The North Avenue Irregulars [1979]
1. More than ever, Patsy Kelly reminds me of my grandma. She had that same way of applying too much face powder, making her look like a ghost with bright red lipstick.
2. Marv’s comb-over.
3. Barbara Harris: pageboy haircut, sensible blouse, a conservative denim skirt and wedge shoes with buckles on them. The ultimate in late 70’s suburban housewife.
Life With Father [1947]
1. William Powell empties the rest of water glass, watering the rubber plant.
2. “Why, this woman claims that she sat on my lap and I didn’t like it!”
3. Elizabeth Taylor jumping onto the boy’s lap.
28 Weeks Later [2007]
1. Ridiculous ending that blatantly leaves the door open for a sequel. Puh-lease.
2. The father conveniently pops up whenever handy plotwise.
3. One nice touch: the dirty goose waddling about on the bridge among the garbage.
(What a wasted opportunity. Just another horror movie where stupid people get killed off one by one.)
In an attempt to be completely random, I’m posting the recipe for the ad hoc chili I made on Sunday. Which was probably the best I’ve ever made. Should have made more. I’ll make it again while the weather is still freezing.
ROB’S CHILI
1 pound ground beef
1 large onion, peeled and diced
36 oz. tomato sauce
1 bottle of beer (I used Berghoff’s Winter Ale)
4 tablespoons chil con carne seasoning from The Spice House
16 oz. can of pinto beans
16 oz can of black beans
1. Brown the ground beef, then drain. Empty into a large crockpot and set the crockpot to the hottest setting.
2. Sautee the onion with 2 tablespoons butter for about 5 minutes, trying not to brown the onion too much. Empty into crockpot.
3. Add the tomato sauce, beer, seasoning and beans to the crockpot and stir well.
4. Add your favorite hot sauce to taste. I like things pretty darn hot. You can also throw in some minced jalapenos, tabasco, whatever.
5. Put on the lid and leave everything alone for an hour. Seriously, no peeking.
6. After an hour, stir again and have a taste. Chances are you’ll want to add some salt. But don’t overdo it.
7. The chili may be on the thin side. So, in a measuring cup, combine about 3 tablespoons of flour with enough hot water to make a slurry. Whisk with fork until smooth; then, while stirring the chili, pour in the slurry very slowly so as to prevent lumping. Add just enough to thicken up the chili slightly.
8. Put the lid back on and lower the heat on the crockpot. Allow to simmer another 45 minutes or so.
9. After you dish it out into bowls top with shredded cheese. Serve with warmed tortillas for dipping.
Evelyn Prentice [1934]
1. Una Merkel and her jug of cocktails. Funny.
2. William Powell staring sternly into the fireplace as the diary burns.
3. The absurd courtroom scene at the end of the movie, whereupon all credibility goes completely out the window.
A Nos Amours [1983]
1. Suzanne leaning over the railing of the boat. Klaus Nomi on the soundtrack.
2. Suzanne’s mother is slammed into the wall. A moment later blood can be seen running down the side of her face.
3. Suzanne’s brother has a lisp.
(This movie left me nonplussed. Some vivid characterizations and jarring moments of violence, but overall it’s fairly impenetrable.).
Notes on a Scandal [2006]
1. Judi’s birdlike eyes as she peers through the window of the classroom.
2. Judi in the tub, one leg propped up, smoking a cigarette. The bathwater is the same color as the bathwater in Brazil when Kim Greist is in the tub.
3. The gold star stuck to Cate’s heel.
