Rock it OUT!!!!

“Are you ready to ROCK?”…. Maybe NOT

MOVIE: Rock of Ages

Ahhhhh the 80’s….. The neon colors, the clothes, the HAIR…. and of course the music. The hard rock anthems, soft rock ballads and the emergence of Hip-hop. I was a child of the 80’s and loooooved Rock n’ Roll (so put another dime in the juke box baby). Pat Benetar, Journey, Queen and my all time favorite…. PRINCE were on always on my “Playlist” (before there was such a thing). Needless to say I was beyond excited to see the movie “Rock of Ages”. I mean, 80’s Rock + Tom Cruise= 1 happy lady….. Or so I thought. I came out a little disappointed.

The movie is based upon the musical of the same name and is a story of young folks (and the young and heart) chasing their dreams in Hollywood and falling in love. End of plot. Fun, fluffy and funny? Yes. Worth the time and money? Maybe once. You see, if a movie really grips me and I want to immediately go get the DVD…. THAT’s a good movie. This one… not so much. I will give my props to the acting. EVERYONE seemed to have a great time making this movie. Tom Cruise was sleazy; Julianne Hough was as light as air, and Russell Brand and Alec Baldwin….. HILARIOUS. I just can’t imagine seeing it again and again. Maybe, like the 80’s, you experience it and then move on with fond memories.

MUNCHIES:  

So for this one I recommend a meal of Diner Food, specifically a Cheeseburger and Fries. May I highlight Sonic (a Fast Food Chain) or Johnny Rockets. Both are a bit overpriced for burger joints BUT really good and known for nostalgic atmosphere. Johnny Rockets has a 50’s motif where Sonic celebrates the Drive In. Also at Sonic you can create your own drink. I enjoyed a Cherry Lime soda with REAL fresh Limes and Maraschino cherries. ROCK ON!!!!!

Get Cooking and Keep Watching,

Cecily

Dear Dad!

It's Dad’s Day!!!!

MOVIE: Five Father’s Day Faves!

Yes it’s Father’s Day and time to celebrate DAD!!!! Here are my 5 picks that lift up the courage, tenacity, the love and even the protectiveness of Fatherhood. In no particular order…..

1. “I Am Sam”- A mentally challenged man embarks upon a journey to provide for his daughter in spite of several challenges. Sean Penn DELIVERS in his role as Sam with great support from Dakota Fanning and Michelle Pheiffer. Yes it tugs at your heart strings but it does so authentically and reminds us that it takes a village.
2. “The Pursuit of Happyness”- A single Dad does what he has to do to take care of his son and strives for a better life in the process. Father/son team Will and Jaden Smith are fantastic and you forget that they are the superstars that they have become.
3. “Remember the Titans”/ “Gridiron Gang”- Are you ready for some FOOTBALL!!!!! Not only do these two movies have sports action but in both of them there are compelling stories of men who are “Fathers” to boys who have not had good examples…. And hey, Denzel and Dwayne are not hard on the eyes ;0).
4. “Man on Fire”- Denzel and Dakota…. Again. Yep! Gotta love the action sequences but there is also a tenderness between Denzel (Creasy) and Dakota (Pita) that is touching. Once again, a flawed man who steps up and touches the heart of a child (and vice versa) and has to protect her from evil.
5. “The Last House on the Left”(2009)- What?! I thought that was a horror movie? It is!!!! However…. It asks and answers the question, How far would you go to protect your daughter? And the last scene is worth it.

Hope you enjoy and Happy Father’s Day!

MUNCHIES:  

Take Dad out to his restaurant of choice or better yet…. Cook his favorite dish (even if it’s simply a dessert). Find out what HE likes and honor him with it.

Get Cooking and Keep Watching,

Cecily

Thanks for making me STRONGER!

MUY CALIENTE’!!!!!

MOVIE: “Columbiana” (2011)

Talk about underestimated!  Not a whole lot of press or fanfare surrounding this flick or a lot or words needed, but, this movie brings the cohunes baby! With passion and great physicality Zoe Saldana is a force to be reckoned with in “Columbiana”. Her family was torn apart as a child. Well….She’s all grown up now and it’s payback time. Great action! Great heart! The question is….at the end of the day is it all worth it? Watch the movie and answer for yourself.

MUNCHIES:  

Set up your own Taco/Nacho night for this one. Season and brown off some Ground meat (Chicken, Beef, Turkey, or even Pork). Fry up some Corn Tortillas or grab some Chips and set up your favorite fixing’s. For me: Lettuce, Tomatoes, Cheese, Sour Cream and Cilantro..... Mmmmm Delicioso!

Get Cooking and Keep Watching,

Cecily