Thursday Movie Picks: Movies that Feature Food

Happy Thursday! It's time once again for me to give you three suggestions based on a theme selected by Wanderer at Wandering Through the Shelves. I've had a lot of fun with this weekly blogathon. I enjoy the challenge it provides me each week. Feel free to join us because it's never too late to get in on the action.

With the formalities out of the way, let's get to the table. I mean that literally because this week's theme is Movies that Feature Food. In general, with these Thursday picks, I've been unearthing hidden gems. Let's cook up another batch of them. We all like to try a new dish every now and again, right? Well, this week I'm serving up two documentaries and yet another 'hood classic. Have a seat, loosen your belt, bless the table if you'd like, and dig in.

Appetizer:

Soul Food

(1997)

Generally, I wouldn't call soul food anyone's appetizer. Trust me, there's more than enough to get you full. However, in the case of this movie and this week's theme, this should be just enough to hold you over until the main course arrives. It's a kitchen sink drama about a family with all sorts of problems. It is also about the gravitational pull of good food as it becomes a binding force in these people's lives. With the drama getting a bit spicy at times, we can dip it in the comedy sauce from time to time and get a decent laugh. Our cooks include Vanessa Williams, Vivica A. Fox, Mekhi Phifer, and my beloved Nia Long. And yes, the dreaded (by me, at least) Chef Tyler Perry has built his entire career around emulating this movie.

Entree:

A Place at the Table

(2012)

For our main course, we'll go with something that's going to stick to your ribs. Hunger is a huge problem here in the U.S. Many of those who aren't hungry are still malnourished because of the types of food they can afford. Simply put, eating healthy is expensive. This documentary examines the issue with a heavy focus on our broken school lunch system and food stamp programs. We also meet several families from different areas of the country and look deeply into their circumstances.

Dessert:

Jiro Dreams of Sushi

(2011)

I'll admit, Soul Food is a big appetizer and A Place at the Table is a rather heavy entree. Still, I can't let you leave without trying our sushi. You say sushi isn't a dessert? I beg to differ, at least in this case. Jiro Dreams of Sushi is such a sweet movie, I've no choice but to put it here. This documentary focuses on Jiro, a man with the most renowned sushi restaurant in the world. In fact, there is nothing else on his menu. He works tirelessly to perfect the craft of making it and has been doing so since World War II. Put short, the man is an artist. (Read my full review)


Once you take in all that, you should be full and ready for a nap. If not,...

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