Two autumnal treats: this popcorn and a film that takes place on November 9.
Dave: [This review contains quasi-spoilers] A short ways into the movie, I thought “Oh, this is just Groundhog Day for depressed, slightly jaded people.” And, let’s be honest, I was right, but as the plot unfolded it felt less like a Groundhog Day knockoff and more like a kicky, modern take on the endless time loop concept, but with a Hallmark movie core that sweetens the whole film just a bit too much for my taste. Watching the main characters come to terms with and navigate living the same day (someone else’s wedding, no less) over and over is funny, endearing, and revealing. Notably, it reveals the Andy Samberg character to be a ridiculous man-baby that the other lead, Cristin Milioti, can often barely tolerate. But, in true Hallmark movie fashion, they end up together anyway. Still, it’s a sweet movie and the “choosing to stay with you after living the same day over and over” theme hits a bit different since COVID lockdown just now fading from our collective rear view mirrors. All in all, the film was sweet and funny, but disappointingly glib and cliché. (️️️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2)
This popcorn has so many lovely touches of fall that are some of my favorite flavors - orange, cranberry, caramel, almonds - that I have to assume we’d not tried it yet because the recipe is so darn fiddly. Making an orange caramel, spreading it over the popcorn, baking the popcorn for 30 minutes, etc. I’m darn glad we tried it, though, because it’s freaking delicious. The whole almonds were a little odd, but the caramel was buttery and orangey and ended up crisp but not too cloyingly sweet, and it was balanced nicely by the slightly tart cranberries. If Joe hadn’t taken it away, I might have licked the bottom of the bowl. (️️️️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐1/2)
Joe: I'm glad I went into this film without knowing much. Having just a vague sense of the plot adds to the off-kilter feeling foisted upon viewers in the first ten minutes of the film. As the plot evolves, unexpected themes arrive: the beauty of connection, the importance of forgiveness, the feeling of sharing life with someone with whom you've forged a deep connection. Lest you think it's a schmaltzfest, the proceedings are laden with gallows humor and moments of insight that, refreshingly, lack sentimentality. Also J.K. Simmons is a treasure. (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️)
It's a damn good thing that we skipped dinner and instead indulged in this popcorn. Sure, it's a sweet popcorn, but there are enough almonds to balance things out and make the experience feel more robust than a sugar rush. Oh, what a rush this popcorn is, too. Dave tinkered in the kitchen for quite a while making this, and I'm happy to report that it was worth every effort. The orange brightens the caramel, an enjoyable contrast to the sharpness of the cranberries. Truly delicious. (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️)
Popcorn recipe from: Popcorn Board
Palm Springs on IMDB.
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