Fail-Safe (1964)

Hope everyone enjoyed some breathtaking fireworks this past Independence Day! There certainly was nothing "spectacular" about watching this week's movie: Fail-Safe. I am not sure if the beautiful weather outside was a distraction that clouded my judgement of this film, or perhaps my generation requires more thrilling action sequences, brilliant color, and epic sound in its thrillers, but I was ready to turn this film off about halfway through. Our Atomic Burgers, however, were sensational!

A little more about Fail-Safe for you movie buffs: 

1. The plot follows American bombers that are sent to deliver a nuclear attack on Moscow, but it is a mistake due to an electrical error. Tension between the two countries climb as they try to avert nuclear disaster.

2. There are two versions of this movie. The 1964 version directed by Sidney Lumet and the 200 version starring George Clooney, directed by Stephen Frears.

3. The day after we watched this film, the New York Times published an article regarding the death of Robert H. Widmer, the designer of the bombers that helped to enforce the strategic balance with the Soviet Union during the cold war.

Movie Rating: 

Plot: 2 stars

Cinematography: 2 stars

Acting: 1.5 stars

Average: 1.8 stars

ATOMIC burgers a.k.a. Andouille and Beef Burgers with Spicy Mayo and Caramelized Onions

INGREDIENTS:
Spicy Mayo
3/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon Cajun or Creole seasoning blend
1/4 teaspoon hot pepper sauce

Burgers
1/2 pound andouille sausage
3/4 cup pecans, toasted, chopped
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 1/2 pounds ground beef

6 large hamburger buns

8 ounces crumbled blue cheese

Caramelized Onions
1 1/2 pound onions, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons olive oil plus more for brushing grill rack
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon golden brown sugar

DIRECTIONS:
For mayonnaise:
Mix all ingredients in a small bowl. Cover and chill.

For burgers:
Toss first 4 ingredients in a large bowl. Add beef; blend gently. Shape mixture into six 1/2 inch thick patties.

For onions:
Toss onions and next three ingredients in a large skillet. Cook until onions are golden, stirring often, about 25 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

Brush grill rack with olive oil. Grill buns, cut side down, until golden about 2 minutes. Transfer buns to work surface. Grill burgers until brown on bottom, about 3 minutes. Turn over, sprinkle with cheese. Grill until burgers are cooked to desired doneness. Spread mayonnaise on cut side of bun tops, place onions on top of burger. We served with a side of salad.

Dinner Rating: 

Movie Relevance: 3.75 stars

Taste: 4.75 stars

Average: 4.25 stars