Oscar Review: Mad Max: Fury Road and Bayou

Cast: Charlize Theron, Tom Hardy, Nicholas Hoult, Zoe Kravitz, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Riley Keough

In 250 Characters or Less:

In a post apocalyptic world one woman escapes the rule of blood-drinking tyrant, Immortan Joe, to free herself and his five wives. Traveling the deserted wasteland, she has the help of a wanderer, Max, and an overly enthusiastic ex-follower of Joe.

What Works:

With very minimal dialogue, Mad Max: Fury Road is one giant car chase filled with spurts of explosions and Charlize Theron kicking ass. A woman on a mission, Theron is dauntless and ready to take down anyone who stands in her way...not someone to be trifled with. Helping Theron’s Furiosa is Max (Tom Hardy), a drifter who is haunted by the death of his family. Tom Hardy plays the strong, silent type. A man of very few words, he all about doing what needs to be done to survive, no matter who he’s fighting for or against.

Be Aware:

A big fan of car chases and all out brawls, we heard nothing but good things about Mad Max: Fury Road. But, from the first moment we began watching the film, we could tell the movie was going to be tedious. We love watching cars explode and random men playing fire-blazing guitars as much as the next guy, but at some point there needs to be a story in there somewhere...and not just randomly thrown together between action sequences. It’s all up to the audience to figure out what’s going on, as no real explanation is given throughout the film. You need to really pay attention to whatever words are spoken, as they are your main key to figuring out the plot. If all you’re looking for are giant explosions and fight scenes, then Mad Max is the movie for you. But, if you’re looking for a little more…or even any more, you may not find it here.

Overall Grade: C

Bayou

Menu Image as found on Yelp

In 250 Characters or Less:

Bayou’s eclectic cuisine spices up any night and certainly pairs well with an action-packed flick like Mad Max: Fury Road. This cajun restaurant serves up hot food and strong drinks -- and makes for an unforgettable night with fun live music.

What Works:

Atmosphere! Upon walking through its doors, you automatically feel as though you were magically transported to New Orleans. The live bands make for a fun night out, and the restaurant even hosts viewing parties for your favorite shows like The Walking Dead. And while there are many standout dishes such as its hot wings, mudbug mania crawfish, po’boy, bourbon street bbq ribs, fried oysters and deep fried pickles, our recommendation is to go with the macaroni and cheese spiced up with jalapenos.

Be Aware:

Be prepared to have lots of fun -- meaning don’t swing by for a glass of wine on a first date or come for a stodgy biz meeting after work. Bayou is more appropriate for a fun-filled Friday night with friends -- friends that don’t care about how their waistline will be affected in the morning.

Overall Grade: A

580 Gramatan Avenue in Mount Vernon

(914) 668-2634

www.bayourestaurantny.com

Oscar Review: The Revenant and Copacabana Steakhouse

Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hardy, Domhnall Gleeson, Will Poulter

In 250 Characters or Less:

Hugh Glass is a man with nothing to lose. After being mauled by a bear and left for dead, Glass uses his most rudimentary skills to not only survive, but come back from being buried alive to enact his revenge on the man who killed his son.

What Works:

In two words: Leonardo DiCaprio. I remember seeing photos of DiCaprio and wondering, ‘What was this role that had our normally handsome-faced leading man looking like someone that hasn't showered in a month?’ Well, as it turns out it was a look that marked one of the most transformative characters of his career. Everything from watching him survive a bear attack, to finding warmth within the shell of a horse show the lengths DiCaprio was willing to go to bring this character to life, helping audiences fully understand his struggles. The Revenant is more than just DiCaprio though. There is a great cast, including Tom Hardy, playing an out for himself frontiersman who is motivated solely by greed and fear; Domhnall Gleeson is a Captain who looks out for his men and believes in justice; and Will Poulter, as an innocent young man, caught between doing what is right and doing what he is told.

Acting aside, the cinematography is absolutely breathtaking throughout the film. From the frost bitten woods to the cascading landscapes, the scenery was as much a part of this film as the cast and story.

Be Aware:

The beautiful scenery and extensive details shown of Glass’ step-by-step struggles contributed to this film having a run time of 2 hours and 36 minutes. With the exception of the few action scenes (i.e. the bear scene and final showdown), the film's pace is relatively slow and serene throughout. A beautifully shot and well-acted film, The Revenant is well worth watching, though be forewarned it will require patience.

Overall Grade: A

Copacabana Steakhouse

Courtesy of Yelp.com

In 250 Characters or Less:

This Brazilian churrascaria is a meat lover’s dream. Highlights include its full-blown rodizio offering and popular “meat parade” - a hearty experience to perfectly match the intensity of The Revenant.  

What Works:

If you are a baconatarian at heart, look no further than the Copacabana Steakhouse. This Brazilian churrascaria is widely known for its “meat parade” featuring 14 various offerings of every combination imaginable including its decadent bacon-wrapped turkey. If seeking a little more variety outside of simply meat though, check out its all-you-can-eat rodizio which includes a salad bar and five side dishes.

Be Aware:

Copacabana Steakhouse isn’t for the faint-hearted so be judicious as to when to dine here. This restaurant is best when out celebrating, say a birthday, or other such occasion and isn’t somewhere we recommend swinging by on a whim during the week - especially without a reservation to guarantee a table will be available. The experience calls for skipping a meal beforehand to save room for the massive quantities of food served at the table. Also note that while the rodizio is all-you-can-eat, the drink refills are not.

Overall Grade: A

29 N Main Street in Port Chester

(914) 939-6894

www.copacabanasteakhouse.com