Movie Review Monday: A Place at the Table

Welcome to another edition of Movie Review Monday!

This week's film is the 2012 documentary, A Place at the Table.

The movie follows the personal stories of a handful of Americans who, like millions of others in this country, experience food insecurity on a regular basis. They have periods of time where they don't know where their next meal is coming from, if it comes at all. They go hungry in a country where this more than enough food. Often, the food they do get, is not adequate nutrition for them to thrive, especially the children who need it most.

A Place at the Table explores the stories of hungry families in heartbreaking detail, as well as the political climate that created this current situation. Part of the problem is inadequate government programs to help supplement low-income families get enough food, as well as the core problem of income equality and stagnant wages. The documentary is helped along by the likes of actor Jeff Bridges, a longtime hunger advocate as well as experts in several different careers who are working to end food insecurity. The issue is complex and simple at the same time and it has numerous consequences, such as childhood obesity, a lack of childhood engagement with education, and an overburdening of charities to treat the symptoms of the problem.

I've reviewed other documentaries that connect well to this societal issue, like Food, Inc, and Inequality for All. There are others on Netflix as well if you want to explore this issue, but it is something where a lot of lip-service gets given out, but little is actually done to solve the problem. The problem is only increasing over time, so something needs to be done on a federal level to fight hunger.

Check out the film's website for more info, and do what you can to help end food insecurity in your communities (donate food, advocate for food assistance programs, vote for minimum wage increases, and support your local farmers' markets).

You can check out A Place at the Table streaming right now on Netflix.

Thanks for stopping by.

Movie Review Monday: Chef

Welcome to another awesome edition of Movie Review Monday!

This week's movie is Chef, the recently released project that was written, directed, and starring Jon Favreau.

The premise of the film is that Favreau plays a disillusioned chef who loses his fancy restaurant job and then opens up his own food truck which becomes a massive hit and makes him happier than he has ever been, as well as closer to his family.

I mentioned this movie once before in a weekly geek out after I watched it via a rental from Redbox. I really enjoyed the movie and heard many good things about it, which is what led me to check it out in the first place. It's a great look at food, family, love, and the artistic and emotional connection we can have with food.

Favreau is awesome in this movie, as is the ensemble supporting him. There is a very natural flow of humor and authenticity in the movie. It is fun, fresh, and a light feel good movie. It will make you smile (and make you hungry!). The whole thing just felt right and I can see this having been a true passion project for Favreau. It seems like it is exactly the movie he wanted it to be and I'm glad it exists. There isn't much out there in the mainstream that feels original and engaging like this film does.

I recommend you stream Chef, which is available right now on Netflix!

Thanks for stopping by!

Movie Review Monday: Food, Inc.

Welcome to another awesome edition of Movie Review Monday!

This week's movie the 2008 documentary Food, Inc.

I've heard about this film before and just never got around to seeing it. It got into my Netflix queue recently and I decided to finally just sit down and watch it. Focusing on the production of food in our nation, it is a harsh critique of the machination of the whole process, which has negative consequences for our health, our planet, and our collective souls.

What I appreciate about the points made in the film is that it isn't a movie trying to make you into a vegetarian or vegan. It showcases how we can responsibly raise meat as well as how all vegetables aren't created equal either. We should be conscious of what vegetables and fruits are in season locally as well as how animals are treated and raised. A big takeaway from the movie on this is encouraging people to go to their local farmers' market for more natural, wholesome, and responsibly raised food (and make sure they accept EBT!).

Our diets are a major aspect of our wellness and more people should have access to nutritious sustenance. Fast food and other artificial, empty meals are easier and cheaper for people to obtain. You should also make sure to drink plenty of water (get a glass refillable bottle!) and avoid things like high fructose corn syrup (it is in a lot more than you think). Vote with your dollars to support local, natural, and sustainable food options.

If you're looking for another good documentary about food, diet, and weight loss, check out Hungry for Change, which is a great look at our eating habits and how we can make simple, powerful, positive changes for ourselves and our families.

You check out Food, Inc. streaming right now on Netflix!

Thanks for stopping by!