“Let’s Eat” Four Foodcentric Films

View the films at home (check https://www.justwatch.com for options) and join us for a Zoom discussion led by Bob Kagan.

May 29 – Big Night, 1996, Directed by Campbell Scott & Stanley Tucci.  Set in 1950’s New Jersey, two brothers are running a struggling restaurant, losing business to another restaurant in town. In one last effort to save the restaurant, the brothers plan to put on an evening of incredible food. Fun to watch and featuring great performances by Stanley Tucci and Isabella Rossellini. (Available at the library, and for rent on Amazon.)

June 6 (Note different day of the week!) – Chocolat, 2000, Directed by Lasse Hallstrom featuring Juliet Binoche and Johnny Depp. When Vianne and her daughter arrive in a small French village and open a chocolate shop little do the townspeople know how much their lives will change as a result of her sweet confections. Described as charming and magical, Chocolat is a real crowd pleaser. (Available at the library, and for rent on Amazon.)

June 12 – Mostly Martha, 2002, Directed by Sandra Nettlebeck featuring Martina Gedeck and Maxime Foerste. Martha presides over her kitchen with the precision of a military general. When her 8 year old niece comes to live with her and she hires a charming Italian chef to help out, her life changes dramatically. (Available at the library, and for rent on Amazon.)

June 19 – Chef, 2014, Directed by Jon Favreau featuring Jon Favreau, Robert Downey Jr. and Scarlett Johansson.  When a chef at a swanky Los Angeles restaurant quits his job he has to reinvent himself. Moving to Miami, he launches a food truck business rejuvenating his love of cooking and his passion for life. Described as upbeat and poignant, this film is a treat to watch. (Available for rent on Amazon.)

Bob Kagan was Chair of the Communication Department at Manchester Community College for 30 years. In his “unretirement” he teaches Communication courses at Central Connecticut State University and the University of Hartford. He has been leading film discussions at the Avon Free Public Library for the past 7 years.

Please register once for the series, even if you can’t attend each session. Zoom links will go out before the event.

This series is sponsored by the Friends of the Avon Library.