Beyond Popcorn and Twizzlers

I clearly need to eat some proper lunch, if I intend to keep this particular movie on television. In an earlier posting, I self-indulgently enumerated my favorite movies, and stupidly neglected to mention the long list of "foodie movies" that just bear watching and re-watching and re-re-watching. First and foremost, at least for me, is Big Night (currently playing on Bravo). Two brothers from Italy, trying to make a go of a restaurant in 1950s New Jersey, create one exquisite night of food and wine...a last ditch effort to achieve the American Dream. Frankly, even though the plot is really sweetly compelling, I could watch this movie muted, and just wait for the food. I won't spoil anything by talking any more about the food, but just like you shouldn't go grocery shopping hungry, don't watch this movie unless you're eating a huge plate of pasta. Though, the soundtrack is just great, so just watch it a couple of times and draw your own conclusions! My favorite line, though..."Sometimes the spaghetti likes to be alone"

Other great foodie movies? Well, Eat Drink Man Woman, which I know I remembered to put on the earlier list. Don't watch that one without at least crummy Chinese food in front of you. Babette's Feast, while a little bleak at times, is another one not to watch on an empty stomach. You might want a fire roaring too, come to think of it, just to get through the cold Danish windswept scenes. Tampopo is a little bit funky, but a lot of fun, and for all of us who made it through university eating ramen, a sort of nostalgia trip. It's also pretty sexy in parts, always a good combination with food.

And then there is Like Water for Chocolate. That has to be the hottest movie ever...EVER. You're never quite sure if it's the food or the steamy love scenes, but that's sort of the point. The only issue with a lot of these movies is that you also have to be prepared to read subtitles, but obviously that just adds to the exotic enjoyment. You might as well turn off the sound and concentrate on the subtitles and glorious repasts. Just don't eat popcorn and twizzlers for these ones.