Cosmopolitan and the City

Cosmopolitan and the City

OK so we're making some drinks today!  I like things pretty straight forward on this.  I like my Scotch neat and my Martinis dry.  I have been told that I make good Cosmopolitans.  

So it's Happy Hour!

First of all do not drink these, they are bad for you...

Today's Drinks: Cosmopolitan

What you need:

1/2 a lime, yes the real thing. If it comes in a glass container send it back.

Vodka

Triple Sec or Grand Marnier if you want to get fancy

Cranberry Juice, in this case I suggest something from concentrate and a bottle.  Good luck squeezing them if you like.

Basic Bar-tending Equipment shaker with a lid and jigger (looks like 2 little cups stuck together)

Ok, some prep work.  Put your martini glasses in the freezer.  Take your shaker and fill it with ice.  Squeeze the juice from the 1/2 line in.  Add two larger jiggers of vodka in and one small jigger of triple sec. (I know that these are supposed to hold a specific amount of liquid but damned if I know how much). Finally just a splash of the cranberry juice.  

Pop your lid on and shake away!  I recommend against being too flashy, you know flipping the bottles in the air or pouring it out two feet above the glass, but hey, it's your kitchen.  Strain your Cosmo into your chilled glass and you can toss a lime ring on the glass for a nice touch.  Enjoy!

And since no one should drink alone...

The Dry Martini

What you need:

Vodka

Dry Vermouth

A small thimble

Spanish Olives, BIG ones!

I have to say, you know I love movies, and some pretty weird ones to boot,  but this is as close as I get to Bond.  Honestly I just don't get them.  Lot's of senseless explosions a few repetitive stunts, dry banter, more explosions...  "Shaken not stirred"  Now THAT I get!  Here we go.

You should still have an extra glass in the freezer, right?  Good.  So fill your shaker back up with ice and pour in your vodka.  Um... yeah I don't really measure this part, know your limits.  Cover and set it aside.  Grab your chilled glass and thimble.  

OK, you really don't need a thimble.  A dry martini is one with as little vermouth as possible.  I take this both personally and seriously.  So I will pour a drop of vermouth into the glass and swirl it around so that you have coated the inside of the glass and dump the rest out!  Yup that dry.  

So cover up, shake, and strain into your glass.  If done properly your should see a nice layer of ice form on the top.  Drop in your olives, Cheers!

Our Movie:

Yeah I'm sure you're all guessing I was queuing up a movie for all this.  Yeah, so here is my spin on Sex and the City.  Ahem!

Ain't never seen it, Ain't gonna see it, if by some unfortunate twist of fate I do see it, I'll need to repeat step one first.

Enjoy and remember, Eat, Drink and go See a Movie

Analyze This Pot of Linguini in White Clam Sauce

Analyze This Pot of Linguini in White Clam Sauce

Fugitabaahdit!
OK, I've been saying this since I was a kid but you have no idea how long it took to figure out how to actually spell it.

Our Dinner: Linguini in White Clam Sauce

This is one of my absolute favorite things to eat! I'll order this whenever I go to a new Italian restaurant to try it out.  It's fairly easy and can be made a few different ways based on what you can get your hands on.  I'm gonna share my favorite version with a shout out to my son who loves clap the shells!

What you need:

Clams about 1 dozen and I suggest Mahogany.  They're a little smaller with a lot of flavor.

1 can of baby whole clams

1 can of minced clams

Garlic about 6 cloves

1 lemon. 

1 tsp of red pepper flakes

4 tbls of butter separated in 2

2 tbls of olive oil

1/2 tbls of corn starch

1 tbls water

1/2 cup Pinot Grigio white whine

Salt & Pepper to taste

Parsley

1 box of linguini 

Get prepped:

Clean the clams. Run them in cold water and scrub. Remove all dirt and check for cracks.  Don't use any that are broken. 

Slice garlic. Try to slice as thin as possible, if you get sick of this then chop the rest.

Zest your lemon and then save the juice remove all the pits.

Combine cornstarch and water. Stir together until the dissolved.

Open both cans of clams and pour juice into a bowl.

Get cookin:

In a large pot boil water with a little bit of salt in it.

Get a large frying pan with a cover. 

Put the pan over medium heat and drop in the oil and 2 tbls of butter with the garlic with some salt.  And saute, this means to cook quickly while moving it around and not burning it. About 2-3 minutes add the wine.  With a wooden spoon scrape the pan to deglaze and get some extra yuminess.  

Now add lemon juice, zest, red pepper flakes, pepper, clam juice and the fresh clams.  Put on your lid and let it cook for about 10 minutes for the clams to open.  This is a good time to drop your linguini in the water and cook as per instructions.  I prefer al dente.

OK take off the lid and check the clams, they should be open, pull them out. Now put it to high and add the other clams, the parsley, the remaining butter and the corn starch/water mixture. Let it boil for about 2-3 minutes.  

Pour out the pasta in a good large bowl and pour the sauce on top, sprinkle on some parsley, then gently place the shelled clams in an intricate pattern so that it resembles a lovely piece of renaissance artwork  to entertain your guests.  If you are eating alone just throw them on and dig in.

Our Movie: Analyze This

This is such a fun movie.  I am an huge fan of the Godfather movies, OK not the third one, and this is  a great display of Robert De Niro spoofing himself as Paul Vitti,co-starring Billy Crystal as psychiatrist Dr.Ben Sobel and brought to you by the late great Harold Ramis.

So, as you can imagine, the head of a New York City crime family has some issues. Paul Vitti  has to go to a meeting of all the mafia bosses and needs a shrink and seeks out Dr. Sobel.  He needs to look like a proper well adjusted gangster so the cosa nostra will see what a good boy he is.  Ben has his own issues, he's off to marry Lisa Kudrow.  Paul pushes his way through to engage Dr. Sobel as his shrink.
A nod goes to Joe Viterelli as Jelly, Paul's lackey.  He's big, dumb, and funny as hell.  He's generally sent to grab the good doctor when Paul has a breakdown, which is quite regularly.  There are a few memorable scenes.  There's a great shoot out in a junkyard where Paul has a breakthrough and Ben finds his inner mobster and takes out his aggression on an innocent refrigerator.  The true Hollywood wedding when the bride and groom walk back up the isle together the as the beautiful new couple. Finally Ben has his big moment at the gathering of goodfellas and the best monologue.

Best Lines:

Paul: You're turning me down?
Ben: When I got into family therapy, this was not the family I had in mind!

Ben: You know what I do when I'm angry?  I hit a pillow, just hit the pillow and see how you feel.
Paul: (Shoots the pillow) There's your fuckin pillow.
Ben: Feel better?
Paul: (shrugs) Yeah I do.

Ben: You know normally a patient wouldn't have a vat of scotch during a session.

Paul: I wasn't really gonna whack you.
Ben: Paul...
Paul: Alright, maybe I was gonna whack you... but, I was real conflicted about it.

Ben: My name is Ben Sobel...lioni, Ben Sobelliono.  I'm also known as Benny the Groin, Sammy the Schnoz, Elmer the Fudd, Tubby the Tuba and once as Ms. Phyllis Levin. But that was at a party.  It was years ago I smoked a Titubet and I had a Guacalude and suddenly I'm in fishnets and singing show tunes.

Dr. Sobel: Of all the places  we could have gone, why this place?
Paul: White clam sauce, the best.    ;)

And there you go.  Enjoy, and remember, Eat, Drink and Go see a Movie!

KAHN!!!

Star Trek II

The Wrath of Khan

Again only a movie for today folks.  You'll just have to get some take out.  I heard the sad news this week that Leonard Nimoy passed away so I decided to honor him by reviewing my favorite representation of his work.

To start I'm want to talk about that green blooded Vulcan.  Obviously his most famous work is Spock from Star Trek, and why not, it is only logical.  He has played the pointy eared icon in TV shows, video games, 2 movie series and even a cartoon.  I grew up watching as much Star Trek as Star Wars, and he is truly a highlight.  I always enjoyed Spock over Kirk, but then again I always thought Picard was better too.  In the Star Trek movie series I was delighted to watch Spock taking more and more screen time.

He is also known for being Mission Impossible's original master of disguise, Paris. This was before Tom Cruise came in and ruined that legacy, but hey he didn't have to worry about Shatner stealing all the scenes.  He has contributed to movies as actor, producer and director from the 50's through his final film in 2013, Star Trek: Into Darkness.  Thanks for everything.

Our Movie: Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan
Stars obviously Leonard Nimoy, William Shatner, DeForest Kelley, Walter Koenig, George Takei Nichelle Nicols and James Doohan and as the infamous Khan, Ricardo Mantolban.  Our movie starts off with Kirstie Alley killing everyone.  Ah, the Kobayashi Maru.  Fortunately this does not hold and the movie continues.  The newly promoted Admiral Kirk is reviewing Starfleet Academy students to see if they are ready, if they are not they get fitted with red shirts.

Unbeknownst to the main crew Commander Chekov, now of the USS Reliant, and Captain Terrell have stumbled across a long forgotten problem. The Botany Bay and it's genetically engineered leader Khan Singh.  Khan, whose failed attempt to take over the Enterprise had him banished on Ceti Alpha V by none other than James T. Kirk.  Since the neighboring planet Ceti Alpha VI blew up, it turned the planet into a desolate waste killing most of Khan's crew, including his girlfriend, and he is pretty grumpy about it.  Apparently his rage and anger causes an odd hallucination as he tells Chekov he recognizes him even though they had never actually met before.  Khan uses his new hostages to take over the Reliant and looks to acquire the mysterious Genesis project housed at the space station Regula 1 and designed by Dr. Carol Marcus.

When Khan's intentions are realized there are apparently no other starships either near Earth or close enough to the Regula station.  Starfleet Command (which is oddly also on Earth) decides the best thing to do is to send the Enterprise to handle the situation with a skeleton crew of unqualified kids.  Kirk and crew take the Starfleet Academy field trip to Regula 1.

OK I'll admit the lead up is a little hokey, but the dialog was very well written and simply fun.  Kirk and the Enterprise are caught by surprise by Khan and the Reliant and after a sound thumping they retreat to the Regula Station.  There Khan traps and maroons Kirk, McCoy, Saavik and the Marcus family to the same destiny Kirk abandoned him to.  "KHAN!!"  Naturally since Admiral Kirk does not believe in a no win scenario, with Spock's help, he found a way out.  Upon return the Enterprise they square off against the Reliant in an epic battle with a surprise ending.  Enjoy!

Best Lines:

Kirk: KHAN! (I know I already said this but it's still the best ;) )

Spock: I have been, and always shall be, your friend.  Live long and prosper.

Spock: The Kobayashi Maru scenario frequently wreaks havoc on students and equipment. As I recall you took the test three times yourself. Your final solution was, shall we say, unique? 

Kirk: It had the virtue of never having been tried. 

Saavik: He's not what I expected sir

Spock: What surprises you, Lieutenant?

Saavik: He so... human.

Spock: Nobody's perfect.

Kirk: Khan, How do we know you will keep your word?

Khan: Oh, I've given you no word to keep, Admiral.  In my judgment simply have no alternative.

Kirk: Of my friend, I can only say this: of all the souls I have encountered in my travels, his was the most... human. 

Thank you Leonard Nimoy for one of my favorite parts of childhood.

Eat, drink and Live Long and Prosper...

That's Fronkensteen

That's Fronkensteen

Just a movie for today, Mel Brooks' 1974 classic 

Young Frankenstein

This my friends is a true classic. Mel Brooks, who is known for his great parodies, took an original and ran with it. Starring Gene Wilder, Teri Garr, Marty Feldman and Peter Boyle as the monster.  This film has spawned many a future gag from the roving mole of Prince John in Robin Hood: Men in Tights, to Peter Boyle's Halloween costume in Everybody Love's Raymond, and yes even to one of the great Rock and Roll songs of all time.  It is said that while seeking inspiration Aerosmith went to see the movie and were so wrapped in laughter by Eyegor's joke that they came up with the song "Walk This Way".  How can you go wrong.

We begin with the introduction of our resident mad scientist Dr. Frederick Frankenstein, sorry Fronkensteen, giving a lecture on brain function.  He makes it quite clear that dead is dead.  We also learn that it was his grandfather Baron Victor Von Frankenstein who spent his evenings digging up corpses and playing in the lighting storms.  The good doctor is presented with his grandfather's will and compelled to travel to old family stomping grounds in the fabled Transylvania.

Here we meet this assistants Eyegor and Inga.  Together they arrive at the castle to and quickly discover the secret library of Frederick's grandfather with the secrets that show his experiments could actually work.  Grab the shovels!  After some digging and a little trouble with Abby they begin.  The creature is secure, the lighting flashes and the switches are thrown... even, the third switch and at the moment of truth, nothing.

OK so if you've actually seen Frankenstein it works.  Sorry for the spoiler there.  By the way if you have seen the original you already know that nothing good came after that.  Terror, screaming, villagers with pitchforks and a lovely dance number.

So sit back and enjoy some of Mel's work!


Best Lines

Eyegor: Dr. Frankenstein?
Dr. Frankenstein: "Fronkensteen"
Eyegor: You're putting me on.
Dr. Frankenstein: No, it's pronounced "Fronkensteen".
Eyegor: Do you also say "Froaderick"?
Dr. Frankenstein: No, "Frederick".
Eyegor: Well, why isn't it "Froaderick Fronkensteen"?
Dr. Frankenstien: It isn't, it's "Frederick Fronkensteen".
Eyegor: I see.
Dr. Frankenstein: You must be Igor.
Eyegor: No, it's pronounced "Eyegor"
Dr. Frankenstein: But they told me it was Igor.
Eyegor: Well, they were wrong then, weren't they?

Dr. Frankenstein: If your blue and you don't know where to go to, why don't you go where fashion sits.
The Monster: PUTTIN ON DA REEETZ!!!

Inspector Kemp: Und now ve vill go my house und have a little sponge cake und a little vine (his wooden hand snaps off) und shit!

Oh yeah I almost forgot...  BLUCHER!!

So I definitely recommend this one. Enjoy and remember Eat, Drink and watch a Movie.

Tombstone Chili

Tombstone Chili

Our Diner: A Big ol Pot o Chili!

I am a big fan of chili. There are so many types you can try.  Beef, turkey, with beans, how many, what kind, no beans at all... Though I know that the purist will insist that competition style is the only way to go I say sod it all and cook what you like.  Here's what I like.  I like a hearty chili with meat, beans and chunks of veggies.  I also like spicy, not blistering your mouth so that you can't taste anything (I save that for buffalo wings) but something with a good kick. 

What you need: 

Meat! About 1 1/2 lbs of ground beef and another lbs of chuck not ground

3 Jalepanos finely chopped

2 habaneros seeded and finely chopped

A pair of latex gloves and no I'm not kidding

2 tbs of vegetable oil

2 32 oz cans of tomato sauce, salt free if possible

1 15oz can of pinto beans drained

1 15oz can of black beans drained

1 15oz can of red kidney beans drained

1 large onion chopped

2 bell peppers chopped

4 cloves of garlic chopped

1 cup of beef stock, again with as little salt as possible

1/2 cup of beer try to avoid ales but strangely Guinness is really nice for this.

1/4 cup of chili powder

1 tbs of Worcestershire sauce

1 tbs oregano

2 tsp of cumin

2 tsp of pepper sauce

1 tsp of basil

1 tsp of salt

1 tsp of pepper

1 tsp of cayenne

1 tsp of paprika

1 tsp of sugar

2 tsp of cinnamon

2 tbl of flour

Get Prepped:

Chop stuff.  Except the ground beef that would just be silly.  Take your chuck and chop it into about 1/2 inch cubes. Chop the garlic, onion and bell peppers and put them in a bowl.  Now get your gloves. The chilis we are using are strong! The oils in them will burn if they make contact with your skin and eyes, believe me this hurts!! Slice them in half to remove the seeds and the inner membrane. The more you leave inside the hotter this will be. Chop finely and place a bowl and keep it out of the way.  Drain the cans of beans.  Measure out your seasonings into one bowl.

Get cookin:

Get a large pot on medium high heat.  Mix the flour in with the chuck until coated.  When the pot heated up add the oil and add all of the meat to brown.  Let it sit for a bit and get brown before you start moving things around.  Stir a bit and let sit again. Check to see if there is a lot of fat at the bottom, this will depend on how lean the meat was, if there is a lot drain some out with a spoon.

Now add the veggies, onions, peppers, garlic and the chilis.  Let them sizzle for a minute or two.  Then add just about everything else except the beer. Stir well bring to a slight boil, because a fast boil will become very messy, set temp to low and cover.

Let it cook this way for at least one hour stirring every so often.  Do not be afraid to let it cook longer to let the flavors meld, I'll let it go most of the afternoon.  Now about an hour before you are ready to eat have a beer and share 1/2 a cup of it with your new friend.  Stir it in and let it simmer for an hour with the lid off.

Serving is up to you. Shredded cheese, sour cream, tortilla chips.  Remember this will be spicy and many of these lovely garish pieces will help cool it down.  If you like less heat take out the habaneros, I'm pretty sure they're behind it.  Enjoy!

Our Movie: Tombstone

OK I'm going to start by saying I am not a big fan of westerns. I caused some problems back home, got in trouble came out west to start a new life and end all arguments by shooting someone and to play poker. This one I love! It is surprisingly accurate, based on media sources from the time period.  Kurt Russel is an intense Wyatt Earp. It also stars Sam Elliot and Bill Paxton as Earp brothers Virgil and Morgan with villains Powers Booth as Curly Bill and Michael Biehn as Johnny Ringo. But with all of this, the show is absolutely stolen by Val Kilmer as Doc Holiday.

We start with our villains, the Cowboys. One of the US's first organized crime syndicates. They crash a wedding of a Mexican lawman who had the audacity to uphold the law against them. We learn here that Johnny Ringo is as intelligent as he is ruthless.

Next we meet our infamous dentist Dr. John Holiday. Due to a harsh case of Tuberculosis he has decided to move west to the dryer climates and enjoy some excitement before the harsh disease runs its course. We find him enjoying simple game of cards with whom I am sure is a close personal friend. He makes a lewd comment to his lady friend Kate and then proceeds to rob everyone. You always need to watch those retirees.

We move on to the local train station near Tombstone to see the Earp boys.  They have come to this frontier town to start a new life as business men.  Wyatt has had enough of crime fighting and would like a nice quiet life. Well that would make for a dull movie so Wyatt goes to the local saloon and beats the crap out of Billy Bob Thornton to get a job as a card dealer. 

There is always tension between Wyatt and the Cowboys.  So the arguments end with people shooting each other after playing cards, yes that's what happens.  This leads to the vendetta between the Earps and Doc against the Clantons and the Cowboys.  The scene at the OK Corral is everything you could expect but that is not the end of the story.  The Earps now find themselves being hunted down by the Coyboys. Wyatt then decides that to protect his friend and his family he has to go after the Cowboys, and hell's coming with him!

Best Lines:

Johnny Ringo: He was quoting the Bible, Revelations. " Behold the pale horse". The man who sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him.

Doc: Why Kate, you're not wearing a bustle.  How lewd.

Wyatt with his pistol pointed at Ike's forehead: Your die first, get it? You're friends might get me in a rush but not before I make your head into a canoe, you understand me?

Billy Clanton: He's bluffin!

Ike: No, no... he ain't bluffin.

Doc: And you, music lover.  You're next. (pointing a gun at Billy)

Billy: It's the dunk piano player? You're so drunk you're probably seeing double.

Doc: I have two guns, (pulls out a second pistol) one for each of you.

Doc: I'm your Huckleberry.

Doc: It's true you are a good woman.  Then again, you may be the antichrist.

Wyatt: All right Clanton... you called down the thunder, well now you've got it! You see that? It says United States Marshal! Take a good look at him, Ike.  Cuz that's how you're gonna end up! The Coboys are finished, you understand? I see a red sash, I kill the man wearin it! So run you cur, Run! Tell all the curs the law's comin! You tell em I'm comin ... and hell's comin with me, you hear? HELL'S COMIN WITH ME!

Enjoy and remember Eat, Drink and watch a Movie!

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving all.

As I said before Eat, Drink and watch some FOOTBALL!

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

I'm sorry for my laziness today, no movie.  I do have a nice holiday recipe for Thanksgiving, a nice side to go with the turkey.  Mashed potatoes can be found at most tables on Thanksgiving, and I'm just adding a simple little twist, garlic.  So who can go wrong with that?  I'll go over the way I do this but honestly everyone makes mashed potatoes so if you like your way go right ahead.

What you need:

Potatoes, duh, about 5 large ones

Garlic this will come to personal taste. I LOVE garlic so I'll use about 3/4 a head chopped roughly

Butter 1/2 a stick

Milk 1/2 cup

Buttermilk 1/2 cup

Salt and Pepper

Large pot of boiling water

Before I get into the how to's on this I want to say one thing.  Do what you like.  Like I said EVERYONE has a mashed potatoes recipe.  I like a lot of garlic, I like smooth and creamy potatoes.  If you don't then make em the way ya like em.

The how to's:

Start peeling.  I never said this was easy but this is the only hard part.  Once you have naked potatoes you want to chop them into cubes, about 8 pieces each.  Peal and chop up the garlic.  

Boil the potatoes for about 30 minutes.  While they cook away in a small pot start melting the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted toss in the garlic with a little salt and let that go at low until the potatoes are ready.

When the potatoes are done drain them out and put them back in the pot but off the heat.  Mash.  This again comes to personal taste.  Like it chunky? Don't mash as much. Like it really smooth? Grab the whisk. Pour in the milk and buttermilk.  Keep an eye on this part.  There are a few variables that will determine how much you actually use.  Your own taste as well as humidity (yes humidity) will change the amount of liquid needed.

Finally, stir in the butter with the garlic and salt and pepper to taste.

I hope you enjoy and remember... Eat, drink and watch a ... Well it's Thanksgiving so watch football!!

Fried Turkey and the Goblet of Fire

Fried Turkey and the Goblet of Fire

Our Dinner: Deep Fried Turkey

Welcome back to Doc’s Dinner and a Movie.  I know I already ran this but it is Thanksgiving season so I'm going right back to my first features, Deep Fried Turkey and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.  An interesting match I know but, honestly, that’s what you’re dealing with.  That’s right friends, the ancient method of torture and execution is the cooking method of the 21^st century!  Basically we will be dunking a dead turkey into a vat of boiling oil!

Ok first and foremost this can be dangerous.  So unless you have a sizable remodeling budget set aside do this outdoors!  If you are not careful this can turn into an explosive vat of boiling oil in excess of 350°.  Get a proper turkey fryer and follow its instructions.  Trust me this is well worth it. Here is what you’ll need.

·         1 Turkey 10-13 lbs

·         ¼ cup of Salt.

·         ¼ cup of Pepper.

·         ¼ cup of Garlic Powder.

·         Apple Juice and a meat injector (these are neat you can get them at any cooking or home goods store)

·         Canola oil or Peanut oil. This would depend on allergies.  You do not want to kill your dinner guests.  Make sure you get something with a high smoke point.

·         1 cooking companion

·         2 Beers your choice

Make sure that the turkey is completely defrosted.  It’s a good idea to rinse off both outside and inside of the bird. Then thoroughly dry and then you set it onto whatever gizmo your fryer came with to lower into the oil as it makes a nice stand. Mix the salt, pepper and garlic and rub down the bird.  Certainly adjust the rub to personal tastes. You can let the turkey sit and relax for a bit. Give it a chance to get to room temperature.

Now you can start getting the oil ready.  As I said before “vat of boiling oil” so please keep it a safe distance from anything flammable.  Set up on a flat surface with nothing overhead. If it is snowing or raining I’m afraid it ain’t happening.  You want to get the oil up to 350°.

So you are just about ready for the medieval torture.  First we’re going add some extra flavor.  Fill your meat injector with apple juice.  Inject half into each breast.  Feel free to issue any threats or offers of last requests to your victim.  Any will do.

Now it’s time.  Bring the bird out to your own little Goblet of Fire and slowly lower it into the oil.  This is not for effect; you don’t want to just dump it into the oil this can cause it to spill over.  But have fun with it.  Feel free to taunt, laugh maniacally, or relive some good James Bond moments in your own way.  You know, “Do you expect me to talk?” “No Mr. Bond I expect you to fry!”

Now we wait, but not too long and there is no need to do this alone.  Grab your companion and 2 beers.  Please do not get drunk next to the vat of boiling oil! It is important to watch this thing.  Monitor the temperature, “Constant Vigilance”.  There should be these convenient dials and thermometer on the fryer, please use them.  You want to cook this bird at about 3 minutes per pound. Times up and pull out slowly.  Let it drip back into the pot a bit then place it on a flat surface with paper towels and let the excess oil dry off.  Let it rest for about 10-15 minutes before carving.  Serve with your favorites and enjoy!

Our Movie: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

Yeah I know I started with #4, what can I say, I grew up watching Star Wars. Harry and the gang are back for another adventure.  This time Harry is a Hogwarts Champion of the Tri-Wizard Tournament.  We also welcome two new members to the cast both doing a great job.  Brendan Gleeson as Alastor “Mad Eye” Moody the new Defense Against The Dark Arts Teacher and Ralph Fiennes as Lord Vol… I mean You Know Who. 

 

I really enjoyed this one.  They did a very good job about what to leave out from the book.  Though I was really looking forward to watching Mr. Weasley jumping out of the Dursley’s fireplace they made up for it by removing any references to SPEW.  Also anyone else who was sickened by the Twilight movies has something to look forward to at the end.

The beginning of the movie is very fast paced.  Short scenes and a lot of information and before you know it we are at Hogwarts welcoming the students from the two other schools making up the Tri-Wizard Tournament.  We have the Durmstrang Institute run by Igor Karkarov and championed by the Bulgarian Seeker Viktor Krum.  Next the Beauxbaton Academy of Magic headed by Madame Maxime (her flying horses drink only single malt whiskey, nice) whose champion is Fleur Delacour.  Harry and Cedric Diggory, the Huffelpuff seeker, both represent Hogwarts.

The dragon for the first task looked pretty cool.  Harry leads it on a chase around the castle before steeling the egg it was protecting.  Before the second task we get to see some awkward adolescent attempts at courtship.  This includes Harry and Cho, Hermione and Ron, Hermione and Viktor, Ron and Professor McGonagall, for a fun scene, Ron and Fluer, Harry, Ron and the Patel Sisters and finally Hagrid and Madam Maxime with a lovely attempt at an ass grab by Hagrid at the Yule Ball.  Ah high school. 

 

The second task we got to see some magical creatures that had been reference before but not shown.  The mermaids are not the beautiful sirens of legend but nasty little creatures and the grindylows look like squid on crack.  The only weird thing about this scene is that there are stands for people to watch and cheer.  Of course after they jumped into the lake you can’t see a damned thing, so I hope the tickets were cheap.

Right before the third task there is a fun scene which I guess takes place at study hall or a test that is supervised by Snape who take great delight in helping Harry and Ron focus on their work.  Snape is underused in this movie which is kind of a shame because Alan Rickman was just perfect as the greasy potions master.   

The third and final task is the massive hedge maze.  Old Jack Torrance would have hated this place.  And again more spectator stands that can’t see anything… While I was hoping to see the Sphinx that was in the book I still liked the scene as it focused more on suspense than creature power.  The maze leads to the Tri-Wizard cup and fame and glory to the one who captures it! Possibly, maybe well not really but it’s still fun to watch so enjoy.

Great Lines

Moody:  Ms. Delacour is as much a fairy princess as I am.

McGonagall: Professor Moody, what are you doing??

Moody: Teaching. (whilst bouncing Draco Malfoy as a little white ferret)

McGonagall: Is that a student?!?!

Moody: Technically it’s a ferret.

Neville: Oh my God, I’ve killed Harry Potter! 

Harry: Hey, my eyes are not glistening with the ghosts of my past! 

Moody: (Staring at Harry) The killing curse.  Only one person is known to have survived it, and he is sitting in this room.

Thanks and remember Eat, Drink and watch a Movie.