THE HUNDRED-FOOT JOURNEY

The  Film Fatales let you know if it is worth taking The Hundred-Foot Journey.

2014. Rated PG. 122 Minutes. Starring  Helen Mirren, Om Puri, Manish Dayal, Charlotte Le Bon.  Directed by Lasse Hallström (Chocolat, What is Eating Gilbert Grape, Salmon Fishing in Yemen, and a personal favorite of one of the Film Fatales: My Life as a Dog).

The Kadam family leaves India for France where they open a restaurant directly across the road from Madame Mallory's Michelin-starred eatery. (IMDb)

 

 

 

elizabeth: Sometimes I think movies came to be as purely a form of escape from the world. Give us two hours and we can transport you to places you might not otherwise visit. Let us show you strength and resilience in a character or two and you might leave feeling inspired and also feeling a little silly from crying and moaning about things that you won’t remember next week or even tomorrow. End of rant.

There was a lot of hype about The Hundred-Foot Journey and I would like say that the hype was right on. The storyline is about the Kadam family from India who leave all behind in search for a better and safer life in France. One thing they know for sure is that the elder son, Hassan (played by the oh-so-handsome and charismatic Manish Dayal) inherited his mother’s gift to create culinary wonders. But then the fun begins in the form of Helen Mirren’s (The Queen, Hitchcock, The Debt) uptight and bitchy Madam Mallory. It seems the old girl has no other life than the restaurant that stands 100 feet from the Maison Mumbai.

Nicole: (I concur regarding Dayal – I suspect he’s going to become quite sought after. He certainly has the makings of a heartthrob.) This film was a delight for the eyes, as well as the mind. Set against the loveliest of French countryside backdrops and intermixed with the culinary arts, you’re sure to leave in the mood to travel and savor never-tasted cuisine.

I enjoyed the interplay between Madam Mallory and the Kadam patriarch, played by Om Puri—as well as the budding, yet complicated, romance between Hassan and Marguerite (Le Bon). But what was most interesting about this film was the “journey” taken by Hassan. It ends not where you’d expect it, but you’ll be pleased by his choice. That’s all I’ll say – I don’t want to spoil it.

elizabeth: While I found The Hundred-Foot Journey to be in the “ charming movie” category, please know that is deals with great loss and discrimination against people who don’t look like us. But the characters rise above the enormous hurt and loss and made a new life while they honored the old. The Kadam family and Madame Mallory showed what was really important in life -- a good cooked meal and not having to do clean up. Okay, they teach us that the good life does not end because of pain or loss. And Madame Mallory will surprise you, but then again, can Helen Mirren do anything wrong? 

Nicole: No, she cannot. Even if it’s a crappy movie, she redeems it. Not many actors can do that.

elizabeth: I have the urge to make an omelet.

The Film Fatales give THE HUNDRED-FOOT JOURNEY

MAGIC IN THE MOONLIGHT

The Film Fatales transport themselves back to the Roaring Twenties to attend a magic show, a séance, and a French fete with the likes of Mr. Darcy himself, Colin Firth. Join them as they dish about Woody Allen’s latest, Magic in the Moonlight. 

Magic in the Moonlight. 2014. PG-13. 97 minutes. Starring Colin Firth, Emma Stone, Simon McBurney, Marcia Gay Harden, Jacki Weaver, Eileen Atkins, Hamish Linklater. Written and directed by Woody Allen.

A romantic comedy about an Englishman brought in to help unmask a possible swindle. Personal and professional complications ensue. (IMDb)

To read the entire review, please visit SMITTEN BY BRITAIN, our home across the pond...

September DVD & On Demand Releases a la The Film Fatales

Available on DVD & Blu-Ray September 9th
EARLY RELEASE On Demand: Check your local digital cable provider.

CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLDIER

2014. PG-13. 136 minutes. Starring Chris Evans, Samuel L. Jackson, Scarlett Johansson, Robert Redford, Cobie Smulders, Anthony Mackie, Sebastian Stan. Directed by Anthony Russo, Joe Russo and Joss Whedon.

Steve Rogers struggles to embrace his role in the modern world and battles a new threat from old history: the Soviet agent known as the Winter Soldier. [IMDb]

Nicole: Oh, man, my Fangirl is in overdrive! I can’t believe I’m going to say this but Captain America: The Winter Soldier was actually better than The Avengers. (No! Did she just…? No, she couldn’t possibly have said it, but – oh, yes – she did.) From the second this sequel starts, you better buckle up – ‘cause you’re in for one hell of a ride.

elizabeth: Well, I have never been a fangirl of any of these types of movies. I just don’t get them blowing up everything and calling it acting. Was there any acting or just men in tights (and I am a fangirl of this look).

WORDS AND PICTURES
Read the rest of the review at our home across the pond, Smitten by Britain.

2013. 111 minutes. Starring: Clive Owen, Juliette Binoche, Bruce Davison, Valerie Tian, Navid Negahban, and Amy Brenneman.

An art instructor and an English teacher form a rivalry that ends up with a competition at their school in which students decide whether words or pictures are more important. (IMDb)

Elizabeth: I got all giddy when I saw the trailer of Words and Pictures. A movie for adults, starring adults, about adults–who would have thought it possible? No car chases, nothing blowing up, and just the right amount of obscenities; I nearly fainted. But I’ve been fooled before; sucked into thinking this might be a movie that tells a story about two people not in their twenties, but I’m here to say this movie was a joy to watch. I was happy to see two imperfect souls make me believe again.

Nicole: I had my fair share of great teachers, but I certainly would have enjoyed counting him among them. I sat thoroughly engrossed by this film. It was like a truly great symposium led by talented artists. I felt a deep connection with these characters, mainly with Clive Owen’s Jack Marcus, because he is a man of words. But Juliette Binoche’s Dina Delsanto resonated with me as well, because she spoke to the artist who resides within me. I left the theatre feeling inspired…awakened…and wanting more.


Available on DVD & Blu-Ray September 16th
EARLY RELEASE On Demand: Check your local digital cable provider.

THE FAULT IN OUR STARS 

2014. Rated PG-13. 125 minutes. Starring Shailene Woodley, Ansel Elgort, Willen Defoe, and Laura Dern. 

Hazel and Gus are two teenagers who share an acerbic wit, a disdain for the conventional, and a love that sweeps them on a journey. Their relationship is all the more miraculous given that Hazel's other constant companion is an oxygen tank, Gus jokes about his prosthetic leg, and they met and fell in love at a cancer support group. [IMDb]

Nicole: Elizabeth can attest that for about 80% of this movie I was a slobbering mess and a distinct displeasure to be seated next to. After all, I knew this would happen; I couldn’t make it through the trailer without bawling like a maniac. I was miserable afterward, too; unable to shake the emotions and my eyes were puffy for a solid day-and-a-half. That being said, I want to stress that this is a terrific movie, filled with wonderful performances, which should be seen. Just have plenty of tissues on hand...and chocolate. You’ll need lots of chocolate. 

elizabeth: I have to say that I wanted to see this movie, but had reservations since it is about two teens and I wondered if the people involved could make a movie about two teens  relevant to all who come to sit in the dark for over two hours. They did. The storyline is just miserable. It makes you think about how unfair life is. But then you witness the love of life that Hazel (Woodley) and Gus (Elgort) have and you realize this is life. It is not always fair, but we are here for only a blink of the eye, so what would you do if you knew that life could end before the next sunrise? Most people live like they have time to do everything – thus the stupid bucket list came to life. Don’t make a damn list. Just do it. For the record, I did tear up a little. But I get it – this is life. Life sucks sometimes. Who says we get 80-plus years?

Available on DVD & Blu-Ray September 20th
EARLY RELEASE On Demand: Check your local digital cable provider.

CHEF 

2014. R. 114 minutes. Starring Jon Favreau, John Leguizamo, Bobby Cannavale, Sofia Vegara, Scarlett Johansson, Robert Downey Jr., Dustin Hoffman, Oliver Platt, Emjay Anthony. Written and Directed by Jon Favreau.

A chef who loses his restaurant job starts up a food truck in an effort to reclaim his creative promise, while piecing back together his estranged family. (IMDb)

Nicole: Every now and then a movie comes along that renews your faith in the art of storytelling. Chef is one such movie. I can't wait to express my enthusiasm for this movie. I gotta get it said right now: I loved every second of this wonderful film. From the originality of the story, to the stellar art direction, to the ingenious casting, to the toe-tapping, hip-swaying soundtrack--Chef adds up to one satisfyingly delectable watch.

 

elizabeth: Look at this: Every time you start a review, you read my mind about what I am going to say. Stop it! The day after we saw Chef, I posted that this movie will make you happy, hungry and you will move your moneymaker. Someone sent me a note asking if a moneymaker meant one’s butt. Dear Nervous Smile, yes it does. And this is from someone who just got a new right hip. I couldn’t sit still. It took my mind off the hunger pangs. If this movie does not get some Oscar nominations, I will sell off my red carpet gowns. Once I buy them.