Blue Jasmine - Woody Allen's Latest Movie!

Woody Allen Surpassed our Expectations!

....   The hussies have left their books by their beds. It's October, the nights are drawing in and a night out at the cinema becomes very appealing.

....   Our local cinema, The Forum in Hexham, is inexpensive, comfortable and very well supported. At only £6 per adult, a nice cafe to meet in, limited adverts and free parking it beats a trek into Newcastle on several counts.

....   "Let's go and see the New Woody Allen Film", a Hussie suggests. "Oh no"! came the groans. Is he or any of his wives and girlfriends in it?  No!  the iconic Cate Blanchett has the lead role. Was she there to raise the profile of this film or could this new Woody Allen Script hold its own?   Reviews suggested we should give it a go.

....   We were not disappointed. The film was full on right from the off and as the story unfolded we were quickly sucked into the characters lives.  Cate or Jasmine (Jeanette) arrives penniless at her  adopted sister's house in San Francisco.  Desperate for a place to stay while she attempts to rebuild her life, Jasmine is forced to accept her downgraded surroundings, her sister's downtrodden lifestyle and her unsavoury choice of  'friends'.  Jasmine's very public breakdown was blamed on her cheating, philandering husband, jailed for his fraudulent deals causing her sister to lose her life fortune, ruining his son's lifetime career prospects and, ultimately, catapulting Jasmine into total meltdown!!   Or so we were led to believe!

.....   Jasmine's sister and son blamed Jasmine totally for her denial about the situation, stating she new what was going on but turned a blind eye.  Jasmine wants to revive and continue a life she thought she was dragged away from after being swept off her feet by husband to be, Alec Baldwin.  Desperately grasping at any idea of a career she may be able to achieve but always falling short.

....   The supporting actors play a brilliant part - elevating Jasmine in her role. The contrasts between sisters, husbands and boyfriends make the situations very believable in this entertaining comedy with sad undertones.  Although Woody Allen has a niche following, this film will definitely appeal to a wider audience.

....   A movie that "posed many questions whilst offering no solutions".  The abrupt ending certainly prompted much discussion on the way out!  It seems the higher the social climb the greater the fall! This film has been likened to a Tennessee Williams play - A Streetcar Named Desire.  Looking at the synopsis this certainly rings true, although none of The Hussies have read it. We may note this one for a future read!

....   Whilst waiting in the cafe for hussies to gather we perused the up and coming posters and are going to enjoy a spell at being a film buff. Next film meet will be to see the gorgeous Tom Hanks as Captain Phillips.  Meanwhile Chekhov beckons. Next meet to discuss these short stories will be Thursday 7th November.

 

 

....   Hopefully you'll join us for our book reviews, film reviews and restaurant reviews ....

                                                                                                                                     21st October 2013

Instructions for a Heatwave by Maggie O'Farrell

A Typical British Summer - Hotly Debated but a bit of a Washout! 

"After you'd gone, "The hand that first held mine", "The vanishing act of Esme Lennox", "The distance between us"  - all great reads with such evocative writing and powerful observations that we approached Maggie O'Farrell's latest book with great anticipation.  Our excitement was heightened by the prospect of the back drop for this story - that unforgettable British summer of 1976 - and the promise of reliving our warm memories of those long, sunny days.

Without revealing too much about the plot, a man's disappearance prompts his family to reflect on their lives and their upbringing .  The subtext is that early family life profoundly shapes our subsequent choices and relationships but since none of us could empathise with either the characters or their experiences, any revelations fell flat. Indeed,  the whole book was typical of most British summers - rather disappointing.  The characters' seemed to be trapped in the 1950s rather than 70s and many details (eg Aife's personal finances) seemed less than authentic.  Even their names jarred, none of us having ever met a man with a double barrelled first name and all of us becoming dyslexic with Alfie, er Aife.  But O'Farrell's greatest sin, was her lack of magic when it came to conjuring up those glorious, sunny days of 1976.  Aside from some passing references to drought and water bans, there was little to evoke that summer which still smoulders in our hearts.

Only two hussies had the stamina and persistence to plough through the slow opening chapters and make it to an end which didn't seem to justify the effort.   Perhaps the structure mirrored a heatwave with emotions bubbling up whilst the air temperature rises, then dissipating as the pressure drops? Perhaps Maggie O'Farrell's was forced to deliver to her publishers before she was truly ready? Or, perhaps she was courting danger, dabbling with the legendary summer that set the stage for so many of our own back stories?

Maggie O'Farrell did succeed where many have failed  - she stimulated more debate, critique and vitriol than any of the other authors we have reviewed so far.   It would be interesting to know what you think, dear reader?

The venue for our meeting was  Danielle's Bistro in Hexham.  Unlike our book, the meal and surroundings lived up to expectations  - predictably pleasant.  Comfortable ambience, attentive but not intrusive staff,  a solid menu,  reasonable food,  medium prices and no pressure to eat up and leave early.    No thrills here, no fireworks or fancy concoctions.  But a safe choice - guaranteed to satisfy.  Unlike Maggie O'Farell.

Humble apologies, no pictures of the food at Danielle's on this occasion but this photo of Beadnell on the Northumberland Coast, shows where I spent the summer of 1976.  I was getting wet, building dens, playing sardines and hide and seek, and listening to Radio 1 -  Elton John and Kiki Dee, 'Don't go breaking my heart' and David Dundas,  'Jeans On'.  It was the summer of my life!

I was here in August 76 - where were you and what were you doing? 

Our next read is a collection of short stories - at least a classic should be guaranteed to please - fingers crossed!

'Damn His Blood!' by Peter Moore

A Real Life Murder Mystery

....    The scent of garlic filled the air adding authenticity to a popular Italian Restaurant in  Corbridge, namely, Il Picolo. This quaint Northumbrian village features regularly in the lives of the Hadrians Hussies as, not only does it share our Roman roots,  but it also offers numerous quality restaurants and pubs for our monthly meetings. One great strength of this venue was that, for once in Corbridge, parking was easy.

....    We opted for starters and mains as the menu offered a wide variety of mouth watering dishes.

The portions were so generous that no one could find room for a pudding.  There are also half portions available for the smaller appetites!  The food was of a high standard and everyone enjoyed their meal. The final bill came to £25 per Hussie including tip, only slightly cheaper than Matfen Hall. The waitresses were friendly and attentive but in no way intrusive, leaving us with plenty of time to discuss last months book, 'Damn His Blood by Peter Moore.

...    This is Peter Moore's first novel, in which he recounts the dreadful events that occurred in the small village of Oddingley on midsummers day in 1806. It was chosen by a Hussie who spent many happy weekends in the village during her childhood, listening to  ghost stories about the poor deceased vicar. Now the story has been fleshed out, the vicar, namely Reverend George Parker so enraged the local farmers by demanding tithes that he met with  a violent and untimely death in his own glebe field. The author provides a rather extensive comprehensive picture of what rural life in late 18th and early 19th century England was like, offering interesting facts on local industry as well 

as law and order. It is quite a slow read and demands a lot of concentration to get to grips with the different characters as there are quite a few. This is more of a history textbook than a crime thriller, but its an interesting and informative read and lays to rest the myth of the village parson bricked up in the walls of the vicarage. A myth which entertained and enriched the formative years of many a child in 1970's Oddingley.

....  A little light relief is very welcome for next months read.  Join us early October and share our views on:

INSTRUCTIONS FOR A HEATWAVE  by  MAGGIE O'FARRELL





                                                                                                                              12th September 2013

The 5:2 Diet & The Confessions of Catherine De Medici

 

     Talking about diets beats doing them!

 

 

 

 

....   Having dedicated the last month to an in-depth study of the 5:2 diet, the Hussies felt they deserved the luxury of an up-market Country House Hotel in which to discuss the merits of  'The Fast Diet'  by Dr Michael Mosley and Mimi Spencer. Matfen Hall Hotel also offers spa facilities but exercise and dieting seemed a step too far for the ladies of Border Bookworms; something for the future, perhaps!

 

....    We all agreed that the Library Restaurant in the hotel offered luxurious surroundings in keeping with the history of the 19th century Country Mansion. Unfortunately our overall verdict 3:1 was that the food was over priced and under represented! We all chose the crab salad which was beautifully presented but rather small! The verdict on the main courses varied depending on the selection, the risotto failed to impress but the chicken was very tasty and quite  generous in size, good enough to tempt this Hussie back for more. We all decided to have a pudding which again were all very well presented and quite tasty. Coffee followed and rounded off the meal nicely, this may account for the hefty price tag as we don't usually have three courses and coffee.

 

                                           Crème Brulee Shown above, especially good!

                                               Crab Salad!  Zoom in to see Salad!!
 

....    And now to the book.  Interesting science; easy to follow; dramatic results.

If you want to go on a weight loss diet this is quite a good plan to follow however the draw backs are that for busy people fasting can be quite dangerous. Trying to drive whilst feeling light headed from hunger is not good!. Some of us felt that fasting led to feeling extremely ill whilst others clung to their long held belief that weight loss can only be achieved with strong will power and patience.  Mind you, one of the Hussies has lost 12 pounds which also proves all diets work when followed. 

 

 



 

 

 

 ....    As we were reviewing a diet book over the summer holidays we felt we needed some literary stimulation to go along side and so 'The Confessions of Catherine de Medici' by C.W. Gortner was chosen. This book fictionalises the life of one of histories most powerful women. Born into the powerful Medici family in Florence during the Renaissance she married  King Henry II of France in 1533, taking over the reigns of  power after his sudden death in 1559. The author offers us an alternative view of a character who is often seen as one of histories villans. The book is well written and informative, although it glosses over some interesting points in her life such as the reason for the royal couples infertility in the first ten years of their marriage. There are parallels between this book and the televised drama the White Queen, both telling the story of strong royal women embroiled in the struggle for power at court. It was agreed that reading this book expanded our knowledge of the period and prompted further study. One Hussie was so inspired by Catherine that she set off on her own voyage of discovery to the protagonists birth place in Florence.

 

....    Our next book continues in a historical vein :

 

                                       'DAMN HIS BLOOD by PETER MOORE

 



 

 

 



 

 

 

....    Join us next time for, what should be, a learned discussion!

 

 

 

                                                                                                                         12th September 2013 

 



The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce

Third Time Lucky

 

 

....  On a sultry Sunday evening in Corbridge, the Hussies reconvened at ... Artisam.  "Haven't you  been there before?" I hear you ask.
 

....  Indeed we have, in fact, our last three meetings have taken place in this quaint back street Chinese Restaurant. Not because we lack imagination, but because it proved extremely difficult, if not impossible, to find somewhere in the Tyne Valley that serves food on a Sunday night! Your suggestions welcomed.

....  Our third time was not particularly lucky but equally it was not unlucky , the food and service was up to its usual standard and left little to complain about. The toilets are, however, almost inaccessible to those with limited mobility. 

....  Our conversation was dominated by diets, perhaps because we are all feeling the after effects of our last meeting, an evening with Mary Berry. Her recipes are just too good to resist. As the waitress took our orders we tried to choose sensibly but without the aid of a calorie counting app its hard to know what your eating. Prawns seemed a good choice as did chicken and soup , although the salt and pepper spare ribs probably wouldn't feature very highly on a dieters guide to Chinese food.

....  As the food came and went we got down to discussing our last book.
 

....  Overall, a resounding success, although one of our group gave up two pages in because it was too dull!.  However after some gentle persuasion, she has agreed to give it another go. Rachel Joyce gives a well written account of a 45 year marriage on the brink of destruction. Two people trying to come to terms with a shared tragedy, each cocooned by their own grief, unable to reach out to each other. A voice from the painful past jolts the eponymous Mr Fry out of his cocoon and sets him on a journey, both physical and emotional. The author carries the reader with Harold on each step of his long, long walk to Berwick. In parts the story is deeply depressing but told in a simple light hearted way that really involves you in the lives of  this elderly married couple. The authors style is reminiscent of  David Nobbs. At times funny, very entertaining and always thought provoking, a worthwhile read that we would definitely recommend. 

....  As the evening drew to close the title of our next book was revealed.................

....  Arrgh  ....  It's a diet book!, 

....  "The Fast Diet" by Dr Michael Mosley and Mimi Spencer 

....  Join us at the local health spa to hear how we got on with this book.

 

 

 

....  With the addition of another book to keep our mind off the hunger!!!

 

 

 

 

....  This book is rather topical in view of everyone enjoying The White Queen on TV at the moment!

 

 



 

 



 

 

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At Home by Mary Berry & Lucy Young

One Cookbook : Four Intrepid Cooks : Several Taster Courses : Nothing Left!

 

 

 

 

 

....  Well!   Where do we begin.  They say, 'A change is as good as a rest'.  Well there was no rest this month for the Hussies!  They also say, 'Variety is the spice of life'.  Which is why, this month, we ditched the theory and introduced our first practical read.

 

 

....  It was decided that we would test out the book on our families and after a few practise sessions choose two recipes to bring to a tasting session hosted by one of the Hussies.  The Hussies or should we say, the self raising flour, certainly rose to the ocassion.  To say a competitive element arose from the cooking frenzy which followed was an understatement!

 

.... The supermarket tills were a ringing and the pans were a rattling.  Masterpieces were emerging from the oven and the  proud moment captured on film were being texted with gusto - it's just like the picture in the book - echoing! 

 

....  To take things a step further we also decided to cost our dishes which proved to be a real eye-opener.  Many dishes coming out at under £2.00 per portion.  A well timed exercise in view of the recent horse meat scandal and with many celebrity chefs promoting home cooking over processed ready meals.  The whole evenings dishes of which there were many showed you could eat well for half the price of many of our venues. 

 

....  Listed below are a few of our photos for prosperity.  We wanted to show other bloggers that Mary Berry is truly a National Treasure.  The recipes were easy to follow.  Good tasty results can be achieved from relatively few ingredients and very little stress.  It makes us realise there's a bit of Mary Berry in all of us.  Everyday uncomplicated cooking which really hit the spot.

 

 

Banana & Choc Chip Cupcakes

 

Italian Black Olive & Cheese Rolls

Chicken in Tarragon Sauce

Apricot & Almond Torte

Quick Chicken Curry 

The Best Fish Bake

Raspberry Jelly & Yoghurt Brulee

 

Paprika Chicken

Pissaladiere

Red Pepper Soup

Bruschetta Marinara

Mosaic of Salmon en Croute

Pear & Lemon Curd Tart

Tomato, Avocado & Parma Ham Platter

Simple Lemon Traybake

Smoked Salmon, Prawn & Dill Canapes

Spinach & Three Cheese Bake

Spicy Mexican Salad

Spicy Meatballs

 

 

....  Sorry to bore you with our selected photographs, but, we honestly enjoyed our cooking experience.  All the dishes were so quick and easy to prepare, we just kept on turning the pages.  So you could say this was also a page turner!

 

....  There was some constructive critisim, however, mainly pointing out that the book did lack the wow factor.  Although everyone agreed that's not what this book was about.  We all enjoyed the cooking experience and agreed it would be an excellent choice for inexperienced and young first time cooks - pretty fool proof!

 

Hopefully everyone will enjoy incorporating Mary Berry into their everyday cooking.  This one should not be left on the shelf!

 

....  Due to our impromptu meeting and straying from our usual schedule we are popping in a recommended title for a quick read to get us back on track.  We will be meeting very soon at a chosen venue to discuss ....

 

THE UNLIKELY PILGRIMAGE OF HAROLD FRY  by  RACHEL JOYCE

 

  

 

 

Please join us with your views and don't forget to blog your cooking endeavours!!!



                                                                                                                                   11th April 2013

 

 

 

 

 



The Host at The Qube, Metrocentre, Gateshead

'Our Urban Adventure Fell Flat' 

 

....  Seeing The Host entailed going beyond our Tynedale comfort zone and the vintage charm of  The Forum, to drive East for a taste of urban culture.

....  The Odeon cinema at the Gateshead Metro Centre Qube is a far cry from our usual cinematic haunt and whilst it can boast 12 screens, an Imax screen and Premier seating,  it is impersonal and lacks character.   Lucky for us then that The Forum, is quaint, friendly, oozes personality and is right on our leafy doorstep!  Unluckily though, there is no indication that The Host will be showing there in the near future - hence our urban adventure.   Our daughters were delighted to come along and behave like normal teenagers, in normal surroundings with normal refreshments.
 

Normal? refreshments!

....  But our metropolitan safari did not live up to expectations.  The Host movie was not a patch on The Host book.  Even those of us who enjoyed Stephenie Meyer's science fiction romance on paper, found that it did not translate well to the screen.  Whilst The Host pages effectively transported us to a new and different earth, the screen version failed to take us beyond The Qube.  Meyer's prose conjured up intense passion, longing, suspense and excitement but the screenplay was flat and unconvincing.  Her internal dialogue between Melanie and Wanda worked well on paper but just seemed ridiculous when portrayed on the big screen.

....  We could not criticise the cast.  Melanie / Wanda (Saoirse Ronan) did as much as she could with the script and the direction although Wanda's monotone voice grated after a while.  Fortunately Jared provided a pleasant diversion as Max Irons is easy on the eye.   The seeker 's (Diane Kruger) character was least credible.  The music seemed lack lustre, anti-climactic, dull.

....  We initially gave the book mixed reviews - a marmite story, with strong love it or hate it viewpoints.  The views on the film were more unanimous and less passionate.   A miss not a hit.   Even the soundtrack fell flat.  

....  Unlike The Twilight series, The Host was initially published as an adult science fiction story.  Interestingly, however, The Host movie went down better with our daughters who, in typical teen understatements, indicated that it had been OK.   Quite good. Whatever!   

....  If you like pink drinks, an anonymous auditorium, speak in monotones and are prepared to suspend belief for the sake of appreciating Max Irons then you might enjoy The Host movie; but if you prefer less colourful drinks and venues with character, then save your cinema money (£18.30 for one adult and one teen including £1.50 booking fee) and just read The Host.  You will find your imagination can conjure up something far more amazing than this manufactured flop.

....  No wonder it's not showing at The Forum!