Posts Tagged ‘movies’
5 New Ways to Food on Valentine’s Day
Posted by Sally Traynham / Tuesday, January 31st, 2012
The stress of Valentine’s Day may be looming on your shoulders as February kicks off tomorrow. This year, plan ahead and avoid the craziness of Valentine’s Day goers looking to drop loads of cash on fancy dinners.
Instead, stay in, simplify life and enjoy the evening with your loved one by doing something different than selecting items off the traditional prix-fixe menu.
Need Ideas? Here’s my list:
1 . Have a Movie Night with a Kicked-Up Snack.
Customize a movie list for the perfect evening with you and your beaux, but don’t forget the popcorn. Because you are not eating out this year, splurge by making some truffle butter. Buy some truffle salt and sprinkle it over perfectly popped and buttered popcorn. [William Sonoma - truffle salt]
2. Pack a Picnic.
Since Mother Nature can’t make up her mind, this year might be a perfect year for a picnic at sunset. However, even if you decide to take the party inside and enjoy the warm fire, open up that blanket and indulge in a spread that includes wine, food and sweet treats. [World Market - cozy blankets]
3. Taste New Beers and Wines.
If beer and wine is your thing, set up an at-home, customized tasting for the evening. Try a few glasses from new breweries or vineyards and pair them with chocolate or cheese. [The Hour Shop - modern glassware/barware]
4. Dip Strawberries.
Nothing is more delicious and sexy than a chocolate dipped strawberry. Buy strawberries and dark and white chocolate at the store and set up a strawberry dipping bar. Eat them right away or let them set up and feed them to each other after dinner for an exceptionally sexy Valentine’s Day. [Frans Cake & Candy Supplies - tools for dipping strawberries]
5. Make S’mores.
Cozy up around a fireplace or an outdoor grill and roast marshmallows that will sandwich perfectly in between two graham crackers and some dark chocolate. [The Dairy Godmother - homemade marshmallows]
Photo: Shutterstock/bonchan
[tips for the food desk]
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Friday, January 27th, 2012
When nothing beats hitting the couch and catching a flick, which rental option reigns supreme? We’ve broken down the basics for some of the scene’s most serious competitors. You be the judge.
Streaming
| Amazone Instant Video & Prime Instant Video | Apple (iTunes) | Netflix Streaming | Vudu | |
| Cost (individual rental and/or monthly fees) | $3.99 for 48-hour rentals, viewed within 30 days. Amazon’s Daily Deals start at $0.99; Prime members ($79/yr) get limited rentals at no extra costs. | $2.99 for 24-hour rentals in SD viewed within 30 days. HD at $3.99. | $7.99 for unlimited streaming per month. | Most rentals are $2 for 2 nights, though pricing is $0.99 to $5.99 for 24- and 48-hour rentals. |
| Library (movie titles) | 40,000+; 2,000+ for Prime | 14,000 | 10,000s (includes TV titles, too) |
< 12,000; claims more HD titles than competition |
| New Release Availability (DVD/Blue-Ray release date and/or delayed) | Disc release date for Amazon Instant Video, delayed for Prime | *Generally | Delayed up to several years | *Generally. |
| Convenience (instant viewing with device, kiosk purchases and/or mail-in services) | Instant viewing | Instant viewing | Instant viewing | Instant viewing |
DVD/Blue-ray
| Blockbuster Express | Blockbuster Total Access | Netflix Discs | Redbox | |
| Cost (individual rental and/or monthly fee) | 24-hour DVD rentals are $3 for movies released within the last 28 days; $2, 28+ days; $1, 90+ days; $2-$4 for Blu-Ray rentals. | By-mail subscription, 1 disc at a time, $9.99/month; 2 discs at a time, $14.99/month; 3 discs, $19.99/month. | $7.99 for 1-disk-at-a-time mail-in rental service. | 24-hour rentals (watch and return) are $1.20 per day for DVDs, $1.50 for Blu-Ray. |
| Library (movie titles) | 500+; 950+ discs in every kiosk |
100,000+ | 100,000+ | |
| New Release Availability (DVD/Blue-Ray release date and/or delayed) | Generally | 8Generally | Some 28 days later | Universal, Warner Bros. and Fox delayed 28 days |
| Convenience (instant viewing with device, kiosk purchases and/or mail-in services) | Rent/return at Blockbuster Express kiosk. Search for availability and reserve online. | Choose online; receive/return via mail, or at Blockbuster stores (Streaming with Dish Network Movie Pass.) | Make selections online. Receive/return discs in the mail. | Rent/return atRedbox kiosk. Search for availability and reserve online. |
sources: Amazon.com, Amazon.com spokesperson, Apple.com/appletv, Apple Media Relations, Blockbusterexpress.com, www.dailyfinance.com, Blockbuster.com, Blockbuster Press Relations, Netflix.com, Netflix Corporate Communications, Redbox.com, Redbox Media Center,
Christmas Countdown: Classic Movies and Christmas Songs
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Wednesday, December 21st, 2011
Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2011
Christmas movies are as anticipated as any aspect of the Christmas season. The comedies in particular spread joy all year. They provide wonderful quotes with which to enliven your conversations. Memorizing lines from your favorite Christmas movies will make you funnier and your friends happier.
Take “Elf,” for example. Snippets of dialogue can be adapted for everyday use. Whether a reference to “the yellow ones don’t stop” to a simple “wow … that was weird,” try inserting a line into ordinary conversation and reap the comedy harvest.
Posted by Rebekah Lowe / Monday, December 5th, 2011
Kevin McCarthy
Nothing is better than cozying up with a great flick once the weather dips. We tapped Kevin McCarthy, film critic for 106.7 FM The Fan and FOX 5 TV, to give us his must-haves for the queue:
‘TRUE ROMANCE’
“This is hands down my favorite movie of all time. To this day, Quentin Tarantino has yet to top the dialogue in this film, even though he came close with ‘Inglourious Basterds.’”
‘THE SANDLOT’
“My favorite flick when I was growing up. To this day, I still walk around saying “FOR-EV-ERRRR” and asking people if they want a “S’More.” Heck, I even bought a pair of P.F. Flyers because of this movie.”
‘TERMINATOR 2: JUDGEMENT DAY’
“For a film that was made in 1991, James Cameron’s special effects still look as good, if not better, than some films today! I bribed my parents into letting me watch this film when I was 8-years old if I received a good report card.”
‘JAY AND SILENT BOB STRIKE BACK’
“If you’re a Kevin Smith fan, this is the ultimate movie. The View Askew Universe is so massive, and to watch all of these connecting characters from ‘Clerks’ to ‘Chasing Amy’ to ‘Mallrats’ is a testament to his brilliance as a writer.”
‘VERTIGO’
“One of the greatest films ever made and a must-see. This film will take care of any tension-filled films you may be looking for. Alfred Hitchcock created a masterful shot for this film that is used today in, what seems like, every movie!”
‘FROM DUSK ‘TIL DAWN’
“This film knocks out a bunch of genres. You have amazing action, vampires, comedy and just brilliantly written dialogue.”
‘PULP FICTION’
“A modern day masterpiece. The soundtrack alone should have won the film the Academy Award for best picture. The film holds a special place in my heart considering I walk around all day with a replica of the wallet Samuel L. Jackson has in the movie!”
Check out more of McCarthy’s reviews at www.nerdtears.com.
Getaway: Where Movies Are Made
Posted by Rebekah Lowe / Friday, November 11th, 2011
By Lexie Ramage
It’s often said that movies can take people away from the little dramas of their lives. Getaway this November, and celebrate all the amazing movies that are coming out, such as “Breaking Dawn Part 1,” “The Muppets” and “My Week With Marilyn.” Escape to the places where these movies were made. Live, shop and dine like a movie star in Forks or Los Angeles. And if you have some more vacation time saved up, check out London and Surrey, England, too.
Forks, Wash.
Many Twi-hards recognize the town of Forks from the pages of Stephenie Meyer’s “Twilight” series. It may be far, but it’s definitely worth the drive (or flight). This small town has embraced the fame with open arms (or fangs). “Breaking Dawn Part 1” premieres on Nov. 18, so be the ultimate Twilight fan and check the town where the story was based. Despite its small size, there’s still a lot to do. Twilight Tours will show popular Twilight sites and throw in some information about Forks itself, too. Take pictures with Bella’s truck outside of the Forks Chamber of Commerce, stay at the Cullen House, eat “Twilight”-themed food, get all of your “Twilight” souvenirs and reenact your favorite “Twilight” scene at real-life places from the book. If you’re on Team Jacob then visit First Beach in La Push for some more photo ops (and hopefully some werewolf sightings). Even if you’re not a “Twilight” fan, Forks will show visitors small-town hospitality in a beautiful setting. Forks is also a scenic place for hiking, but beware of the rain (and the occasional vampire/werewolf war).
Places to stay:
The Miller Tree Inn Bed and Breakfast looks suspiciously like the Cullen house that Meyer wrote about in her series. Rates range from $115-230 per night.
“No Vampires Beyond This Point” says a sign at the Three Rivers Resort–obviously they’re for Team Jacob. Tent sites are $14 and up. Single cabins start at $89. Double cabins start at $99.
Jacob Black’s House Vacation Rental has the perfect name for anyone on Team Jacob and it’s modeled after the movie version of Jacob’s house. $198-250 per night.
Los Angeles, Calif.
You can now relive the nostalgic days of familiar characters like Kermit, Miss Piggy, Animal, Gonzo and countless others by visiting the newest home of the Muppets. The newest installment of the Muppet movies, “The Muppets” will be released on Nov. 23. Fans can visit plenty of settings from the LA-based movie like Hollywood Boulevard, Disney’s El Capitan Theatre and The Jim Henson Company lot. Similar to the old Muppet movies, the new movie will include a few surprise celebrity cameos and, of course, lots of songs. “The Muppets” will include some new characters such as Walter (the world’s biggest Muppet fan), Walter’s friend Gary (Jason Segal) and Gary’s girlfriend Mary (Amy Adams). In this movie, Walter, Gary and Mary must help Kermit reunite the Muppets to save the old Muppet Theater from being torn down by a businessman looking for oil. Disney’s El Capitan Theatre also has a Muppets-themed menu and pre/post shows when you see the movie there.
Places to stay:
The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel is located on Hollywood Boulevard and Disney’s El Capitan Theatre is only a couple minutes away. Rates start around $189 per night.
This Comfort Inn is very close to The Jim Henson Company lot and the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Rooms start at $90.
The Rodeway Inn Hollywood is about halfway from the El Capitan Theater and The Jim Henson Company lot. Rooms start at $58 and up.
London and Surrey, England
Who wouldn’t like to be Marilyn Monroe for a day? “My Week with Marilyn” shows a somewhat different side to the Hollywood goddess. She’s falling apart during her filming of “The Prince and the Showgirl” when Colin Clark, an assistant on the set, spends a drama-filled week with her in the English countryside. See the movie on Nov. 23 and spend whatever your vacation time allows in London to celebrate. Follow in Marilyn’s footsteps and take in a show at the Lyric Theatre, do some serious shopping on the streets of London and relax by cycling in Windsor Great Park. Drive to the county of Surry, where Marilyn stayed while filming “The Prince and the Showgirl.” Or even book an introductory flight lesson at the White Waltham Airfield, which was transformed into London Heathrow Airport for “My Week with Marilyn.”
Places to stay:
If you’re a theater lover, stay at the Thistle Piccadilly, which is only a couple minutes away from the Lyric Theatre. Rooms are $167 and up.
If you’re a shopaholic, stay at The Courthouse DoubleTree by Hilton since it’s in the midst of the best shopping London has to offer. Rooms start at $319.
If you’re in the mood for relaxation, stay at the Savill Court Hotel & Spa near Windsor Great Park. Rooms start at $127.
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Thursday, September 22nd, 2011
Harris Teeter Grand Opening
Harris Teeter is proud to announce the opening of the company’s fourth store in Ashburn, VA on Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2011. The company will be celebrating the grand opening and honoring its customers with a variety of weekend activities during consecutive weekends following the grand opening. Store Manager Rodger Holman invites shoppers to attend the ribbon cutting ceremony at 8 a.m.on Oct. 5. Attendees can also meet the new management team, as well as be the first to shop the brand new facility.
Goose Creek Villages Harris Teeter, 42780 Creek View Plaza. Ashburn, VA 20147
Opening Date:
Oct. 5, 2011 at 8 a.m.: Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Event Dates:
Oct. 7 – 9: e-VIC Mobile signing-up customers
Oct. 14 – 16: Harris Teeter Rancher Mobile Grill onsite
Oct. 21 – 23: Harris Teeter Ice Cream Truck onsite
University Mall Theatres
University Mall Theatres in Fairfax, VA show slightly older movies for just $4 every night! And join them every Tuesday for their Two Buck Tuesday deals- where all day and all night, every movie is only $2! Playing this weekend through the rest of next week: Cowboys and Aliens, The Smurfs, Horrible Bosses, Zookeeper, Mr. Popper’s Penguin and Bridesmaids. Also check out their website for group deals, film clubs and more!
NoVA Living Social Deals
Don’t miss out on today’s Living Social deal- $5 for $10 worth of money to spend at Nielsen’s Frozen Custard!
Housed in an old-fashioned-looking brick building in Vienna with wood floors, lazily turning fans and historic photos of the Tyson’s area, Nielsen’s has become a magnet for kids, parents and seniors alike. Real dairy cream, rich eggs, and other natural ingredients make this the most popular treat in town! Their homemade frozen custard is made fresh every few hours right in the store! Follow them on Twitter to see what new flavors they come up with next!
1/2 Price Entrees at the Tortilla Factory
Located in Herdon, The Tortilla Factory has delighted the Washington Metropolitan Area with the finest Mexican food this side of the border since 1975. They have something for everyone- from delicious Margaritas, to tasty enchiladas, to vegetarian options, to kid’s meals. Go here to print out coupons for ½ price entrées and more!
– Jennie Whistler
Truffle Butter Popcorn is Better
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Friday, September 16th, 2011
Rave Motion Pictures in Fairfax
I love going to the movies – and for me, no movie experience is complete without a trip to the concession stand. Some people head for the candy counter, some opt for a hot dog or some nachos, but I’m a popcorn girl and always have been- the more artificial movie theater butter the better! Until recently, I thought that was as good as it got. I was wrong.
If you haven’t been to the [C]rave café in Fairfax Corner’s Rave Movie Theatre, you’re missing out- because there they have the most mind-blowing popcorn you’ve ever tasted: truffle butter popcorn.
Yes, that’s right- truffle butter popcorn!
Now this isn’t just some standard, run-of-the-mill popcorn you pick up at the concession stand in the lobby. You must go to the [C]rave café to the left of the concessions and special request it. Most of the time they cook it up to order right in front of you, so get there a few minutes before your show to ensure that you have enough time. It’s worth the wait.
The freshly popped corn is sprinkled with garlic salt and seasonings and then doused it with butter infused with black truffle oil. It’s earthy, salty and- trust me- once you taste it, you’ll never go back to regular old movie-theatre butter again! For me, this is a perfect movie treat to go with this suddenly crisp, fall weather- it’s warm, comforting and oh, so yummy!
And don’t think that just because it’s made with truffle oil that it’s going to break the bank. You get a good sized tub (yes, tub- not a simple paper bag) for just 5 bucks- and sometimes they’ll let you munch on free samples while you wait too!
So next movie night, leave the house a little bit earlier and enjoy a movie-themed cocktail (Thor’s Hammer, Harry Potter’s Last Potion) and a nice warm tub of truffle butter popcorn from the [C]rave cafe- and thank me later!
Rave Motion Pictures is located at 11900 Palace Way, Fairfax; (703) 378.6550
– Jennie Whistler
Posted by Lorin Drinkard / Tuesday, September 6th, 2011
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Got four quarters and a free evening? Every Monday night the Arlington Cinema ‘N’ Drafthouse screens current yet just-missed-it-at-the-theater flicks for a buck.
As Arlington’s local “movies, beer, food and fun” provider since 1985, the Drafthouse is a staple institution for all Northern Virginians. In addition to cheapo blockbusters, they have a full-fledged restaurant inside offering premium and microbrewed beer, chicken tender wraps, deluxe nachos, build-your-own-pizza and more at tableside service.
What’s currently playing on the big screen? “Cars 2,” “Mr. Popper’s Penguins,” “Pirates of the Caribbean – On Stranger Tides,” “Bridesmaids,” “Super 8″ and “X-Men First Class.” The move line-up changes often so be sure to check out their website for up-to-the-minute showtimes.
Under 21 are allowed when accompanied by an adult before 9 p.m. After that, it’s only the legal are allowed. Can’t make Mondays? Tuesdays at the Drafthouse are just as sweet with just $2 per screening. (Wednesday through Sundays shows run for $5.50).
And cheap ticket prices! /Photo credit: Arlington Cinema 'N' Drafthouse
Sign up for their newsletter to receive the latest scoop of events and special screenings. They also have a wallet-friendly comedy lineup, including the likes of Dana Gould of “The Simpsons’” fame, Hannial Buress from “30 Rock” and funny man Pauly Shore.
Plus, they even let you vote for what movies they should show next. So who knows – the next $1 film they run could be handpicked by you.
Arlington Cinema ‘N’ Drafthouse
2903 Columbia Pike
Arlington, VA
(703) 486-2345
www.arlingtondrafthouse.com
-Lorin Drinkard
Posted by Rebekah Lowe / Friday, August 19th, 2011
Friday, August 19, 2011
Get caught up on all the latest pop culture:
“One Day” with Anne Hathaway and Jim Sturgess opens in theaters today.
Kim Kardashian is getting married tomorrow. Here’s the scoop on the wedding. Kim sent a last minute invitation via Twitter to Ellen DeGeneres after Ellen tweeted she was sad she wasn’t invited yet. See what other celebs will be attending tomorrow.
Kat Von D & Jesse James’ wedding is back on but “LA Ink” isn’t.
A diner got kicked out of Houston restaurant for tweeting about the bartender being a “twerp.”
Abercrombie & Fitch said it would pay “The Situation” from “Jersey Shore” NOT to wear their brand, but the plan appears to have backfired with A&F’s stock value going down yesterday.
Bridesmaid attended wedding via Apple’s Facetime app on an iPad. The groomsman even walked down the aisle holding the iPad. At one of the rehearsals, he dropped the iPad and they had to get a new one.
Wearing a big engagement ring could lose you a raise or keep you from getting the job in the first place.
Nine things you think you are doing to benefit your health that are really hurting you, like brushing your teeth after you eat.
-Rebekah Lowe
Simple Carb, Serious Delusions
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Thursday, April 1st, 2010
(Video: Alex Beh)
Reality check, please!
–Warren
