"Labor Day" centers on 13-year-old Henry Wheeler, who struggles to be the man of his house and care for his reclusive mother Adele while confronting all the pangs of adolescence. On a back-to-school shopping trip, Henry and his mother encounter Frank Chambers, a man both intimidating and clearly in need of help, who convinces them to take him into their home and later is revealed to be an escaped convict. The events of this long Labor Day weekend will shape them for the rest of their lives.
Viewing Party:
I hosted a viewing party on Thursday, April 17th in the evening at my house for the movie Labor Day. I first used the movie download code and had it placed in my Paramount Movie Account. That account is linked with my VuDu account, so we were able to view the movie on my big screen TV all through the XBox and my VuDu account! I was worried, I might have to connect the laptop, but it was so easy to watch on the TV through the apps on my husband's XBox! After we got down watching the movie and my husband was looking at all the apps you could have with the XBox, we found the Paramount app too. I could of just watched it from there! Easiest way to watch a digital movie!
I invited a friends and family over that night to watch it, some kids came too. We waited for the kids to go to bed (they camped out in my kids' rooms that evening), before we started the viewing of the film. The kids did partake in the food prior to the film, but once the movie started they were nestled in bed! The weather here has been sketchy, so it was a bit cold and chilly that night, but my husband was so kid to grill out for the party, so we could have "typical Labor Day" food!
When we sat down to watch this movie, there were some skeptics among the group. To be honest one or two really had no desire to see the movie (mostly the boys...they thought it was a chick flick). I told them it was based on a book (which I had not read) and it was supposed to be a great movie. Usually, I read the books before I see the movie, but with the viewing party turn around time, I opted for the movie first. We crammed on the couch, loveseat and floor to view this wonderful film!
My movie thoughts: Get ready for a movie full of emotions, drama, romance and suspense. At times you will be biting your nails! Kate Winslet was wonderful in this film. She was excellent as tormented, depressed mother who was struggling to take care of her son, let alone herself. You actually connect with her in this film and feel her sorrow as you learn her back story. After Winslet's character allows escaped convict Frank Chambers to come home with her and Henry the story really unfolds.
We learn so much more about Frank. He is not just an escaped convict, but a man with a sorrowful past. His child accidentally drowns in a bathtub and during an argument he accidentally kills his wife. He doesn't seem to be a hardened criminal, but a man wanting a fresh start. He could of caused harm to Adele and Henry, but instead helps around the house, fixes the car, cleans the gutters, bakes a peach pie and teaches the Henry and the neighbor boy who is in a wheelchair how to play baseball. You honestly begin to root for Frank and Adele.
Henry is just a boy who adores his mother and longs for the father who although is in his life is basically absentee. He narrates this story about the few happy days during Labor Day weekend, the days he would like to remember from an otherwise unhappy childhood. You realize really what kind of effect those days with Frank had on him at the end of the film.
I really went into this movie not knowing what to expect. Yet, it was a bit slow at times, but it was an extremely well written and acted film. The ending is amazing and makes you believe in second chances, no matter if it is a year later or 25 years later! I highly recommend this movie. It is a great movie about second chances and not judging someone based on their past. Even my guests enjoyed the movie! The biggest skeptic and I were just talking about he movie again and he said he was really shocked by the movie and enjoyed it. He never wanted to admit it, but after thinking about the movie and the ending, he really did like it!
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| Image clip from movie! |
"A better man would of stayed" -Henry's father to Henry about leaving his mother
"I am stronger than I look" - Adele to Frank after she learns he is a convict
Food for Party: Here are some pictures from the party. I was not aware of the Peach Pie in the movie, or I would of made a pie, but we did have a cook-out to honor the Labor Day theme!
Images from Party:
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Purchase Labor Day
Digital copy on Amazon for $12.99 or $14.99 for HD |
| Image clip from movie (I took a quick picture from the film) |
Ingredients:
- 3 pounds peaches
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup Crisco vegetable shortening
- 1 stick plus 1 tablespoon chilled butter, cut into pieces
- 1/3 to 1/2 cup ice water
- 2 tablespoons Minute tapioca (plus 2 additional tbsp to stir into peaches)
- 1 beaten egg
- 1 tablespoon sugar
Directions:
- In a large bowl, combine the peaches, sugar, lemon juice, and cinnamon. Stir in 2 tbsp Minute Tapioca to help absorb juices. Let stand, stirring occasionally.
- Preheat the oven to 400°. In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt. Using a pastry blender, work in the shortening and 1 stick of butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of the ice water over the flour mixture, stirring gently with a fork. Continue adding the water just until the dough holds together. Shape the dough into a ball and divide it into two discs, one slightly larger than the other.
- Place the smaller disc on a sheet of waxed paper, and use a lightly floured rolling pin to roll the dough into a 12-inch circle. If the dough sticks to the rolling pin, dust it lightly with more flour. Lay a 9- to 10-inch pie pan face down on top of the circle; flip the pan over and remove the paper. For the crust, on a sheet of waxed paper, roll out the other disc to form a 14-inch circle. Do not roll the dough more than necessary.
- Sprinkle the tapioca on the bottom crust. Add the filling, mounding it in the center, and dot with 1 tablespoon butter. Lift the waxed paper with the remaining crust and flip it over the filling. Peel back waxed paper. Trim the edges of the crusts and pinch together the top and bottom crusts. Optional: Roll out the trimmings and cut into decorative shapes. Brush the pie with the egg, and arrange the shapes on the crust. Sprinkle with sugar. Poke fork holes or cut vents in the top crust. Bake 40 to 45 minutes, or until golden brown. Serve warm.
To watch Joyce make an Apple Pie: http://curious.com/joycemaynard/joyce-maynards-homemade-apple-pie
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