsch

1/4 tsp white pepper

Nutmeg and/or paprika to taste

Rub the inside of the fondue pot with the garlic clove. Add clove to pot or discard. Heat up the white wine and lemon juice, but do not boil. Reduce heat to low and slowly add cheese while stirring constantly. Slowly add remainder of ingredients while stirring. If fondue is too loose, add more cheese. If fondue is too stiff, add more wine. When at the right consistency, start dipping your bread chunks and vegetables.

What to talk about over dinner: What time would you go back to and why? Compare this movie to "Back to the Future." What are the similarities? What is the best time of your life? Would you revisit it if you could? What would you change? What would make a great time machine? 

What is your favorite John Cusack movie? How about one from Chevy Chase? What is your favorite 1980s movie? Hairstyle? Song? Fashion trend? Me, I was a big fan of neon layers and legwarmers. How could this film have been funnier and less silly? Anyone else have flashbacks to Johnny Lawrence from "The Karate Kid" whenever Blaine the ski guru hit the screen?

And what's up with the bear?

Film (with rating): Tooth Fairy (PG)
 

Studio: Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment

Summary: Derek Thompson (Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson) is a hard-charging minor league hockey player whose "Tooth Fairy" nickname comes from his ability to knock out other players' teeth. When his dream-crushing attitude gets out of control, he is ordered to one week's hard labor as the real Tooth Fairy. Will he eventually adapt to his new position and see the error of his ways?

Review: This movie received some pretty miserable reviews. Some reviewers did make good points about the film's shortcomings (could Billy Crystal's cameo be any less funny?), but overall, this is a movie about the Tooth Fairy--what were viewers expecting? Director Michael Lembeck didn't set out to craft a film about Nelson Mandela or curing a rare genetic disorder. He made a slightly campy, often corny family film that is mild enough and enjoyable enough for the whole family to view together.

Make no mistake: without The Rock, this film would be unwatchable. Johnson is once again great in this family-focused fare, and his self-depreciating humor saves the day more than once. Besides, his awe-inspiring size paired up with fairy wings and a tutu is just absurd enough to be funny.

Obviously, kids will have a blast laughing at the high-jinx (and the tutu), but don't be so sure you won't be giggling at some of the film's silliness as well. So overlook the tired clichés and puns ("Charles Darwing"), and just enjoy the film for what it is and nothing more: a harmless, humorous flick you can watch with all the kids and forget about more pressing matters for 102 minutes.

Extra highlight: Flights, Tights and Fairy FX - How The Magic Was Brought To Life

What to serve for dinner: Let's make the Tooth Fairy angry and serve up a bunch of plaque-inducing goodies: starch-laden spaghetti with stain-creating marinara sauce, followed up with a version of The Rock's favorite snack, donuts a la mode.

Marinara Sauce (Giada De Laurentiis, Food.com)

1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

2 small onions, finely chopped

2 garlic cloves, finely chopped

2 stalks celery, finely chopped

2 carrots, peeled and finely chopped

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

2 (32-ounce) cans crushed tomatoes

2 dried bay leaves

In a large casserole pot, heat the oil over a medium-high flame. Add the onions and garlic and saute until the onions are translucent, about 10 minutes. Add the celery, carrots, and 1/2 teaspoon of each salt and pepper. Saute until all the vegetables are soft, about 10 minutes. Add the tomatoes and bay leaves, and simmer uncovered over low heat until the sauce thickens, about 1 hour. Remove and discard the bay leaf. Season the sauce with more salt and pepper, to taste. (The sauce can be made one day ahead. Cool, then cover and refrigerate. Rewarm over medium heat before using.) Serve over spaghetti noodles, cooked according to package directions.

Donuts (Cooks.com)

1/3 c. sugar

1/2 c. milk

1 egg

2 tbsp. melted shortening

1 1/2 c. sifted flour

2 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 c. seedless raisins

Vegetable shortening for frying

Blend together 1/3 cup sugar, milk, egg and melted shortening. Sift together flour, baking powder and salt; add to liquid mixture and stir lightly. Mix in raisins. Drop by heaping teaspoonfuls into shortening heated to 365 degrees. Fry 2-3 minutes or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels. In a bag, mix 1/4 cup sugar and 3/4 teaspoon nutmeg or cinnamon. Shake warm donuts in bag to coat. Serve in a bowl with a scoop--or two or three--of vanilla bean ice cream. The real stuff, not the fat-free variety.

If you're feeling really naughty, have seconds with dessert and don't even floss before bed tonight either.

What to talk about over dinner: What are your first memories of the Tooth Fairy? How much did you get for your lost teeth? When did you lose your first tooth? How has The Rock gone from more physical action-hero roles to a family-flick guy? Is he better in this genre? Why? How could this movie be better? Did you cringe or laugh at the puns? What did you think of Julie Andrews' role? Do you know anyone who may need to be taught a lesson about life? Are you afraid of the dentist? Do you floss? No really, do you? What's your favorite brand of toothpaste