For those of you that don’t know, Cut the Cord is newsletter brought to you by the folks at Feature Presentation, the same folks behind The Vince-Vaughn-a-thon and Y2Kidz.
This month’s edition is all about food, wine, cooking, chefs, and the restaurant industry. I’m interested in all of those things as home cook, but Hollywood doesn’t always do that world justice. So let’s talk about a few times the movies got it right.
As always, if you have a theme suggestion, feel free to email us back or leave a comment.
Jiro Dreams of Sushi (2011)
Revered sushi chef Jiro Ono strives for perfection in his work, while his eldest son, Yoshikazu, has trouble living up to his father’s legacy.
Magnolia Pictures
One of the things I find the most compelling about cooking, or in this case, crafting the perfect piece of sushi, is just that - the relentless pursuit of perfection.
Jiro Ono is a master at what he does. He's award-decorated, he's served Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and US President Barack Obama, he's arguably the most notorious sushi chef in the world - but none of that would mean anything if he got the next piece wrong.
That pursuit, that dedication, that focus - that's what makes him the best in the world. Being good would never be good enough.
Chef Gordon Ramsay hits the road to help struggling restaurants all over the United States turn their luck around. Ramsay examines the problems each establishment faces, from unsanitary refrigerators to lazy or inexperienced staff, and searches for resolutions. With help from his team, Ramsay redecorates each eatery to give it a fresh new look and updates the menu as needed. (IMDB)
Fox
I had to try very hard to not just make this a Gordon Ramsay list. I could've written an entire edition on the plethora of Ramsay content, but I figured that wouldn't quite have universal appeal - so instead I chose my two favorites.
Kitchen Nightmares is one of my favorite shows to watch if I just have like 20 minutes. I want to see Gordon eat some undercooked, oversalted, or down-right undigestable food. I want to see him make fun of them. I want to see him yell at them.
I don't care so much about actually turning the restaurant around. I've watched most of this series and I think I've finished like four episodes.
I just like to live in a fantasy world where I know more about running a restaurant than these people. Actually, I might...
A head chef balances multiple personal and professional crises at a popular restaurant in London.
Vertigo Releasing
I'm not quite sure how Boiling Point went so far under the radar last year.
An aptly named film, it's a chaotic, bum-rush of a movie all about the rapid-fire nature of working in a kitchen. Not only juggling all of the food and food prep, but the cleanliness, the front of house, and a favorite plot device of these movies: the food critic.
How do they accomplish that nonstop energy? They filmed the whole movie in one take. No gimmicks, no cuts, for real. And they only got to film four attempts before the pandemic stopped production. They used the third take.
That shows just how well choreographed the whole thing was. Running around scrambling, everyone performing in their roles, time crunches - wait, that's just how professional kitchens work!
Adam Jones is a Chef who destroyed his career with drugs and diva behavior. He cleans up and returns to London, determined to redeem himself by spearheading a top restaurant that can gain three Michelin stars.
3 Arts Entertainment
I cannot tell you that Burnt is a great movie.
In fact, it doesn’t really work, mainly because Bradley Cooper has never been nearly as cool as his character is supposed to be.
But I enjoyed all the stuff about cooking! And isn't that what this whole thing is about?
It's probably about suggesting good movies, right?
It might be a step below the others, but it's not bad. I wouldn't recommend anything bad.
Muckraking filmmaker Morgan Spurlock reignites his battle with the food industry — this time from behind the register — as he opens his own fast food restaurant.
Samuel Goldwyn Films
I don't care if it hasn't aged gracefully, I think Super Size Me is an excellent documentary. Sure, it's pretty obvious that you'll gain weight and feel sluggish if you eat nothing but McDonald's for a month. But Morgan Spurlock is a significantly better filmmaker than he is a scientist.
When he took that same concept to the tv show 30 Days, I watched that too. I liked his Simpsons documentary and sought out a few others as well.
When Spurlock outed himself in the midst of the #MeToo movement for his inapproriate behavior and conduct in both professional settings and his personal life, it put Super Size Me 2 on hold. And it made me feel guilty for wanting to see it.
If you don't want to see it for that very reason, I understand.
But on its own merits, Holy Chicken! has succeeded in once again exposing the lies of the fast food industry. We fell for all of their rebrandings in the wake of his first expose and although we thought it did, nothing changed.
Do you know what phrases like "free range" or "farm to table" really mean? Maybe you should. He's still a better documentarian than a researcher (or in this case, restauranteur), but it's still an informative watch.
Denmark's food loving protégés aged ten to fifteen years old show their precocious culinary skills to the judges in the MasterChef kitchen and fiercely compete for the MasterChef Junior title. (IMDB)
Fox
My other Gordon pick, but the real stars of this show are the kids.
I simply don't understand how their little kid brains are this smart and cool and badass and talented.
Dare me to buy tickets to the live touring show when it comes to my city next month. You won't.
This month, I’m doing some haiku reviews: five syllable, seven syllable, five syllables reviews of this month’s selections. It’s a format I do from time to time and tend to enjoy.
Normally, I only stick to movies that I like and feel great about recommending. However, our tastes might be different, so I’ve snuck in a few flicks I’m not crazy about, but you might like. And maybe you’ve never heard of them. That’s why you’re here, right?
As always, movie or theme suggestions are welcome. Just shoot me an email or leave a comment on Substack.
Oh, and share with your friends.
Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure (1989)
Bill and Ted are high school buddies starting a band. They are also about to fail their history class—which means Ted would be sent to military school—but receive help from Rufus, a traveller from a future where their band is the foundation for a perfect society. With the use of Rufus’ time machine, Bill and Ted travel to various points in history, returning with important figures to help them complete their final history presentation.
On the streets they call cash dead presidents. And that’s just what a Vietnam veteran is after when he returns home from the war only to find himself drawn into a life of crime. With the aid of his fellow vets he plans the ultimate heist – a daring robbery of an armored car filled with unmarked U.S. currency!
In the near future, drive-in theatres are turned into concentration camps for the undesirable and unemployed. The prisoners don’t really care to escape because they are fed and they have a place to live which is, in most cases, probably better than the outside. Crabs and his girlfriend Carmen are put into the camp and all Crabs wants to do is escape.
The young Harold lives in his own world of suicide-attempts and funeral visits to avoid the misery of his current family and home environment. Harold meets an 80-year-old woman named Maude who also lives in her own world yet one in which she is having the time of her life. When the two opposites meet they realize that their differences don’t matter and they become best friends and love each other.
A look at the intersection of religion and activism, tracing the rise of The Satanic Temple: only six years old and already one of the most controversial religious movements in American history. The Temple is calling for a Satanic revolution to save the nation’s soul. But are they for real?
Pretty self-explanatory this month - they’re movies about movies.
This is a subject I keep coming back to, something about the meta-ness and commentary quality of this niche is so interesting to me. I hope you find it interesting as well.
We’re gonna start with a few narratives, then move into a list of documentaries about a million different parts of the movie-making process: how movies get made, dubbing, poster art, and the places we watch movies.
8 1/2 (1963)
Guido Anselmi, a film director, finds himself creatively barren at the peak of his career. Urged by his doctors to rest, Anselmi heads for a luxurious resort, but a sorry group gathers—his producer, staff, actors, wife, mistress, and relatives—each one begging him to get on with the show. In retreat from their dependency, he fantasizes about past women and dreams of his childhood.
I cannot say I fully appreciate 8 1/2.
But a lot of people older and smarter than me do, so it's a me thing for sure.
It's in the Criterion Collection, it won Oscars, it's considered one of the greatest films of all time.
A man whose brain becomes magnetized unintentionally destroys every tape in his friend’s video store. In order to satisfy the store’s most loyal renter, an aging woman with signs of dementia, the two men set out to remake the lost films.
I have to be honest - I liked Be Kind Rewind in 2008 more than I do now.
There's a certain Jack Black-ness that just worked better then.
But this film launched the art of "sweding" - remaking movies or scenes crudely, quickly, and in just one take. Backyard baseball kinda stuff. And sweding is still popular all these years later. There are sweded film festivals and it inspired a whole group of filmmakers to go to YouTube and just...make movies. Don't worry about the quality, don't worry about the production values, just make a movie.
It's even easier now than it was in 2008 with smartphones and all. Be Kind Rewind says just do the damn thing. And have fun.
A documentary that delves into the creative, often humorous world of audio dubbing a Hollywood motion picture for the international market.
So many people play George Clooney.
There's a French George, Italian George, German George, Indian George, Brazilian George, Turkish George - you name it.
And he has to have the same voice in every language. You associate George Clooney's voice with George Clooney's face, it would be weird if Brad Pitt's voice came out of Danny Ocean.
This doc is all about the politics of who gets to play George in every country. What an honor that is, what goes in to their work, and what it means to be a movie star by proxy.
Lost Soul: The Doomed Journey of Richard Stanley’s “Island of Dr. Moreau” (2014)
The story of the insane scandals related to the remake of “Island of Dr. Moreau” —originally a novel by H. G. Wells—, which was brought to the big screen in 1996. How director Richard Stanley spent four years developing the project just to find an abrupt end to his work while leading actor Marlon Brando pulled the strings in the shadows. Now for the first time, the living key players recount what really happened and why it all went so spectacularly wrong.
Making a movie with Marlon Brando is damn near impossible.
And it’s amazing that Brando had notoriously stopped giving a shit almost 30 years prior and he wasn’t even the most difficult part of making that movie.
This documentary, which follows the unbelievable behind the scenes of what became 1996’s TheIsland of Dr. Moreau, is absolutely bonkers. While most making-ofs feature casting decisions or going way over schedule and budget, this one features the world’s smallest man, real-life warlocks, and, of course, Marlon Brando.
An intimate conversation between filmmakers, chronicling De Palma’s 55-year career, his life, and his filmmaking process, with revealing anecdotes and, of course, a wealth of film clips.
Holy mackerel!
De Palma is one of the masters of the craft and this no-frills documentary gives him the spotlight to show why. He talks about his inspirations, explains how just about every project came to be, and tells some stories it doesn't seem like he should be telling.
From indie dramas to Hollywood blockbusters to Hitchcock homages to more Hitchcock homages, De Palma gives a one-man master class in just two hours. Free film school? What more could you want? Mandatory viewing for aspiring filmmakers.
A documentary on legendary movie-poster artist Drew Struzan.
This documentary maps out the career of Drew Struzan, the man behind the iconic movie posters for:
Back to the Future, Star Wars, Blade Runner, Indiana Jones, Big Trouble in Little China, First Blood, Harry Potter 1 & 2, Hocus Pocus, Hook, Muppet movies, Police Academy movies, and The Thing.
You know all of those images. Learn about the stories behind the images and behind the man.
Unable to purchase a $50,000 digital projector, a group of film fanatics in rural Pennsylvania fight to keep a dying drive-in theater alive by screening only vintage 35mm film prints and working entirely for free.
The Mahoning Drive-In, located in Lehighton, Pennsylvania, had a decision to make in 2014: raise the $60,000 to buy a new digital film projector, effectively keeping up with Hollywood standards and giving themselves the ability to show first-run summer blockbusters. The other option is a lot more risky: keep with the 35mm projector, screen exclusively classic movies still available on film and fully lean in to the retro atmosphere. The Mahoning has been screening 35mm since 1949 and they decided to not stop in 2014.
They chose the route of every celluloid fan’s dream, but it’s not all sunshines and rainbows for film lovers.
Rain seems bountiful and on some nights they spend more on electricity than they make back in ticket sales. Money is tight, employees are volunteers (and many travel from so far they sleep on cots or air mattresses Thursday-Sunday). Their love and passion for the theater is contagious and they don’t want to see anything happen to the film haven they love so dearly.
My girlfriend and I had the pleasure of visiting the Mahoning a few seasons ago on October 3, known to many as Mean Girls Day, for a double bill of the 2004 teen comedy classic, preceded by a similar film and my personal favorite of the two, 1995’s Clueless. We snacked on a specialty menu item of popcorn mixed with Hot Cheetos and washed it down with some Glen Coco(a). Folks around us dressed up, sang and quoted along, and a good time was had by all. We look forward to going back again soon.
A bit of a shorter list this month, thanks to quite a number of films leaving our most reliable streaming services. Kanopy and Hoopla are not nearly as bad as Netflix and HBO when it comes to movies leaving their service, but it does happen. As a result, I have to pivot to make sure the information in this newsletter is accurate for at least that month. That’s why I’ve given myself until the 5th of every month to check and double check that titles are still around.
This month’s theme is great ensembles. We love our movie stars in starring roles, but there’s something so special about great actors getting to work with great actors. In really meaty pieces, you’ll see that some of their best performances throughout their careers come when they have someone to play with. You’ll see that with folks like Jack Nicholson, Ethan Hawke, and Nicole Kidman below.
Great casts also means great directors and great casting directors. You’ll see those below as well.
Mars Attacks! (1996)
‘We come in peace’ is not what those green men from Mars mean when they invade our planet, armed with irresistible weapons and a cruel sense of humor. This star studded cast must play victim to the alien’s fun and games in this comedy homage to science fiction films of the ’50s and ’60s.
Warner Bros.
In true 1950s fashion, Mars Attacks! is like the difference between a malt and a milkshake. Milkshakes are great, (I will always choose a milkshake over regular ice cream unless the waffle cone is calling my name) but malts have that little extra something. Mars Attacks! has the little extra something.
Simultaneously a loving homage and undeniable parody of 50s sci-fi blasters, Tim Burton's ack-ack-ack aliens decapitate Pierce Brosnan, switch the bodies of Sarah Jessica Parker and her chihuahua, and annihilate Michael J. Fox before lasering the whole world. It feels like a blank check project (this was Burton's return to Warner Bros. after his Batman movies), but when you find out that WB's budget came in at $200 million less than Burton was anticipating and he had to cut so much of the script - you have to wonder what the hell this could have been. This movie has Jim Brown dressed as a Vegas casino Pharaoh, Jack Nicholson playing dual roles, and Tom Jones singing "It's Not Unusual" before fighting back. What more could you ask for?
Alex, Emily, and their son, RJ, are new to Los Angeles. A chance meeting at the park introduces them to the mysterious Kurt, Charlotte, and Max. A family “playdate” becomes increasingly interesting as the night goes on.
The Orchard
From the director of Creep, this movie is...bizarre. I don’t want to spoil anything at all, so instead I will leave you with this: The film stars Adam Scott, Taylor Schilling, Judith Godrèche, Jason Schwartzman, and a very good friend of Jason Schwartzman.
At the beginning of a nightly Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, Jim seems particularly troubled. His sponsor encourages him to talk that night, the first time in seven months, so he does - and leaves the meeting right after. As Jim wanders the night, searching for some solace in his old stomping grounds, bars and parks where he bought drugs, the meeting goes on, and we hear the stories of survivors and addicts.
Northern Lights Entertainment
A powerful ensemble piece that not only addresses addiction, but also loss, grief, community, religion, acceptance, self-guidance, and societal expectations. All through the vehicle of some really amazing performances.
With an expertly-assembled ensemble, everyone gets a chance to make their mark in this picture. Richard Lewis’ first dramatic role follows him as an alcoholic losing control in a desperate performance. Early performances from Sam Rockwell, Calista Flockhart, and Parker Posey signify great actors on the rise. And how about Oscar winners Faye Dunaway and Dianne Wiest?
If that’s not enough for you, try a fresh-off Pulp Fiction Amanda Plummer, Kevin Corrigan showing up to do what he does best, and Howard Rollins in one of his last performances.
Still not enough? Spalding Gray, LisaGay Hamilton, and character actors Julie Halston and Zach Grenier are just a few more.
I really didn’t want any of these write-ups to just be listing an amazing cast, but come on, this cast (and casting director!) deserve the shoutout. This is a movie I know you haven’t seen. You need to fix that.
Annie is stuck in a long-term relationship with Duncan – an obsessive fan of obscure rocker Tucker Crowe. When the acoustic demo of Tucker’s hit record from 25 years ago surfaces, its discovery leads to a life-changing encounter with the elusive rocker himself.
Roadside Attractions
This movie is perfectly functional, but the real charm here is the cast. And I think it's a trio that doesn't get their due.
Chris O'Dowd really had a moment there for a few years. He largely served as a supporting character for those bigger films and does the same thing here, as his character is there mainly to setup the romance. Most asshole boyfriend characters are one-dimensional and basically just that, the asshole. But O'Dowd's natural charm and shabbiness brings his character a bit more life.
I have no idea why Rose Byrne is not a lot more famous than she is. Perhaps she doesn't want to be, but fame clearly does not equal talent in this business as she's supremely underrated. It might have something to do with her tendencies to work in genre pictures (horrors like Insidious or comedies like Bridesmaids), but this simple romance gives her some space to shine. It's pretty hard not to fall in love with her. You can see the boys' dilemmas.
And finally, Ethan Hawke. I'm a big fan of his work and I think he's another actor who doesn't get enough credit. He's definitely the most recognized of the cast, but he never seems above anyone else. I think many of his performances give the aura of an actor who likes to work. He works hard with any script, whether that be with auteurs like Paul Schrader or Richard Linklater, direct-to-video action pumps, or simple little easygoings like this one.
Before he became Troy on Community or created Atlanta or won Grammys as Childish Gambino, Donald Glover was a part of the sketch comedy group Derrick Comedy.
Derrick Comedy hopped on the YouTube train early, posting their scripted comedy sketches to the site and gaining some traction there. (I’ve watched the Jerry sketch approximately 700 times.) When it came time to make their debut film, they found the perfect vehicle for their personalities and personas as likable dummies.
Mystery Team follows some kids who never really grew up from their meddling kids roots. Master of Disguise Jason really just wears Groucho Marx glasses, Boy Genius Duncan memorized some fun facts, and Strong Man Charlie, well, isn’t really that strong. When it’s time for them to solve a real crime, in this case, a double homicide, they’re obviously in way over their heads. Comedy ensues.
If you’re familiar with Derrick Comedy or any of the Community-esque shows, you’ll appreciate the humor. There’s one scene that finds them in a strip club that’s a particular goldmine for this premise. If you like these folks (or people like Parks and Rec’s Aubrey Plaza, The Office’s Ellie Kemper, or SNL’s Bobby Moynihan) — then this is a must. They’re all early in their careers and eager to make this movie and that excitedness comes across so perfectly for these characters.
Dr. Steven Murphy is a renowned cardiovascular surgeon who presides over a spotless household with his wife and two children. Lurking at the margins of his idyllic suburban existence is Martin, a fatherless teen who insinuates himself into the doctor’s life in gradually unsettling ways.
A24
Barry Keoghan is haunting in a break-out performance.
Colin Farrell is hypnotizing.
Nicole Kidman? Well, she made this movie, Eyes Wide Shut, and Dogville, and somehow her AMC Commercial is still the weirdest thing she’s ever done.
All joking aside, nothing can prepare you for this movie. Director Yorgos Lanthimos has a knack for casting charismatic people in ice-cold roles. You get the best of that here. If you’re looking for great performances in a well-cast film (I would imagine you are if you’ve read this far), it doesn't get much better than this.
