THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKNGJAY, PART 2

We loved the first movie; didn't like the 2nd one (too many endless battles); really enjoyed the 3rd one (lots of character development); and this last one was a mixed experience.

The first 2/3rds were excellent (a 9). Katniss and her team of friends including a gradually  recovering Peeta joined forces to take District 2 and then eventually the Capitol with an intended assassination of Snow. It was fast paced and the tension was incredible as they marched and hid in the city approaching the Capitol knowing there were booby traps set up in lots of places.

They had an app which would alert them to bombs and guns. And there were several especially exciting scenes having to do with molten oil and an attack by the Mutts. Oh, and then an escape through the sewer system. Really good.

But when Katniss and Gale were in the crowd of other refugees marching into the Capitol, it got very dull and slow and boring. The unification of the Districts and the overthrow of Snow were anti-climactic and by the time it happened, i just didn't care.

The dullness ratcheted up even more in the last 10 minutes when Katniss and Peeta got together again. This part resembled a Disney like Nicholas Sparks land of cotton candy.

ECLECTIC CAFE

We used to come here all the time after a hike on Mt. Lemmon during Tucson #1. then during tucson 2, our favorite waitress had retired (a clone of barbara streisand and very efficient), their prices had gone up, portion sizes down. So we quit going.

Now that the cafe is located in 'our hood', we decided to give it a try especially since i had a coupon. unfortunately, the coupon had expired which i didn't find out till we were settled in our seats.

For a little over $21 we shared a curry chicken salad with cucumbers, avocado, berries and "Wilcox tomatoes" (really Safeway). It was  flavorful and we got a side of their russian dressing which was just perfectly seasoned and also a side of creamy dill which was also quite good. The portion of chicken salad was fairly small.

The salad came with 2 rolls which were a tad doughy but fresh. We also shared a  slice of quiche lorraine which we enjoyed.

We were certainly satisfied after our dinner but we wouldn't make this restaurant a regular part of our dining circle.

MOLINO'S MIDWAY MEXICAN FOOD

I have a love-hate relationship with this place. sometimes the food is really good and the tortilla chips fresh and other times, the service is slap-dash casual and the food is disappointing in flavor and presentation.

As of last night though, i am back in love. Delicious dinner and the service was personable and our food was served roadrunner fast inspite of the big crowds.

I had albondigas soup to which i added some of the excellent thin crispy tortilla chips. There were lots of meatballs in the soup and it was flavored with a hint of zip. I also had a beef tamale. Stuffed end to end with tender beef. Bill also had a tamale along with a side of rice and we shared guacamole..

I know we will be back and who knows what my review might be then. i'll either still be in love or in the throes of culinary contempt.