1. Take a Tour of Movie History with James Bond
ARCHER PARQUETTE, MANAGING EDITOR
Just when I was about to cancel my Netflix subscription, they pulled me back in. A few weeks ago, the streaming giant put every James Bond movie (except 1967’s largely forgotten Casino Royale) on its platform. For an obsessive cinema chronicler such as myself, this only meant one thing – it was time to watch all 26 James Bond movie – including the unofficial 1983 Never Say Never Again in chronological order. I’d already seen many of the Sean Connery originals and all the modern Daniel Craig ones, but I had a huge Roger Moore-shaped gulf in my viewing history.
And so, folks, I got down to business, and let me tell you … that’s a whole lot of vodka martinis, crocodile submarines and just godawful double entendres. But seriously, it’s actually been fascinating. I paired my viewing experience with a read of Sinclair McKay’s The Man With the Golden Touch, a book that tells the history of the franchise and dives deep into each film. The Bond series is unique in both its firm adherence to a certain formula – even when the movies stretch that formula in unexpected ways – and its consistent adaptation to the audience and the times. Watching the movies evolve is almost like watching popular cinema evolve as a whole. Bond responds to the insurgent hit that was Star Wars, to the emergence of Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger’s violent shoot-em-ups in the ’80s, and of course to the dated aspects of its leading man as the decades pass. It’s a cinematic phenomenon fascinating to observe … even when some of the movies are duds. (And also, Timothy Dalton’s underrated.)
2. Check Out the Grilled Cheese Grant (and Grab Some Chili)
CAROLE NICKSIN, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Two very fun things are happening this weekend. On Saturday, the Grilled Cheese Grant is the place to be. For $15, you get a delicious grilled cheese sandwich, but the important part is that proceeds go to funding artist grants—and you get to vote for the artist you feel is most deserving.
And then on Sunday, it’s WMSE’s Rockabilly Chili —great sounds and great tastes, all for $15 in advance/$20 at the door! Proceeds go to WMSE.
Architects, interior designers, renovators and landscapers: Submit your best work for consideration!
3. Play Return of the Obra Dinn
AMRITA THAKKAR, DIGITAL EDITOR
Winter’s back (for what, the third time now?) and I’m right back to huddling inside my house. I’ve taken a shine to gaming lately, but not your usual point and shoot, no – I’ve decided that even my games must feel like work, for some reason.
I jest. Mostly.
Return of the Obra Dinn came out in 2018, so I’m a little behind the times, but it still stands the test of time beautifully. Billed as an adventure mystery game, you spend your time walking around the Obra Dinn, a merchant ship sent out by the East India Company that was supposedly lost at sea, now mysteriously returned to port with no passengers on board. Piecing together what happened isn’t always easy, but it is infinitely interesting, and the simple yet intriguing artwork, accompanied by a truly stellar soundtrack, make it easy to spend time indoors as winter lets out its last gasp. Note: It’s easy to get caught up, but don’t stay up playing till 2 a.m. like a certain editor who is currently struggling to write a review of the game.
4. Pair the Chocolate Parfait and Espresso Martini at Birch
CHRIS DROSNER, EXECUTIVE EDITOR
I visited Birch’s bar room for the first time Saturday night, and I’m happy to report the burger is as good as they say it is and the overall experience was lovely. But the thing I’m still thinking about today is my dessert. Specifically, the chocolate parfait ($14) – layer after not-too-sweet layer of chocolate decadence – but even more specifically its pairing with one of Birch’s excellent, robust espresso martinis ($16). The harmony of chocolate and coffee (those twin descendants of the Maillard reaction) is not exactly under-recognized, but when I experience this degree culinary beauty, I must tell you about it here.
5. Go to a Bucks Game and (Maybe) See Giannis Play for the Last Time
EVAN MUSIL, ARTS AND CULTURE EDITOR
These are dire times for Bucks basketball. Even with Giannis back in the mix, the team is struggling with a weak roster. Vibes are sour. The Play-In feels out of the question now, and what’s in question is the future of the franchise and its generational star. That doesn’t sound like a great pitch to see them in action. But! My partner and I went to our first game a few weeks ago and still had a blast. The in-game entertainment was good fun, Fiserv Forum was interesting to explore. It didn’t hurt to see a Giannis dunk or two. For regulars, that may be the motivation. He may not play tomorrow against the Cavs – he left Sunday’s game with another injury – but there’s still a good chance he plays another game as a Buck before the season ends in April. After that, who knows?
