Smooth CHOCOLATY thoughts?
So close you can taste it?
Well, lay back and enjoy the following devoted films...
dedicated to CHOCOLATE LOVERS.
'Chocoholic-ism'...may be a not be an existing word in the dictionary...it however fits just right into my vocabulary. I may not be what some may define as a class chocolate connoisseur like some that make a profession from eating, breathing and living chocolate...however, my eyes and palette have served me well.
When it comes to eating great chocolate...I want to believe that I’m very capable of distinguishing good quality from candy that's passed as chocolate.
I’m definitely not alone in this passionate group of consume by instinctual chocolate know-how type personalities.
When it comes to eating great chocolate...I want to believe that I’m very capable of distinguishing good quality from candy that's passed as chocolate.
I’m definitely not alone in this passionate group of consume by instinctual chocolate know-how type personalities.
If your interested...I spoke of this quite extensively in a past post titled:
Chocolate_up or down today?
Chocolate_up or down today?
Today, unfortunately...I will not be speaking of the decadence of eating
chocolate or getting your chocolate fix from some ceiling spouts
that discharge a smooth variety of melted chocolate
that discharge a smooth variety of melted chocolate
into 25 hand-crafted artistic glass vessels.
Or, will I be elaborating on cascading chocolate that flows through
Or, will I be elaborating on cascading chocolate that flows through
an originally and specially designed -- 27 foot high fountain housed
at the Jean Philippe Patisserie in the Bellagio hotel in Las Vegas.
[This is a collage which I created from various photos found on Flickr.com]
World's tallest (27 foot high) glass encased CHOCOLATE FOUNTAIN...
World's tallest (27 foot high) glass encased CHOCOLATE FOUNTAIN...
holding the largest volume (2,100 pounds) of melting flowing chocolate.
Designed by artist Michel Mailhot...from my birthplace of Montreal, Canada
... I will today, however, share with you a few dedications:
FILMS devoted to the indulgence of CHOCOLATE.
CHOCOLATE PASSION
(from Great Chefs)
[1992-2000] ... 3 episodes in total...
need to be rented separately
(approx. Running times: 57 min. each)
* General Review Rating... 3.5 /5
Summary: The Great Chefs series, produced by the Discovery Channel, presents famous chefs from around the globe, cooking favourite dishes from their renowned restaurants. This three-video set fulfills all your chocolate desires. The first episode, entitled Chocolate Dreams, includes recipes for Chocolate Toffee Mountains, Chocolate Grand Marnier Cake, Marble Fudge Brownies, and Chocolate Brownie Soufflé. The video includes a recipe booklet so you can easily prepare these delectable dishes in your own kitchen. -- Madeline Cavalieri, All Movie Guide
Viewers had their say:
. The cover photo of that luscious chocolate cake with chocolate ruffles and a chocolate band is just the beginning of what you will find within this treasure of a DVD. The master chefs of these pieces are mostly from the US (one actually being a transplanted Frenchman by the name of Jacque Torres; recognize him?) and with one recipe from the French master of chocolate, Robert Linxe of Le Maison du Chocolat in Paris. I thoroughly enjoyed both watching and creating these desserts, with some being a tad more detailed, though nonetheless, possible to create. -- Toni- reviewer from Amazon.com
NOTE: There are 3 more series that came out in 2009...however...no reviews yet...stay tuned.
Biography- Milton Hershey
The Chocolate King
(AandE DVD Archives)
[2004] ... Running time: 50 min.
* General Review Rating... 4 /5
Summary: This edition of Biography, the long running documentary series from AandE, explores the life of candy manufacturer and philanthropist Milton Hershey. Because his father moved so frequently, Hershey attended seven schools in eight years, never progressing beyond grade four. He apprenticed to a Lancaster, Pa., confectioner and then opened his own candy store in Philadelphia. By 1886, he was back in Lancaster where he soon found success making caramels using fresh milk, but by 1900 had sold his caramel business to concentrate on chocolate. In 1903, he built a factory near his birthplace to manufacture five-cent chocolate bars; the business so prospered that "Hershey" became virtually synonymous with chocolate in the U.S.A., and he branched out to dominate the cocoa and syrup markets. In order to maintain the constantly expanding need for reliable workers, he began to build a complete town near the factory, including stores, schools, recreational facilities, and a large amusement park. The became Hershey, Pennsylvania. -- John Patrick Sheehan, All Movie Guide
Viewers had their say:
. AandE does a terrific job of telling the story of Milton Hershey. He was one of America's truly great entrepreneurs. He made excellent quality chocolate available to the common man when previously only the rich could afford it. He cared for his employees' quality of life and well being at a time when business owners were known to be ruthless and abused their workers. This is a great video and I highly recommend it to anyone who has ever enjoyed a piece of chocolate! The video moves fast, and is fascinating, motivating, as well as informative. --Merola --Amazon.com
CHOCOLAT
[2000] ...Running Time: 122 mins
* General Review Rating... 4/5
(My personal rating: 4 /5 ... the confidence found in this leading character was breathtakingly inspiring....)
Summary: The most tempting of all sweets becomes the key weapon in a battle of sensual pleasure versus disciplined self-denial in this comedy. In 1959, a mysterious woman named Vianne (Juliette Binoche) moves with her young daughter into a small French village, where much of the community's activities are dominated by the local Catholic church. A few days after settling into town, Vianne opens up a confectionery shop across the street from the house of worship -- shortly after the beginning of Lent. While the townspeople are supposed to be abstaining from worldly pleasures, Vianne tempts them with unusual and delicious chocolate creations, using her expert touch to create just the right candy to break down each customer's resistance. With every passing day, more and more of Vianne's neighbors are succumbing to her sinfully delicious treats, but the Comte de Reynaud (Alfred Molina), the town's mayor, is not the least bit amused; he is eager to see Vianne run out of town before she leads the town into a deeper level of temptation. Vianne, however, is not to be swayed, and with the help of another new arrival in town, a handsome Irish Gypsy named Roux (Johnny Depp), she plans a "Grand Festival of Chocolate," to be held on Easter Sunday. Based on the novel by Joanne Harris, Chocolat features a distinguished supporting cast, including Judi Dench, Lena Olin, Carrie-Anne Moss, Peter Stormare, Hugh O'Conor, and Leslie Caron. -- Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
Viewers had their say:
. Amazing! - very very well done... I love this movie, very well played. It's a little bit unpredictable in the end, but the nice flow covers it all. I think all the scenes have so many personalities... It is just interesting. I love the setting in the old village of French; I love the conventional habit of those people; I love how everything is linked with new outsiders who bring a fresh perspective. Not to mention the delicious main theme... chocolate! -- Dudeicez, on zip.ca
. Sweet and deliciously charming ...Wonderful story - sweet and feel-good. Binoche gives a fine performance, as usual. Depp is fantastic - no surprise there! The real gems in this film, are the supporting cast, who sport their own quirks and personal dramas in a most splendid way! With so many sub-plots and underlying stories, this film keeps you laughing (and guessing) to the very end. The music serves as a wonderful background and the style of filming (as well as narration) maintains a mystical, magical quality throughout. Highly recommended. --Winkle --blockbuster
Summary: A kickboxing hero with a difference arises in this action saga from Thailand. Japanese mobster Masashi (Hiroshi Abe) and his Thai partner and girlfriend, Zin (Ammara Siripong), narrowly escape death at the hands of underworld boss Number 8 (Pongpat Wachirabunjong) and his bodyguard Priscilla (Sirimongkol Iamthuam), but the scuffle has unexpected consequences -- Masashi's superiors order him to return to Japan, and Zin finds she's pregnant with his child. Zin raises their daughter, Zen (Yanin Vismitananda), on her own and discovers she's autistic; one of the few things that helps bring Zen out of her inner world is chocolate, and in time the girl develops a remarkable skill in the martial arts. When Zin is diagnosed with cancer, the family cannot afford the chemotherapy that could save her life until her friend Moom (Taphon Phopwandee) comes up with a plan -- plenty of people still owe Zin money from her days as an outlaw, and with Zen as a candy-fueled enforcer, he might be able to get them to pay up and raise the funds for Zin's medical bills. Chokgohlaet (aka Chocolate) was directed by Prachya Pinkaew, who previously made several pictures starring Thai martial arts master Tony Jaa.--Mark Deming...All Movie Guide
Viewers had their say:
. Splendid Martial Arts, Female Hero. The Director has developed a reasonable story line with an interesting twist that provides a good context for the real point of the movie, which is to display (and display and display) spectacular and original martial arts sequences. And, it is all with a female lead, who plays an autistic child (that's the "twist") who is a savant in her ability to "see, copy and develop" various fighting styles. Talk about highly skilled.
Apparently, once Yanin was "discovered" by the Director as being the Female Hero he was looking for to carry a film like this, she was engaged in a 2-year-long martial arts/gynmastic training program prior to the film beginning.
And, cudos to the writers and director; they did a good job depicting autism (self-harm when stressed, social vacancy and disengagement, inability to tolerate change, rigidity, over-reaction to changed appearance).
Also, the characters were "true" to the end; the child Yanin plays is absolutely fierce in the middle of battle (which is physically grueling, and it shows), absolutely effective and compelling to watch (her body stances are firm and powerful even though she is physically tiny), but when not fighting is the same impaired child she was before (having an awkward gait, shuffling eyes down).
Films like this should be supported for the clear amount of effort, creativity and determination that it takes to produce. --n/a ...zip.ca
Chocolate
[2008] ...Running Time: 92 mins.
* General Review Rating... 3.5 /5
Summary: A kickboxing hero with a difference arises in this action saga from Thailand. Japanese mobster Masashi (Hiroshi Abe) and his Thai partner and girlfriend, Zin (Ammara Siripong), narrowly escape death at the hands of underworld boss Number 8 (Pongpat Wachirabunjong) and his bodyguard Priscilla (Sirimongkol Iamthuam), but the scuffle has unexpected consequences -- Masashi's superiors order him to return to Japan, and Zin finds she's pregnant with his child. Zin raises their daughter, Zen (Yanin Vismitananda), on her own and discovers she's autistic; one of the few things that helps bring Zen out of her inner world is chocolate, and in time the girl develops a remarkable skill in the martial arts. When Zin is diagnosed with cancer, the family cannot afford the chemotherapy that could save her life until her friend Moom (Taphon Phopwandee) comes up with a plan -- plenty of people still owe Zin money from her days as an outlaw, and with Zen as a candy-fueled enforcer, he might be able to get them to pay up and raise the funds for Zin's medical bills. Chokgohlaet (aka Chocolate) was directed by Prachya Pinkaew, who previously made several pictures starring Thai martial arts master Tony Jaa.--Mark Deming...All Movie Guide
Viewers had their say:
. Splendid Martial Arts, Female Hero. The Director has developed a reasonable story line with an interesting twist that provides a good context for the real point of the movie, which is to display (and display and display) spectacular and original martial arts sequences. And, it is all with a female lead, who plays an autistic child (that's the "twist") who is a savant in her ability to "see, copy and develop" various fighting styles. Talk about highly skilled.
Apparently, once Yanin was "discovered" by the Director as being the Female Hero he was looking for to carry a film like this, she was engaged in a 2-year-long martial arts/gynmastic training program prior to the film beginning.
And, cudos to the writers and director; they did a good job depicting autism (self-harm when stressed, social vacancy and disengagement, inability to tolerate change, rigidity, over-reaction to changed appearance).
Also, the characters were "true" to the end; the child Yanin plays is absolutely fierce in the middle of battle (which is physically grueling, and it shows), absolutely effective and compelling to watch (her body stances are firm and powerful even though she is physically tiny), but when not fighting is the same impaired child she was before (having an awkward gait, shuffling eyes down).
Films like this should be supported for the clear amount of effort, creativity and determination that it takes to produce. --n/a ...zip.ca
In Search of the Heart of Chocolate
[2008]...Running time: 25 min.
* General Review Rating... 5 /5
Summary: Director Tim Burton brings his unique vision and sensibility to Roald Dahl's classic children's story in this lavish screen interpretation. Willy Wonka (Johnny Depp) is the secretive and wildly imaginative man behind the world's most celebrated candy company, and while the Wonka factory is famously closed to visitors, the reclusive candy man decides to give five lucky children a chance to see the inside of his operation by placing "golden tickets" in five randomly selected chocolate bars. Charlie Bucket (Freddie Highmore), whose poor but loving family lives literally in the shadow of the Wonka factory, is lucky enough to obtain one of the tickets, and Charlie, escorted by his Grandpa Joe (David Kelly), is in for the ride of a lifetime as he tours the strange and remarkable world of Wonka with fellow winners, media-obsessed Mike Teavee (Jordan Fry), harsh and greedy Veruca Salt (Julia Winter), gluttonous Augustus Gloop (Philip Wiegratz), and ultra-competitive Violet Beauregarde (AnnaSophia Robb). Over the course of the day, some of the children will learn difficult lessons about themselves, and one will go on to become Wonka's new right hand. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory also stars Christopher Lee, James Fox, and Noah Taylor; the book was famously adapted to the screen before in 1971 under the title Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, with Gene Wilder as the eccentric candy tycoon. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
Viewers had their say:
. What a Surprise - I rented this movie way after the original hype, because to be honest, I expected to hate it. I thought nobody could touch the original Willy Wonka. I ended up loving this. Johnny Depp is excellent and once again impresses me as an actor. I love the twist put on this version - so extreme that I barely even consider this a remake. Its obvious Burton was not trying to "remake" this movie - more like create his own version. What a success. Love that Charlie and his family are still a lovable bunch. Wonka is even more odd and dismissive in this movie (but you'd expect that with the Depp and Burton pairing). Loved the music, found myself singing it after the movie was over, embarassingly enough. --baam, blockbuster
. Remake as good as the Original! - I'm completely against the idea of remakes. To me, they do nothing more than exemplify the lack of creativity in Hollywood today. I zipped this movie only because of Johnny Depp and I have to say I was quite pleased. The movie does not deviate very far from the original, and even incorporates the collection of Oompah Loompah songs. The only difference if the addition of flashbacks to Willy Wonkas childhood and his relationship with his father, however this plays little to no role in the plotline and could've well been done without. Johnny Depp plays a different kind of Wonka than Gene Wilder in the sense that he is somewhat of an introverted wierdo, albeit still very likeable. This is a role unlike any other Depp has ever done, portrays his versatility as an actor (although one scene will remind Depp fans FALILV).
I would definitely recommend this movie, as it would appeal to todays generation while not straying far from the original. The bright colours, and techy gadgets will thrill today's younger audience, and Depp will delight audiences of any age! --Iwantcolumbia, zip.ca
Comments or suggestions ... write me :o)
* General Review Rating... 5 /5
note: Available only at chocumentary.com for now.
Summary: A Delicious romp through the rich and creamy melt in your mouth, passionate world of chocolate. Follow filmmaker sarah Feinbloom as she searched for the origins of her chocolate obsession, interviewing chocolate enthusiasts along the way, delving into chocolate cake, art, fantasy, chocolate croissants, spirituality, sex, love, and hot fudge, and journeyin to the past to uncover chocolate's special place in our hearts. --the filmmaker's site
Viewers had their say:
Viewers had their say:
. Filmmaker Sarah Feinbloom explores her chocoholic roots in this tongue-in-cheek exploration of chocolate. Along the way we meet assorted chocoholics, learn some chocolate history, and peruse the shelves of Chocolate Covered, a chocoholic's paradise in San Francisco...what's not to love? Even the cover made me laugh. Best watched with copious quantities of chocolate nearby, because it would be embarrassing to be seen licking the screen. -- facts-about-chocolate.com
. My note: For an in depth and very interesting review... refer to one made by blogger: Gourmet Walks
WILLY WONKA and THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY
[1971] ... Running time: 100 min.
[1971] ... Running time: 100 min.
* General Review Rating... 4 /5
Summary: Promoted as a family musical by Paramount Pictures, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory is more of a black comedy, perversely faithful to the spirit of Roald Dahl's original book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Enigmatic candy manufacturer Willy Wonka (Gene Wilder) stages a contest by hiding five golden tickets in five of his scrumptious candy bars. Whoever comes up with these tickets will win a free tour of the Wonka factory, as well as a lifetime supply of candy. Four of the five winning children are insufferable brats: the fifth is a likeable young lad named Charlie Bucket (Peter Ostrum), who takes the tour in the company of his equally amiable grandfather (Jack Albertson). In the course of the tour, Willy Wonka punishes the four nastier children in various diabolical methods -- one kid is inflated and covered with blueberry dye, another ends up as a principal ingredient of the chocolate, and so on -- because these kids have violated the ethics of Wonka's factory. In the end, only Charlie and his grandfather are left. Ostensibly set in England, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory was lensed in Germany (as revealed by the film's final overhead shot). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Viewers had their say:
Viewers had their say:
. True classic! For years, “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” has been a classic movie in my family. The special effects are so spellbinding that it’s hard to top them, even in an age when Hollywood’s visual teams are getting smarter. To know that the film was made in 1971 is also hard to believe. Yet this terrific film, directed by Mel Stuart, is not just made memorable for the effects. There’s also great acting from everyone, especially Gene Wilder; unforgettable songs that you’ll find yourself thinking of every once in a while; plus great family values. My all time favorite movie!! -- beamersluggy --zip.ca
CHARLIE and the
CHOCOLATE FACTORY
[2005] ... Running time: 115 min.
* General Review Rating... 3.5 /5
(My personal rating: 3.5 /5 ... cutely whimsical...
delightfully colorful... brought back nice childhood memories)
CHOCOLATE FACTORY
[2005] ... Running time: 115 min.
* General Review Rating... 3.5 /5
(My personal rating: 3.5 /5 ... cutely whimsical...
delightfully colorful... brought back nice childhood memories)
Summary: Director Tim Burton brings his unique vision and sensibility to Roald Dahl's classic children's story in this lavish screen interpretation. Willy Wonka (Johnny Depp) is the secretive and wildly imaginative man behind the world's most celebrated candy company, and while the Wonka factory is famously closed to visitors, the reclusive candy man decides to give five lucky children a chance to see the inside of his operation by placing "golden tickets" in five randomly selected chocolate bars. Charlie Bucket (Freddie Highmore), whose poor but loving family lives literally in the shadow of the Wonka factory, is lucky enough to obtain one of the tickets, and Charlie, escorted by his Grandpa Joe (David Kelly), is in for the ride of a lifetime as he tours the strange and remarkable world of Wonka with fellow winners, media-obsessed Mike Teavee (Jordan Fry), harsh and greedy Veruca Salt (Julia Winter), gluttonous Augustus Gloop (Philip Wiegratz), and ultra-competitive Violet Beauregarde (AnnaSophia Robb). Over the course of the day, some of the children will learn difficult lessons about themselves, and one will go on to become Wonka's new right hand. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory also stars Christopher Lee, James Fox, and Noah Taylor; the book was famously adapted to the screen before in 1971 under the title Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, with Gene Wilder as the eccentric candy tycoon. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
Viewers had their say:
. What a Surprise - I rented this movie way after the original hype, because to be honest, I expected to hate it. I thought nobody could touch the original Willy Wonka. I ended up loving this. Johnny Depp is excellent and once again impresses me as an actor. I love the twist put on this version - so extreme that I barely even consider this a remake. Its obvious Burton was not trying to "remake" this movie - more like create his own version. What a success. Love that Charlie and his family are still a lovable bunch. Wonka is even more odd and dismissive in this movie (but you'd expect that with the Depp and Burton pairing). Loved the music, found myself singing it after the movie was over, embarassingly enough. --baam, blockbuster
. Remake as good as the Original! - I'm completely against the idea of remakes. To me, they do nothing more than exemplify the lack of creativity in Hollywood today. I zipped this movie only because of Johnny Depp and I have to say I was quite pleased. The movie does not deviate very far from the original, and even incorporates the collection of Oompah Loompah songs. The only difference if the addition of flashbacks to Willy Wonkas childhood and his relationship with his father, however this plays little to no role in the plotline and could've well been done without. Johnny Depp plays a different kind of Wonka than Gene Wilder in the sense that he is somewhat of an introverted wierdo, albeit still very likeable. This is a role unlike any other Depp has ever done, portrays his versatility as an actor (although one scene will remind Depp fans FALILV).
I would definitely recommend this movie, as it would appeal to todays generation while not straying far from the original. The bright colours, and techy gadgets will thrill today's younger audience, and Depp will delight audiences of any age! --Iwantcolumbia, zip.ca
Well, for now...
this is the end of the road.
Tune in for updates as more...
Chocolate type films are reviewed.
If I've missed a movie you've seen...
and it received very good ratings...
and it received very good ratings...
please do not hesitate to share it with us.
Help me keep this list as updated as possible...greatly appreciated.
Has any one of these films piqued your curiosity...
enough to make your 'MUST SEE' list this coming year???
For more DVD - FOOD related FILM viewing selections by CATEGORY...Click Here...
Flavourful wishes and happy viewing,
Foodessa
Comments or suggestions ... write me :o)
Claudia at: foodessa [at] gmail [dot] com
!!! Very Important notice was mentioned on the Master CATEGORY page...
please make note of the disclosure statements. Click here to Read about it!
please make note of the disclosure statements. Click here to Read about it!
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