The Oscar nominated Chico & Rita is a very different film for a number of reasons but namely because it is animated film geared toward an adult audience.  The story begins in pre-Castro era Cuba and follows Chico and Rita's romantic journey which leads them around the world but not always together. Chico and Rita are musicians drawn together by an attraction beyond looks, beyond words but rather bound by music in their hearts and souls.

John Carter is out of this world but the movie is not.  John Carter is fun, a definite family friendly film to take the kids to see.  It is also great to see actor Taylor Kitsch earn his stripes in a big budget two and half hour film by Disney. Good job and congrats Taylor. 

The Coolest thing about Safe House other than Denzel Washington is the location, location, location.  Capetown, South Africa is the backdrop for most of the action. The young Swedish director, Daniel Espinosa, spent much of his time growing up in Africa, in Mozambique especially, and he knows South Africa well. As for the story, it is predictable; however, the action is like a roller coaster...non-stop.  Ryan Reynolds serves as the worthy co-star to Washington, a vulnerable and ambitious C.I.A. rookie. 

The PBS sensation that is Downtown Abbey must be our first TV Foodie Review especially in a year when the world will look to London for the summer Olympics we know know all things British.   On the show we see cooks in the kitchen.  We watch the cast eat dinner and have tea. 

The Help is a bittersweet story based on the New York Times bestselling book about the 1960's south and its divide between African American women and the Caucasion women they worked for.  Truly, most African Americans are tired of this kind of story; nevertheless, The Help does help a new generation become aware of the injustices of the past and just maybe how these injustices still trickle into society today. 

As for acting, you can not go wrong with the powerful Viola Davis, enchanting Emma Stone  plus scene stealers Bryce Dallas Howard and Octavia Spencer.

The Food:  Whatever you don't have pie but do cook or order some fried chicken.  Good fried chicken is the way to a man's heart in this film.