VCR: The Hunger Games

SOFT DRINK

Apologies for the alcohol-free nature of this post but due to bump, I've had to explore the world of soft drinks over the last six months. It's actually not been as bad as I expected! Loads of choice nowadays - with my go-to usually being a bottle of Belvoir. I like to drink it in a fizz glass just to make it a bit more fun (it's the little things).

*As mentioned in a previous post, the slippers I'm wearing are from Victoria's Secret in New York (a Christmas gift from sister S). I can't locate them online so would recommend these from Celtic & Co. I've purchased boots from this brand for years and have no doubt these pink mules are super cosy and will last a long time. Worth the investment.

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The Hunger Games films. This particular VCR evening involved the final instalment: Mockingjay - Part 2. Unlike many, I've never read the books so followed the story as portrayed by Jennifer Lawrence as lead protagonist Katniss Everdeen. In a nutshell, the films are centred around a televised competition where two teenagers from each of the 12 districts of a post-apocalyptic nation called 'Panem' are chosen randomly to fight to the death. In the first film, Everdeen volunteers herself in replacement of her younger sister. Without giving any spoilers to anyone who missed them, this ultimate instalment is where it comes to a head. Lots of action, emotion and unexpected twists.

Here's the trailer for the first film, to avoid too many giveaways:

If you love action movies, you might like this also (a 90s classic).

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Vino. Couch. Remote.

VINO

RedHeads Lot 7 Shiraz, Australia. This full-bodied, rich red offers a 'smack of oak'. Best enjoyed in front of the fire or cosied up on the couch.

REMOTE

Armageddon. I have to admit... I hadn't watched this 1998 classic the whole way through until now. (Pretty shocking, isn't it?) Although I'm 18 years late, it was worth the wait. Even by today's standards - the effects are impressive, while the storyline and A-list acting keeps you on the edge of your seat (seeking light relief in a glass of red...). In a nutshell: Bruce Willis and his team of deep core drillers race against the clock to destroy an asteroid - the size of Texas - that's heading straight towards Earth. Just your average day in Hollywood.

One of the movie's most memorable scenes is an inspirational Presidential speech (a scene most common in 90s classics!). "I address you tonight, not as the President of the United States, not as the leader of a country, but as a citizen of humanity":

Fancy another inspirational speech from a movie President? Take the stage Bill Pullman.

Vino. Couch. Remote.

vino

Brangelina's Miraval rosé, Côtes de Provence. The Hollywood power couple bought the French wine making estate (Chateau Miraval) in 2012 for £35m, making it their wedding venue in 2014. After enlisting the expertise of famous winemaker Marc Perrin, 2015 saw the launch of Miraval rosé to the high street, which received rave reviews from critics.

Papa B and I discovered this blushing bottle during a pre-wedding trip to Calais last year, bringing back a couple of cases for our wedding Sunday. Every so often I open a bottle and am reminded of very happy days. If you spot a bottle, definitely give it a try. (Bravo Brangelina.)

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The Pelican brief. If you love 90s Julia Roberts and Denzel Washington movies - this is for you. Great plot, impeccable acting and a hell of a lot of running from the bad guys:

If you love films from the 90s, you'll love this.

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Vino. Couch. Remote.

VINO

Kelly Country Shiraz 2014 - A rich red from Victoria, Australia. Its spicy blackberry taste makes it a great option for a movie night in during winter.

REMOTE

Frost/Nixon. - A historical drama based on their famous interviews in 1977. Directed by the legendary Ron Howard, you quickly realise why it was nominated for 5 Academy Awards in 2009. Starring Michael Sheen as British TV broadcaster David Frost and Frank Langella as Richard Nixon, the film culminates with Frost coaxing out an official apology from the former US President following Watergate: "I let the American people down. And I'm going to have to carry that burden with me for the rest of my life":

An extract from the original interview in 1977:

Well worth a watch with a glass of rouge. 

What movies can you watch over and over again from the comfort of your sofa? Join in the conversation over on Twitter.

Vino. Couch. Remote.

Vino

Di Cavallo, Sangiovese Rubicone 2013 - A full-bodied Italian red with ripe cherry and strawberry aromas.

Remote

Finally, 19 years after its release, I watched Independence Day!  Impeccable acting from Bill Pullman, Will Smith and Jeff Goldblum - loved their characters. My favourite scene: "We're fighting for our right to live":

I've recently discovered: Independence Day: Resurgence will be out in 2016 - and both Pullman and Goldblum will be starring! Liam Hemsworth also joins the cast. If this latest VCR evening is anything to go by, I vow not to wait double decades until I watch this one.