Downfall

Wednesday, July 7, 2009, we watched Downfall (2004), and ate grilled Bratwurst and Hot German Potato Salad.

Downfall is the story of Adolf Hitler's last few weeks of life, in Berlin at the end of World War II in the European theater. It is told through the eyes of his secretary, Fraulein Junge and is very well made, and very authentic as far as actual uniforms and weaponry.

Hitler's cold-blooded disdain for anyone not on his side was hard to stomach. He says, "Life never forgives weakness . . . Compassion is a betrayal of nature". He and Eva Braun are married mere days before the fall of Germany and everyone gathered in the bunker sits around talking through how they will kill themselves when the Russians arrive. Very unsettling.

The balance of the soldiers are forbidden to surrender, and of course Hitler and his wife kill themselves and have their bodies burned so that their bodies will not be put on display. Haunting and intense.

Dinner was hearty--and spicy! Lindsey and I had jalapeño cheddar bratwursts and Eric had a plain bratwurst, all from Martin's at the Terminal Market. They just can't make a bad sausage. The hot potato salad was delicious, smothered in sweet and sour bacon dressing.

In attendance: Lindsey, Eric, Barb
Ratings: Dinner = 3.875, Movie = 3.75

The Godfather: Part II, Disc II

Thursday, July 2, 2009, we finished watching The Godfather: Part II and made "I know it was you alFredo."

To continue the Godfather saga we picked up where we left off. Fredo is hiding from Michael who has just found out that Kay has had a miscarriage and is under investigation by the FBI.
Next, Michael denies the allegations against him, denies Fredo the acceptance of his apology, and denies Kay the divorce she requests. Then Kay blurts this out: "Oh, Michael. Michael, you are blind. It wasn't a miscarriage. It was an abortion. An abortion, Michael. Just like our marriage is an abortion. Something that's unholy and evil." Yikes.

The charges against the Corleone family are dismissed when Frank Pentangeli redeems himself and denies that he has done any "favors" for Michael. So, small victory there. Lastly, PLOT SPOILER ALERT!: Michael has is brother Fredo whacked. Yikes-bad year for Michael Corleone. Can't wait to see the third installment!

The dinner was super scrumptious! we used fresh saffron fettuccini noodles and the lemon gave it an amazing freshness. I would absolutely make this again, when i am feeling the need to pile on the calories.

Ratings: Dinner = 5, Movie = 4.125

The Godfather: Part II, Disc I

Thursday, June 25, 2009 we started The Godfather: Part II (1974) and made The Codfather: Baked Cod with Cheddar and Tomatoes.

The movie, a best picture Oscar winner, follows two storylines in different eras of the Corleone family in the United States.

We get to know young Vito, played by Robert De Niro, in Italy in 1901 and learn the story of how he made his way to America and began the Corleone family in New York--most importantly, killing Don Fanucci (the Black Hand) just before the end of the first disc.

Storyline #2 follows Vito's son, Michael, as he manages the family in 1958 in Nevada. After an assassination attempt is made on his life, he travels the country, meeting with business partners and finding out who close to him could have been in on it. He finally realizes it was his older brother, Fredo on New Year's Eve in Havana. To be continued next week...

Our Codfather dinner was delicious. It had much to do with the quality of the codfish we got at the Johnny Yi fish market at Reading Terminal. MMM!

In attendance: Lindsey and Barb
Ratings: Dinner = 4.25