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Movie Night: The Material Girl Turns 50!

BuzzSugar — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 10:00:00 -0700

Madonna turning 50 is practically a holiday around here at Sugar HQ. I know one mega-fan here in the office who couldn't be more excited about the Queen of Pop's birthday. While many appreciate Madge's tremendous impact on popular music, I am equally appreciative of some of her movie roles. You'd think that Madonna's off-screen persona might overwhelm her characters onscreen, but that hasn't really been the case. I consider her a capable and engaging actress, and I've picked out a few of my favorite titles in her filmography. So, happy birthday Madonna - this Movie Night's for you!

Dick Tracy
I love that Netflix describes Madonna's character in this awesome '90s movie as the "seductive and sultry torch singer Breathless Mahoney." Dick Tracy was pretty much panned by critics, despite its star-studded cast. Regardless, the visual setting is vibrant, the costumes are neato, and to this day I still watch Madonna's performance of "Sooner or Later" and want to be her for Halloween.

For the other two Madonna movies on my list, just read more.

A League of Their Own
Even though Madonna was a big star by the time she did this movie, she humbly fit herself into the ensemble cast, and her character is a huge part of what makes this Penny Marshall classic so great. Her dynamic with Rosie O'Donnell's character is so perfectly rendered, the two of them endeared themselves to me when I saw this movie for the first time. Aw, how can you resist A League of Their Own?

Desperately Seeking Susan
How fun is it to re-experience the '80s Madonna in all her dark-roots glory? Sure, you can pop in some of her greatest hits, but there is nothing like seeing her on your TV screen. A bored housewife (Rosanna Arquette) becomes infatuated with Susan (Madonna) through the classified ads (remember those?) in this 1985 classic. And who wouldn't get obsessed? Susan is a free-spirited Holly Golightly-type but with a lot more lace. As the screwball comedic plot twists ensue, you're reminded why Madonna became one of the world's biggest stars.

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Movie Night: The World of Dark Knight Director Christopher Nolan

BuzzSugar — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 08:30:46 -0700

Christopher Nolan is a director who initially made a huge splash with a little budget and not much celebrity star power. He's the director of The Dark Knight and the man responsible for resuscitating the Batman franchise. Not so long ago, he was an independent filmmaker, but after this weekend he'll probably be seen as one of the most influential creative forces in Hollywood. So who is the visionary behind the ~~mask~~ camera? Well, you could read this interesting New York Times profile, or you could let his work speak for itself by embarking on a Christopher Nolan Movie Night!

Memento
Try to remember back to 2000 - there was a lot of hype around a little movie about a guy suffering from short-term memory loss looking for the man who murdered his wife. Memento was a big deal and shot Nolan to the head of the class in the eyes of film critics and Hollywood bigwigs alike. Guy Pearce is mesmerizing as a man forced to tattoo himself to remember things, and the way the movie plays with time is chilling and mind-blowing.

Two more Nolan flicks to go so read more.

The Prestige
Christian Bale, Hugh Jackman, Michael Caine, David Bowie, magic, murder - what more do you need for an exciting movie? Nolan created a spooky atmosphere in which to set this tale of two illusionists competing against each other at the turn of the 20th century. The film earned Oscar nods for both art direction and cinematography. The gripping story follows both magicians (Bale and Jackman) as they try to outdo each other, taking their competition to deadly extremes.

Batman Begins
While it had only a third of the hype The Dark Knight has, Batman Begins wiped the superhero's slate clean of the tarnished image of the franchise (and memories of George Clooney's nippled batsuit) and brought the tale of the dark hero back to its roots. Its super darkly awesome roots, that is. If you haven't seen this first installment of Nolan's reboot, you definitely won't be lost at Dark Knight this weekend, but it's well worth watching and will get you super pumped.

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Movie Night: Far-Off Destinations

BuzzSugar — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 16:30:04 -0700

I've been really inspired by traveling this week - both because of my own itch to go on an adventure and because I have a handful of friends who are either planning their honeymoon or enjoying it right now. As part of my travel urge, I got to thinking about movies that captured a culture and a country so well that they've made me add a new entry to my list of places I have vowed to visit. Come away with me on a mini-jaunt around the globe via this movie night!

Out of Africa
This Oscar-winning classic directed by the late Sydney Pollack starred Meryl Streep and an extremely dreamy Robert Redford, but the biggest star of the film is East Africa. The movie is loosely based on Karen Blixen's 1937 autobiography about her real-life journey to Kenya. The character based on Blixen enters a loveless marriage but then meets Redford's character, a local-game hunter, and an epic romance ensues. The movie was filmed on location and is breathtakingly beautiful. If this doesn't make you consider Africa as a travel destination, I don't know what will.

Two more glorious locations, so read more.

French Kiss
Most people probably don't need their arms twisted to stick France on their travel list, but when a movie comes along that captures that certain je ne sais quoi of the French countryside, vineyards, and coast, it makes not being there feel nearly intolerable. French Kiss is one of those movies, and it stars Meg Ryan and Kevin Kline as unlikely partners in a trek across France. She's on a mission to get her cheating fiance back, and he's a petty criminal who helps her as a means to reach his own goal of buying back a vineyard he lost. Their chemistry is charming, but the way the film captures the spirit and nonchalance of the place is what makes it a lovely vicarious trip abroad.

Sex and Lucia
To call this movie racy is probably an understatement. The word "sex" is in the title for good reason, because there's a lot of it in this mystical Spanish film - and it's pretty explicitly discussed and enacted. You've been warned. That said, nearly five years after I first saw this, what sticks with me are the unbelievably gorgeous shots of nature: the azure skies and ocean set against the snow-white sands of Spain's Balearic Islands. After this movie, this semi-remote location has remained high on my list of places to get myself to.

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Tax Season Movie Night: Money, Money, Money

BuzzSugar — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 11:30:27 -0700

Tax season is upon us and I know how stressful it can be to dig up receipts, fill out the forms and file the ol' taxes. Although my friend Savvy wouldn't be too happy to hear this, I have a bad habit of procrastinating and will find any reason to avoid doing my taxes. This year I have a new strategy: hold a money movie night with the following films and then do my taxes - no more excuses! It's a good plan because there are a lot of good lessons to learn from these movies, you know? OK, that's a lame rationalization, but hey, these movies are fun and might even convince you to stay away from white-collar crimes.

Trading Places
Just thinking about Trading Places makes me laugh, which is the perfect way to kick off a tax season movie night. Eddie Murphy stars alongside fellow funny man Dan Aykroyd in this film that poses the question: Does money make the man?

Louis Winthorpe III (Aykroyd) is a Harvard educated broker who has it all. Billy Ray Valentine (Murphy) is a street hustler angling for a dollar. When these two men switch places in society, all hilarity breaks loose. It's a wacky premise, but Murphy is hysterical and it's a funny peek at the ways in which money changes people.

Two more money movies, so read more.

Wall Street
In high school, my economics teacher taught us all about the stock market and making lots of money. And then he made us watch this movie starring Michael Douglas (who won an Oscar for his performance) and Charlie Sheen to warn us of the dangers of excess. Looking back, this was a smart move as Wall Street is the ultimate cautionary tale. At the center we see the evil, morally depraved Gordon Gekko (Douglas), who embodies the worst of the opulent 1980s. Sheen plays the young and naive newcomer who first believes he can make it big as a mover and shaker on Wall Street, but under the tutelage of the greedy Gekko finds himself tangled in an insider trading scheme and has to fight for his soul. Again, white-collar crime is bad. Thanks, Teach!

Indecent Proposal
Indecent Proposal, starring Demi Moore, Woody Harrelson and Robert Redford, is a provocative twist on an age-old question: How far are you willing to go for money? Moore and Harrelson are a happy couple who find themselves in a serious financial crisis and head to Vegas (naturally!). There, a rich, handsome stranger (Redford) offers them $1 million for a night of you-know-what with Moore. What follows is scandalous, shocking and painful. In the end though, it's a good lesson in how just a little bit of moral compromise in the name of greed can eat you alive.

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Christian Bale Movie Night: Serious Actor, Also in Newsies

BuzzSugar — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 14:29:58 -0800

Though he wasn't nominated for any awards, I believe some of the year's best performances have come from Christian Bale (3:10 to Yuma, Rescue Dawn), and I'm a little sad that he's missing from the red carpet. The man has been honing his craft since he was a wee child and has been working steadily for years since. To properly pay my respects to the talented Mr. Bale this awards season, I'm designating a Movie Night to him. It's hard to choose given his large body of work, but I dug out some gems. In addition to these titles, he also sang his way into my heart in Newsies and freaked me out in American Psycho and The Machinist.

3:10 to Yuma
I've said it before and I'll say it again: 3:10 to Yuma is an excellent retelling of an old Western, reminding us that this dusty genre isn't dead. The lead actors turn in solid performances including Christian Bale who plays rancher Dan Evans, a man down on his luck physically and financially. Evans seizes an opportunity to earn some good reward money by delivering the infamous outlaw Ben Wade (Russell Crowe) to the Yuma prison via the 3:10 PM train. With Ben's men hot on their trail, their journey to Yuma takes on a power struggle that is ultimately as simple as good versus evil. This film has one of Bale's most arresting portrayals in recent history, and should definitely kick off your movie night.

Two more titles from the deeper confines of Bale's past, so read more

Swing Kids
In this 1993 drama, Bale plays one of three friends growing up in Nazi Germany on the eve of World War II. Alongside Robert Sean Leonard (who you can now catch on House), Bale and friends rebel against the status quo by listening and dancing to American swing music. Eventually though, their teenage rebellions are forced to a stop and the young men are faced with some hard choices.

Though sappy at times, it's fun watching the young, strapping Robert Sean Leonard and Christian Bale together onscreen.

Little Women
Bale first really hit my adolescent radar when he brought Laurie to life in Little Women. I'm just going to say it: I don't think there could ever be a more perfect Theodore 'Laurie' Lawrence. In other news, it's a good wintertime family classic with a great cast, including Winona Ryder, Claire Danes, Susan Sarandon and a tiny Kirsten Dunst.

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Come Party With Me: Movie Night - The Look

partysugar — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 08:01:33 -0800

For a French themed Movie Night, transform your living room into a comforting French style bistro. Hang classic French posters on the walls and place fun pillows on the couches. A garden gnome makes a great conversation starter that ties into the movie. Serve the food on oval TV dinner trays. Keep the dinner uniform by using plates, glasses, and flatware that all have a fleur de lis pattern.

Pour the wine in low tumblers for a casual effect. Light votive candles and a fire in the fireplace. Create a sensual mood during the show by turning off the lights. Don't forget to place a beautiful bouquet of fresh flowers near the entryway to greet guests as they arrive.

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Fab Finding Follow Up: Movie Night

FabSugar — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 16:00:22 -0800

Now that the movie nominations are rolling out, I've been playing catch up at the movies. I've got another date this Saturday night to go see Juno. It's going to be pretty low-key, but I still need to look like my Fab self!

I started you off with this Juicy Couture Lantern Sleeve Fleece Parka ($278) because it's comfy and weather-proof. Come back and tell me when your Fab Finds are up and tag them movie night. Be sure to check out all the foolproof outfit Fab Finds.

Let's see what you all came up with!

Oh! Now, you can build outfits by creating a list of clothing items. We have everything you need to build outfits with, and you can use your Fab Find bookmarks, too. This is an even better way to put together an entire outfit when you are completing your Fab Finding missions.

Look #1, created by maria212134, is so comfy - and the accessories she chose are all Fab!

UrbanOutfitters.com > Elephant Posts	Lauren by Ralph Lauren Small Buckle Bracelet - View All - Nordstrom
Marc by Marc Jacobs Aline leather tote - NET-A-PORTER.COM	Rachel Pally Cropped Vest - shopbop.com
Bop Basics Long Sleeve V Neck Tee - shopbop.com	J Brand 18" Bootleg Rigid Jean - shopbop.com
Chloe - Quilted Skimmers - Saks.com	Juicy Couture Lantern Sleeve Fleece Parka ($278)

To see a couple more, read more

Look #2, created by aimeeb, is monochrome: I love the greyscale palette and the ruffle tunic.

Cole Haan - Village Soft Triple Satchel	Nine West Stud Silver Earrings
Gunmetal/Pave Ring	Dolce Vita Allure Cuffed High Heel Boot
Short Ruffle Tunic	C&C Tank
Tobi - Seven For All Mankind Roxanne Stretch Skinny Jeans in Mercer	Juicy Couture Lantern Sleeve Fleece Parka

Look #3, created by WhiplashGirlchild, is ideal for the downtown girl. The cheetah print top gives an urban feel to the look.

Juicy Couture Lantern Sleeve Fleece Parka - shopbop.com	UrbanOutfitters.com > Cheetah Printed Tee
Marc by Marc Jacobs Chrisse stretch skinny jeans - NET-A-PORTER.COM	Scorah Pattullo \| Scorah Pattullo Side Buckle Ankle Boot at ASOS
Sheer Jersey Scarf - Scarves, Gloves - American Apparel Online Store	INTERMIX - Stella McCartney Patent Bag
Rebecca Norman Heavy Gold Bangles, Set of Three�-� Trend�-� Neiman Marcus	ASOS \| Feather Drop Earring at ASOS

Come Party With Me Movie Night - Drinks

partysugar — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 12:28:39 -0800

Deciding what drinks to serve at my French-themed Movie Night was surprisingly trés facile! Besides sparkling and still water, I'll pour one signature cocktail and offer guests a tasting of French wines.

A French martini, made with pineapple juice and chambord, will be served with the baked brie appetizer.

A rich, buttery Chardonnay pairs nicely with the shrimp bisque. With the bacon-wrapped chicken breasts pour a lighter, fruity red like a Pinot Noir. After the movie, finish the night with a glass of champagne and the chocolate soufflé.

For French martini recipe, read more.

French Martini
From David Lawrence

2 ounces of good vodka
1 ounce of Chambord (raspberry liqueur)
4 ounces of pineapple juice

Pour all ingredients into a cocktail shaker, tumble in a handful of ice, and shake vigorously.
Strain into a frosted martini glass.

Serves one.

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Come Party With Me: Movie Night - Menu (Dessert)

partysugar — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 13:28:11 -0800

What's more quintessentially French than a soufflé? After we've finished dinner at my French-themed movie night, I'll invite guests into the kitchen for chocolate soufflé - once the movie is over, of course. A soufflé is a glamorous dessert, the perfect finish to a leisurely dinner. Plus, warm chocolate is always divine on a cold Winter's night! Take a look at the recipe and read more.

Chocolate Soufflé
From Gourmet magazine

1/3 cup sugar plus additional for sprinkling
5 oz. bittersweet chocolate (not unsweetened), chopped
3 large egg yolks at room temperature
6 large egg whites
Accompaniment: lightly-sweetened whipped cream
Special equipment: a 5 1/2- to 6-cup glass or ceramic soufflé dish

Preheat oven to 375°F. Generously butter soufflé dish and sprinkle with sugar, knocking out excess.
Melt chocolate in a metal bowl set over a saucepan of barely simmering water, stirring occasionally until smooth. Remove bowl from heat and stir in yolks (mixture will stiffen).
Beat whites with a pinch of salt in a large bowl with an electric mixer at medium speed until they just hold soft peaks. Add 1/3 cup sugar, a little at a time, continuing to beat at medium speed, then beat at high speed until whites just hold stiff peaks.
Stir about 1 cup whites into chocolate mixture to lighten, then add mixture to remaining whites, folding gently but thoroughly.
Spoon into soufflé dish and run the end of your thumb around inside edge of soufflé dish (this will help soufflé rise evenly). Bake in middle of oven until puffed and crusted on top but still jiggly in center, 24 to 26 minutes. Serve immediately.

Serves 2-4.

Make Ahead: soufflé can be assembled up to 30 minutes before baking. Keep, covered with an inverted large bowl (do not let bowl touch soufflé), at room temperature.

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Come Party With Me: Movie Night - Menu

partysugar — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 09:13:31 -0800

I am super excited about cooking a delicious French-inspired meal for my French themed movie night. To get things started, I'll make a baked brie. Picholine olives and croutons will complement the melty cheese. After guests have enjoyed a cocktail we will sit down to a first course shrimp bisque. The main dish is a delicious bacon wrapped chicken with a thick chicken liver sauce and haricot vert bundles with shallot vinaigrette. Just writing the names of the dishes makes me famished! For the recipes, read more.

Baked Brie
From Martha Stewart

1 cup pecan halves
3/4 cup packed dark-brown sugar
All-purpose flour, for dusting
2 standard packages (17 1/4 ounces) frozen puff pastry, thawed
1 wheel (2.2 pounds) Brie
1 large egg yolk
2 tablespoons heavy cream

In a medium bowl, combine pecans and sugar, using your fingertips to thoroughly mix; set aside. Line a baking sheet with a Silpat (French nonstick baking mat) or parchment paper; set aside.
Lightly dust work surface with flour. Place two sheets (one box) of puff pastry on the work surface one on top of the other.
Using a rolling pin, adhere the two pieces of the puff pastry together. Continue rolling puff pastry until it is very thin, slightly less than 1/8 inch thick. Using a pastry wheel or a sharp knife, cut the puff pastry into a 13-inch round, reserving scraps for decorating.
Place the Brie in the center of the puff pastry. Top the Brie with pecan mixture, spreading to within 1/2 inch of the edge of the cheese. Be sure to remove any sugar or nuts from the puff pastry, as they may cause holes to form during baking. Fold puff pastry up and over Brie to enclose. The center of the Brie will not be completely covered with pastry. Transfer to prepared baking sheet.
Lightly dust work surface with flour. Repeat rolling and cutting process with remaining two sheets of puff pastry. Drape pastry over the Brie, tucking the edges under to enclose.
In a small bowl, combine egg yolk and cream to make an egg wash.
Cut reserved scraps of puff pastry into decorative shapes. Using a pastry brush, gently brush the decorative shapes with the egg wash, and adhere to wrapped Brie. Brush the wrapped Brie evenly with the egg wash. Transfer to refrigerator and chill for at least 30 minutes and up to overnight.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Bake Brie until golden brown and puffed, about 30 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees and bake until dark golden brown, 25 to 35 minutes more.

Serves 12 to 16.

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Shrimp Bisque
From Tyler Florence

1 1/2 pounds shrimp, shelled and deveined, shells reserved
Extra-virgin olive oil
1 stick (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter
2 1eeks, trimmed, halved lengthwise, and rinsed well
3 stalks celery, cut into big chunks
2 carrots, cut into big chunks
3 sprigs fresh thyme
1 bay leaf
2 strips orange zest
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1/4 cup brandy
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
4 cups heavy cream
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Finely grated orange zest, for garnish
Finely chopped fresh chives, for garnish

Heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot over medium heat and melt the butter into it.
Then add the shrimp shells, the leeks, celery, carrots, 3 sprigs thyme, the bay leaf, orange zest, and tomato paste. Cook, stirring every now and then, until the shells are red and the vegetables are soft, about 10 minutes.
Take the pot off the heat and carefully pour in the brandy. Ignite the brandy with a long kitchen match and let burn until the flame subsides.
Return the pot to the heat, sprinkle in the flour, give it a stir, and cook for another 2 minutes.
Now add water to cover and deglaze, scraping up all the browned bits on the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon.
Add the cream and bring to a boil. Immediately turn the heat down to low and gently simmer until the soup is reduced and thickened, 30 to 45 minutes.
Strain into a clean pot and season with salt and pepper.
Chop the shrimp. Return the bisque to a simmer, add the shrimp and cook 2 to 3 minutes just to cook the shrimp through.
Give the bisque a final taste for seasoning, pour it into warmed soup bowls and serve garnished with the orange zest and chives.

Serves 4-6.

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Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Breasts
From Food and Wine magazine

4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
Salt and freshly ground pepper
4 thyme sprigs, plus 1 teaspoon chopped thyme
8 slices of thick-cut bacon ( 1/2 pound)
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 pound chicken livers, trimmed
1 medium shallot, minced
1 garlic clove, minced
2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon sherry vinegar
1 cup chicken stock or low-sodium broth

Preheat the oven to 400°.
Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Place a thyme sprig on top of each breast half and wrap each half in 2 slices of bacon; secure the bacon with toothpicks.
Heat a large, ovenproof skillet. Add the chicken and cook over moderately high heat until the bacon is browned, 5 minutes.
Turn the chicken and roast in the oven for 10 minutes, or until cooked through. Add 1 tablespoon of the butter and the chopped thyme to the pan and baste the chicken. Let rest for 5 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a small skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of the oil. Season the livers with salt and pepper. Cook over moderately high heat until golden brown, about 4 minutes.
Add the shallot and garlic and cook until softened.
Add 2 tablespoons of the vinegar and cook for 2 minutes. Add the stock and the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and simmer over low heat until the livers are firm.
Puree the livers in a blender and strain through a very fine sieve set over a saucepan. Stir in the remaining oil and vinegar; season with salt and pepper.
Discard the toothpicks and thickly slice the chicken. Spoon the sauce onto plates, top with the chicken and serve.

Serves 4.

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Haricots Verts Bundles Wih Shallot Vinaigrette
From Trish Magwood

1 lb. haricot verts
2 shallots, finely minced
1/3 cup sherry vinegar
2 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 cup olive oil
2 tbsp honey
2 tsp fresh tarragon, chopped
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
bunch fresh chives

Clean the beans and trim stem end.
In a double boiler, steam the beans until tender-crisp, 3-5 minutes.
Transfer immediately to a large bowl filled with ice water to stop cooking.
In a bowl combine, vinegar and Dijon mustard. While whisking, slowly drizzle in olive oil to emulsify. Add honey and tarragon and season with salt and pepper.
Immerse chives in boiling water, let stand 1-2 minutes until pliable.
Placed cooked beans on a platter, using chives, tie into bundles of 4-5 beans.
Pour dressing over bean bundles. Season with salt.

Serves 4.

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