Here’s a couple quick hits in the midst of a busy week.
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Movie Recommendation: “The Hundred-Foot Journey”
Just saw this one over the weekend. “The Hundred-Foot Journey” is a sweet and savory story about a family of Indian refugees who end up in France and open up a restaurant across the street from an established, successful, “Michelin-star”-rated restaurant. The two narrative threads of the film involve the patriarch of the Indian family (played by Om Puri) locked in culinary battle with the owner of the French restaurant (played by Helen Mirren), while the man’s son Hassan (Manish Dayal) develops his food-craft until he becomes one of the top chefs in France. Success, for Hassan, doesn’t come without a price. The question, then: is Hassan willing to give up everything to be the best?
This movie made me hungry. I think that’s a mark in its favor. Through all the discussion about food and class, innovation and tradition, there is an overwhelming theme of how we both stay connected to and transcend the bonds of our history and family. The portrayals are all believable and enjoyable. I found myself sympathizing with and rooting for every character in one way or another. And in the end, I walked out with a smile on my face (and a growling belly).
“The Hundred-Foot Journey” is rated PG. There is some language, and some implied sensuality. It’s a good movie for date night, girls night out, or a dinner/movie event.
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Moving is exhausting work. Grueling work. I’m tired, folks.
My wife and I are transitioning from one apartment to another. I’m responsible for the “official” and “documentary” aspects of this transition: change of address, switching utilities, getting volunteers to help load and unload furniture, etc.
Last night, we were at the new place for a few hours, cleaning bathrooms and unpacking kitchen items. My wife was excited to get to open up and set up many of our wedding presents, which sat patiently in their boxes for the last two months in anticipation of a new home.
As we sat on the floor of our new dining room eating dinner, using an upturned basket as a makeshift (and slightly unsteady) table, I couldn’t help but feel grateful. So much has changed in the last two years. I’m in a totally different place than I expected back then, and I couldn’t be happier about it. God is gracious in leading me here, and I’m thankful to Him for all these good gifts.
I really don’t have much else to say on that.
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READER POLL QUESTION: Speaking of going to the movies, what’s your favorite movie this summer? Of the ones I’ve seen in the last three months* (Godzilla, X-Men, Planet of the Apes, Guardians), I have to go with “Guardians of the Galaxy” as my favorite thus far. Easily the best time I’ve had at the movies in a while.
Agree? Disagree? I am Groot? Answer in the comments!
*Since April is definitely spring and not early summer, I’m not counting “Captain America: The Winter Soldier”–which easily wins my “favorite movie of 2014” award so far. At least until I see “Unbroken” or “Big Hero 6.”
The4thDave Blog 