Atonement

Wednesday, October 1, 2008 we watched Atonement (2007) and made Dinner at the Tallis's (Beef Bourguignon)

In the movie, a childhood lie irrevocably changes the lives of several people forever. When 13-year-old Briony Tallis (Saoirse Ronan) misinterprets a moment of flirtation between her older sister Cecilia (Keira Knightley) and a servant's son, Robbie Turner (James McAvoy), her confusion causes her to finger Robbie as the perpetrator of a crime. Brenda Blethyn and Vanessa Redgrave co-star in this Oscar nominee for Best Picture.

The dinner was the perfect meal for a rainy October night. Thankfully Rachael Ray's version was very quick and delicious. We substituted 2 white onions for the frozen pearl onions. Mmm! Instead of egg noodles we made potatoes and I got a loaf of rustic bread from the Terminal Market as an accompaniment. The wine in the recipe (we used pinot noir) tasted just as good in a glass!

In attendance: Eric, Lindsey & Barb
Ratings: Movie = 3.67/Dinner = 3.75

The Hustler

Wednesday, September 24th we watched The Hustler (1961) starring Paul Newman just 4 days before his death. So sad! That night we made Biryani Burgers with Mango Salsa and Yogurt Sauce in Pita Pockets. We also all fell asleep.

"Fast" Eddie Felson is a small-time pool hustler with a lot of talent but a self-destructive attitude. His bravado causes him to challenge the legendary "Minnesota Fats" to a high-stakes match, but he loses in a heartbreaking marathon. Now broke and without his long-time manager, Felson faces an uphill battle to regain his confidence and his game. It isn't until he hits rock bottom that he agrees to join up with ruthless and cutthroat manager Bert Gordon. Gordon agrees to take him on the road to learn the ropes. But Felson soon realizes that making it to the top could cost him his soul, and perhaps his girlfriend. Will he decide that this is too steep a price to pay in time to save himself?

In attendance: Barb, Eric, Lindsey, and Laurie

Ratings:
Paul Newman's awesomeness couldn't save the movie from putting us to sleep and so we gave the movie: 2.5 stars.
The dinner fared slightly better receiving: 3 stars