2015 Movies that Deserve More Recognition

Like everyone else, I loved Star Wars and Spotlight and The Big Short. But a lot of the best movies from the past year aren’t getting the recognition they deserve. Here are some of my favorites, in no particular order:

Amy – Grotesquely compelling and important documentary about the degenerative power of fame. http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/amy_2015/?search=amy

Far from the Madding Crowd – How is this film not getting more recognition? If you love epic, perfectly-acted, beautifully shot British romances, you’ll thank me for recommending this one. http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/far_from_the_madding_crowd_2014/?search=far%20from%20the%20madding

Love & Mercy – One of the best films I saw this year. I don’t understand why it’s not nominated for more awards. Paul Dano and John Cusack were masterful, and the story is fantastically compelling. http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/love_and_mercy/?search=love%20and%20mercy

The Wolfpack – If this story about 5 kids who grew up almost exclusively inside a NYC apartment (they only went outside briefly once each year) weren’t a documentary, I wouldn’t believe the story was possible. http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_wolfpack/?search=the%20wolfpack

Going Clear – I thought about this Scientology documentary for days after I saw it - http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/going_clear_scientology_and_the_prison_of_belief_2015/?search=going%20clear

Ex Machina – This unique sci-fi film should be nominated for all the awards. Go see it. http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/ex_machina/?search=ex%20machina

Slow West – This indie western is unique and beautiful. One of the best films I saw this year. http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/slow_west_2015/?search=slow%20west

McFarland USA – there’s nothing Oscar-worthy about this inspiring film about a track team from a rough part of LA, but I loved every second of it. http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/mcfarland_usa/?search=mcfarland%20usa

Going Clear – I thought about this Scientology documentary for days after I saw it. http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/going_clear_scientology_and_the_prison_of_belief_2015/?search=going%20clear

Trainwreck – Not a perfect movie, but it made me laugh. And laugh. And that’s worth a lot. http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/trainwreck/?search=trainwreck

Obvious Child – This movie, which admittedly came out in late 2014 (though I didn’t see it ‘til 2015 so it’s going on my list) is a comedy about an abortion, which at face value sounds like a really bad idea. But in actuality, it’s incredibly compelling and touching and funny. http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/obvious_child/

Happy viewing! And please send me YOUR recommendations!

My Favorite Low-FODMAP Cocktail: Citrus Vodka Seltzer

If you have digestive issues but you love happy hour, you’re in a bit of a pickle because a lot of alcoholic drinks are hard to digest. But there’s one that never gives me any issues, because it’s low in difficult-to-digest sugars and it's super mild (it's also low-calorie compared to most drinks):

Citrus Vodka Seltzer:

Ingredients:

-High-quality vodka (I like Tito’s)

-Seltzer (I use a SodaStream so I’m not constantly throwing away plastic bottles)

-A squeeze of fresh orange, grapefruit, or lime (if you don’t have fresh fruits on hand, just throw in a splash of orange juice)

Directions:

Mix everything. Put a bit sprig of mint right on top so you get what I call “mint-face” (i.e. a big whiff of mint) every time you take a sip.

Cheers!