New Fifty Shades of Grey Trailer!

Ok, so I don't know much about Fifty Shades of Grey but the new trailer is up...What do you think?

SingleDumb (2014)

Check out this awesome chick flick style web series called "SingleDumb" (2014)...

 

Created by Alexandra Kern

Enough Said (2013)

Directed by Nicole Holofcener
Starring Julia Louis-Dreyfus, James Gandolfini, Catherine Keener, Toni Collette, and Ben Falcone

by Joshua Simpkins
This is a pretty good flick to watch. Enough said!



That was my review. See ya later!



What? You’re still here? What do you want from me? A synopsis?



Ok! Ok! Relax! I’ll give you a synopsis!

So, Julia Louis-Dreyfus (JLD) plays a divorcee masseuse named Eva who meets Albert, a nice guy played by James Gandolfini (in one of his final roles). At the same party she befriends, Marissa (Catherine Keener), a successful poet whom she takes on as a client. She is also friends with Toni Collette (did I mention that). Well, Eva and Albert hit it off, and she really starts to like him, even though he’s fat, and then she finds out that Marissa is actually his ex-wife, and she uses the relationship to get info on Albert, which begins to sour her feelings for him. Until [spoiler] he finds out…and…Enough said!

For a chick flick, this is a pretty well made little film with some great acting and funny parts.  And, don't get it twisted.  This is indeed a chick flick.  JLD dresses down to believably play Eva with just the right amount of insecurity and spunk. James Gandolfini plays against type as Mr. Simple Nice Guy and he pulls it off quite well. And, Catherine Keener is really spot-on as the organized, new age (?) poet. Even Toni Collette and Ben Falcone, are great as the comic relief couple. All in all a great film. Enough Said.

This a movie made by adults for adults even though the characters don’t always act like adults in the movie. Let me rephrase, this is a movie made by LA adults for LA adults, acting like LA adults. Not that I have a problem with LA, I hear the weather is nice. One more time, maybe not as harsh, this is a movie made by LA adults for women that don’t always act like adults. I should just stop typing now before I..well..Enough said.

At least, I think I’m funny. Enough said.

FORCE THE BOYFRIEND:  7 out of 10 (He'll think its aight)

Beer Recommendation

This chick flick will go down smooth with a  smoothy, smooth

Kelso Pilsner.  While it has nothing to do with LA or even children

going to Sarah Lawrence it has everything to do with deliciousness 

and being smoothy, smooth smooth.

(Click photo to read more)

For more about Enough Said visit IMDB.

For more about Kelso Beer click here.

If you want more chick flick reviews then click here.

If you are interested in a sarcastic little dog well you better click here.

And, as always, please remember to drink responsibly.

Even Yorkies Like Chick Flicks!

Kelso Pilsner

So, I’m not going to wax poetic about how it’s the 4th of July and patriotism, and backyard barbecues and how good this beer would be with a group of your best friends and family. I won’t tell you how delicious it will be ice cold as the temperature rises this weekend. I won’t say any of that because I think I said it all before about another beer. Because for some reason, every beer I taste, if its good, I want to head out and fire up the grill, invite some friends over, and throw a party. But, that’s just me.

Straight outta Brooklyn, Kelso Brewing Company's  Pilsner comes in a can. And, it taste great right out of the can. It tastes even better when poured into a glass. It’s beautifully transparent and gold in color. It is very bright and has a thick, soapy head with decent lacing for a Pilsner. The aroma has a hint of spice with some grains. It has a trace of sweetness and grain. It has a nice dry finish.

I definitely would recommend this beer to anyone. And, if you’re thinking about picking up some Miller Lite, Budweiser, or Coors forget about it and pick up a sixer of Kelso’s Pilsner. You won’t regret it.

Profile:  It's a pilsner that is bright, light golden and airy.

Food Pairing:  This would go great with just about anything.  Burgers, hotdogs, you name it.  If it goes on the grill it will go with this beer.

Cheese pairing:  Gouda.  It would be very gouda with gouda!

Drinking utensil:  Pint glass or straight from the can.

I would pair this with any chick flick that goes down smooth.  Something classic that you would watch on the weekend.  Here's a suggestion!

Have a Happy and safe 4th of July weekend and remember to please drink responsibly!

Click here to learn more about Kelso Beer Company in Brooklyn, New York! Have a Happy and safe 4th of July weekend and remember to please drink responsibly!

For a Good Time, Call... (2012)

Starring Lauren Miller, Ari Graynor, and Justin Long
Directed by Jamie Travis

Alright guys (and gals) you’ve all seen it written before on the bathroom wall, “For a Good Time Call…”. The only problem it usually says, “For A Good Time Call Tony”, or “For _________ Call Tony”, and you don’t really want to call Tony because the idea of even crossing paths with Tony scares the hell out of you. It’s not a good time. Nor will it ever be a good time. Tony haunts your dreams, and fuels your nightmares. Somewhere he is out there in the night providing a “good time” like some perverted superhero. The last thing you want to be awakened by is Tony staring at you through your bedroom window on a stormy night! But, enough about Tony. Tony’s my next door neighbor. He’s not even in this movie.

For A Good Time Call... seems like it wants to appeal to guys with all the dirty talking, and phone sex, and sex jokes. Do not be fooled. This is a chick flick, made by chicks, for chicks. It is about an over-achiever who is dumped by her douchbag boyfriend before he takes a job transfer. She enlists the help of her go-to gay friend (Justin Long) who suggests he move in with her slutty college nemesis, Lauren (Ari Graynor). Due to financial hardships, they both agree to live together and Lauren quickly learns that Katie is a phone sex operator. They end up becoming besties and Tony appears. Just kidding. Tony’s my neighbor.

This movie was written by Lauren Miller. The same Lauren Miller who plays the main character Lauren Powell. I know, pretty meta, right? She is married to Seth Rogen which I think is why he makes a cameo as a Seth Rogeny self-pleasuring pilot. There are a couple if not a few cameos of gentlemen callers in this film to look out for in this chick flick. I won't ruin the surprises. But, I will overhype them by even mentioning their existence. I know, I know but you want to know answers to the real questions. Is it any good? Is it funny? Should I even keep reading this garbage review? At least, tell me what Tony looks like. Look, forget about Tony. He’s not really real. I made him up! He’s not really my neighbor. Just kidding again. Or am I?

If you want to have a good time, and you don't want to call the number written on the nearest public restroom wall, you could watch this movie. You’ll have a good time. Will you have a great time? No. But, all times can’t be great. So, for a good time watch For A Good Time Call...and drink beer while you do it.

FORCE THE BOYFRIEND: 6.5 out of 10 (He'll have a few laughs, and then when you think he's done laughing, he'll laugh again)

Beer Pairing Recommendation

These chicks raise a little hell in the chick flick made by chick

for chicks.  So what could be better than a little Dogfish Head 

Hellhound.  So, if you want to raise a little hell while watching

For a Good Time Call...this beer is for you!

(click to read more)

For more info on For a Good Time Call.. click here

Blended (2014)

Starring Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore
Directed by Frank Coraci

by Joshua Simpkins

Adam Sandler is known for comedies. Occasionally, he slips in a romantic comedy. Or, you could say that most of them are the same romantic comedies over and over again. Two of his previous romantic comedies have costarred Drew Barrymore. First comes The Wedding Singer (1998), then comes 50 First Dates (2004), then comes Blended (2014) in a baby carriage. Who ever thought they would see a Sandler/Barrymore Trilogy. I know I sure didn’t, but hey trilogies equal dollar signs these days. Why not?

Blended is a blend (see what I did there) of previous Adam Sandler comedies and classic chick flick, (I know, I know, its romantic comedy) clichés. You know the ones. Boy meets girl on a blind date to hooters, girl and boy end up going to Africa on a thin, far-fetched plot device, monkeys play instruments in Hooters outfits to boy and girl, Boy and girl fall in love. We’ve seen it all before. Seriously, we’ve seen it all before. Well, everything except the monkeys which I really enjoyed. Monkeys win.

Adam Sandler plays Jim, a widowed Dick's Sporting Goods manager with three daughters who goes on a disastrous blind date with Lauren (Drew Barrymore).  Lauren is the organized single mother of two boys who runs a closet organizing business called "Closet Queens".  At first, they hate each other, but after falling into a cheap trip to Africa where both of their families must "blend" they both start to see each other's good qualities.

Blended really is a blend. And, if you pay close attention you might find the hidden surprises and cameos, aka easter eggs, hidden with the film from Sandler and Barrymore's earlier films. "Hi, I'm Tom." But, slipping in a few cameos doesn't hide the fact that their is some rather lazy story telling going on. Is it a horrible film? No. But, some of it does seem a little phoned in. Hey, I've got an idea. Africa seems like a fun place, right? Hey, I’ve got an idea. Let’s make a movie and then everyone can go. Hurry, somebody write a script! (Sandler voice) Ahh, Let’s go!

Now, don't get me wrong. I like Adam Sandler movies. I grew up with Sandler. Literally. No, that's a lie. But, I'm the age that was his demographic. Although, I'm not sure if I still am. It just seems his past five (or 10) attempts have been an excuse for him to have fun with his friends and get paid for it. I’m not a stick in the mud, I’m all for fun. But, it’s a shame when we’ve seen him make hilarious movies, as well as, take great dramatic acting turns.

Now, should you force the boyfriend to watch this? It's probably the other way around. While on paper it appears to be a chick flick, it never really decides whether it wants to be a classic Sandler comedy, or allow us to engage emotionally with the characters. Every time things turn emotional it is quickly undermined by a gag (some really bad stereotyping going on) or a stunt. It really doesn't allow itself to stay as sweet as The Wedding Singer, or 50 First Dates.  Drew Barrymore is great as Lauren.  It is funny at times, though (Be sure not to make fun of a Mom's kid).  And, a little sweet in others.

FORCE THE BOYFRIEND:  5 out of 10 (Who's Forcing Who)

Beer Pairing Recommendation

Nothing says summer vacation more than a delicious summer ale. 

And, Blue Point makes a good one.  Some enjoy a few this summer on

while out on vacation with Adam Sandler.  Oh, he won't return your 

voicemails or emails or texts or when you drop by for a quick

visit?  Well, drink one anyway.  Stalker.

(click to read more)

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!

CHICK FLICKS and BEER celebrated five years of being online.  And, by my own admission, I missed it.  Well, actually I remembered a while back, was planning to do something big, like throw a huge party, or shoot an hilarious video, or write a brand new still-in-theaters review, or just mention it to someone in conversation, and then I forgot about it.  So, I didn't actually do anything.  Mamma Mia, life is complicated!

So, instead I leave you with a few of our highlights over the past 5 years.  This is for anyone who ever read, commented, wrote, shared or enjoyed this blog.  You guys are sweet! I try to keep it going for you.  You had me at hello.  Stop.  You had me at hello.

Anywho, let's hope into the time machine and travel back May 5th, 2008 when I wrote about a movie released in 1992.

You can read about how it all started.  With the classic man-film Far and Away (1992), starring Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman.  It was also directed by Ron Howard. (click poster to read)

And, then revisit one of my favorite chick flicks, The Notebook (2004).  Since, Cinco De Mayo was yesterday you could have some nachos while you watch. (click poster to read)

Then, The Sex and The City: The Movie (2008) came out and I refused to watch it.  When I finally did I could only make it about 20 minutes.  (click poster to read)

Once, we had a an excellent roundtable discussion.  With guys and girls chiming in on why... He's Just Not That Into You (2009).  And, boy was it fun.  And in three parts. (Click poster to read PART 1)

 CLICK HERE TO READ PART 2

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE IN PART 3

We also had some excellent guest bloggers along the way.  (Click posters below to read more)

Definitely, Maybe (2008) by Tyler Woolson

The Wedding Date (2005) by Brian P.

Magic Mike (2012) by Tim Rousseau

Pilar, the yorkie even showed up and barked her way into her own column.  It is appropriately named, PILAR BARKS!!! (click photo to read more)

I also covered a few beers.  Some good, some bad.  But, maybe the dumbest beer I ever covered was the Miller Lite Punch Top Can.  Hey, I gotta an idea.  I'm make a video of me shotgunning a beer (something I'm horrible at) and put it on youtube. But, hey at least it got it's own reviews.  

Buffmonkey33 said, "Your such a b**ch! Learn how to shotgun a beer like a man."

bretadoruben1 claimed, "Biggest p**sy on youtube!"

It's been a great five years.  I've made some wonderful new internet friends! Thanks to everyone for reading and thanks to everyone for giving comments, sharing, and enjoying a chick flick and a beer.

I love you all!  Let's do it for another 5 years!!!!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Admission (2013)

Starring Tina Fey, Paul Rudd, Wallace Shawn, and Lily Tomlin
Directed by Paul Weitz

Ok, I must admit that I finally sat down to watch another chick flick. I must admit I’ve been lazy. I also must admit that I was sick of chick flicks. I admit it. But, if I was going to watch a chick flick at least it could have Paul Rudd in it. And, Tina Fey can be funny. I admit, Tina Fey is funny. What else would you like me to admit?

Do you think I am going to admit that Admission is a good film? Ugh, I can’t really admit that. But, I do admit that it is an OK film. It isn’t really a funny film. It was a little more serious than I expected. I admit that. Maybe, the marketing team should admit that they tried to trick us. Is Paul Rudd funny in this movie? Not really. Does Paul Rudd always have to be funny? Not really. But, I do admit that I want him to be funny.

In Admission, Tina Fey works in the admissions department at Princeton University. She is very serious and devoted to work. In fact, she is in the running to take over as head of the department. One day, she gets a call from Paul Rudd who is running an alternative school in the northeast. He asks if she can stop by and give a presentation on Princeton to his kids. We learn that he is specifically interested in her meeting on kid, a kid that could also be her child that she gave up for adoption when he was born. Let the craziness ensue.

Do people still really want to get into Princeton? That is my question.

I have to admit that this isn’t the best review I’ve ever written. I admit it. Go to Princeton become a lawyer, and sue me.

FORCE THE BOYFRIEND:  5.5 out of 10 (They'll like but may not admit it)

Beer Pairing Recommendation

Bud Light.  A horrible beer selected by college students everywhere.

Pilar Barks!

Hello, my name is Pilar and I'm a Yorkie. I enjoy watching chick flicks, although I do not like drinking beer. It's disgusting! This is my column. Ask me anything you want. But beware, I bark the truth! You can email Pilar and ask her questions at chickflixandbeer@gmail.com.

Dear Pilar,

Why does the devil wear Prada?

Jason, New York, NY

Dear Jason,

Why does the devil wear Prada?  Hmmm.  Should I even answer that question?  Don't you live in New York?  You should know this!  Prada is and will always be a popular brand!  But, I guess the bigger question is, "Why are you so interested in devil?"  Maybe you should go out and take a walk, because, honestly, you are feeling like you might be going a little dark to me.  I mean, I don't know you, and I really don't want to know you, but maybe you've always been a dark person.  My suggestion is, spend less time worrying about the devil and more time wearing Prada and I think you'll be alright.

Pilar

Desperate or Psychotic...

For more on "Sex and The City", Click Here...

Hope Springs (2012)

Directed by David Frankel
Starring Meryl Streep, Tommy Lee Jones, and Steve Carell

by Joshua Simpkins

Have you been married for decades? Has your marriage become stale, boring, or uneventful? Is the magic gone? Was there ever any magic to begin with? Do you and your spouse live different bedrooms? Is it time for a change? Do you want something more from your marriage? If you answered “Yes” to all these things then it just might be time for you to schedule an appointment with renowned marriage counselor, Dr. Feld (Steve Carell), in Hope Springs, Maine. He can help you turn your stuffy, worn-out marriage back into what it used to be, when you were young and in love. Run through those fields again, letting your hands brush through the tops of wild grass…wait? That’s sounds like that herpes commercial…Hmm…forget about that. Anyways, Dr. Feld can bring back the magic.

Kay (Meryl Streep) and Arnold (Tommy Lee Jones) have answered "Yes" to all the above questions. They have been married 31 years, sleep in different bedrooms, and barely speak to one another. They are in a rut. Kay is tired and wants something new. Arnold is unresponsive. She is unsure of what to do, until she discovers a book written by Dr. Feld (Steve Carell). Desperate to find something that works, she schedules Arnold and herself for an expensive week-long couples therapy with Dr. Feld in Hope Springs, Maine. Arnold is resistant to everything at first, but reluctantly agrees after Kay declares that she is going with or without him. Couples therapy begins and the hilarity ensues.

But, wait! You mean to tell me that there is not that much hilarity? That's not what the trailer, or marketing had me believe. I thought this was going to be hilarious! Where is the hilarity? Where is it? The truth is, this is a character study. This a simple movie about two people in a relationship. It is a movie about people talking. There are no bomb threats, no explosions, and no GGI, and not much hilarity. So, that is something that you should going into it. If you don't expect it, you might be disappointed.

A movie about people talking has got to have great acting for it to work and Meryl Streep and Tommy Lee Jones are excellent in Hope Springs. Both actors come across as totally believable Midwestern middle-aged couple. Meryl’s performance is nuanced and subtle while Tommy Lee Jones really is that grumpy old man we see on the screen. It is perfect casting. Steve Carell is really great as the therapist, and for any "The Office" fans out there, you might find it hard to believe his performance when you see it. Somehow he pulls off not being Michael Scott. It is a tribute to his acting skills, as well.

FORCE THE BOYFRIEND: 5 out of 10 (Tough call.  If you plan on going to actual couples therapy with him in the future then let him skip it)

Beer Pairing Recommendation

(It's brewed in Maine and its strong.  For couples therapy you're going to need it)

For more about the chick flick, visit IMDB 

For more on Allagash Black, click here

A Home of Our Own (1993)

Directed by Tony Bill
Starring Kathy Bates, Edward Furlong, Clarissa Lassig, Sarah Schaub, Miles Feulner, Amy Sakasitz, TJ Lowt
her, and Soon-tek Oh

A Home of Our Own is the type of movie that you would stumble across on Lifetime. In fact, it might be on rotation on Lifetime. I wouldn’t know, but I have known a few females to watch it. In case, anyone is wondering, my fiancé does not watch it. You would catch me watching Lifetime before you would find her sitting down to watch some down-on-her-luck female running from a stalker, or discovering her husband having an affair. Then again, I do run a blog about chick flicks, so maybe I should be watching Lifetime. Alright, I admit, I watch it! Leave me alone!

The movie follow Frances Lacey (Kathy Bates), a widowed mother of 5 or 6 children, who gets sick of the city life in Los Angeles and decides to move. Where are they moving exactly? She doesn’t know. She just has a picture of a new house, and a dream. It’s 1962, and the family suffers a long trip before stopping in Idaho. Frances sees the potential for the house of her dreams. She haggles and barters with the landowner, Mr. Moon, snags a job at a local bowling alley, and along with the help of her children, begins turning the “shack” into their new home.

For many, this movie might just be a tearjerker. It is loaded to the gills with sentimentality and emotional heartfelt moments. I’m not saying I cried. I didn’t. Who would want to cry about a bunch of poor kids who don’t even get presents from Santa Claus on Christmas? Not me! Who cares? I didn’t cry I tell you! Maybe my throat got a little dry, but I didn’t cry. Alright, I cried. Just kidding…no I didn’t. I’ll never tell! I’m taking it to my grave! 

At its core, this movie is all about family, and America, and community, and American family, and American communities with American families. It might actually be true. I couldn’t figure that out. I think it is actually just based on the truth, a little. Overall, it was a pretty enjoyable movie for a rainy afternoon. Should dudes be watching this movie? Probably not. But, it would hurt those male chauvinistic pigs to watch a tearjerker every now and then! Enough said...Now, I think I am going to watch Die Hard.

FORCE THE BOYFRIEND: 4 out of 10 (He probably won't like it, unless he wants to be inspired) 

Beer Pairing Recommendation 

(It's got a great name, it's from Idaho, and some might call Frances Lacey a biatch!)

For more on the flick, visit IMDB 

For more on the brew, click here

Music of the Heart (1999)

Directed by Wes Craven
Starring Meryl Streep, Angela Bassett, Aidan Quinn, Cloris Leachman, with Gloria Estefan, and Josh Pais

From the critically acclaimed, award-winning master of horror film director Wes Craven comes the heart-stopping, shock filled, terror-inducing, Music of the Heart. See Meryl Streep survive a ghastly divorce! Gasp as Meryl Streep moves into Harlem! Scream as she comes face-to-face with inner city children! It is a film so frightening, so terrifying, so bone-chilling, that it changes the face of modern horror! Wait, the music isn’t scary? And, the heart isn’t bloody? You mean to tell me this is a chick flick! Now, I’ve seen everything!

For those of you that don’t know Wes Craven, he is the writer/director of such films as The Hills Have Eyes (1977), A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984), and Scream (1996). So, it is rather odd to find an “inspired by real events” chick flick lodged into the middle of his resume. Music of the Heart, stars Meryl Streep as Roberta Guaspari, a recently divorced mother of two young boys who must take a part-time job in Harlem teaching elementary students the violin. The job isn’t easy, but Roberta is tough, and stubborn and willing to make it work. She quickly learns that to survive in Harlem, and to protect her boys, she has got to stay strong. As time passes, she creates a very successful violin program that is beneficial to the community.

Meryl Streep, as Roberta, successfully carries the weight of the film on her back. She is in every scene, and as always is great. Surprisingly enough, with Wes Craven at the helm, this film does not carry too many surprises. At its “heart” it’s nothing more than a feel-good movie with a predictable plot and ending. But, that doesn’t mean it’s a bad movie. Sometimes we want to watch a positive film about people that doing great things. This is that type of movie.

So, to all the Wes Craven fans out there, unless you want to be scared, or chick flicks frighten you, don’t expect to be scared. Some chick flicks are pretty scary, though. I hear some people are scared of Meryl Streep, so go figure. I even heard she played the Devil, once. Maybe, Wes Craven was up to something after all.

FORCE THE BOYFRIEND: 4 out of 10 (He probably won't like it, unless he wants to be inspired)

Beer Pairing Recommendation

(It's a neat music inspired pale ale)

For more on the chick flick, visit IMDB

For more on the brew, click here

No Strings Attached (2011)

Directed by Ivan Reitman
Starring Natalie Portman, Ashton Kutcher, Kevin Kline with Jake M. Johnson, Cary Elwes, and Chris "Ludacris" Bridges

by Joshua Simpkins

I was a little unsure of what this movie would be about. Maybe, it is some surreal hyper-realistic nihilistic science fiction film, set sometime in the apocalyptic future. It couldn’t be a chick flick. Not with Natalie Portman starring in it. Wait, she was in a chick flick. Remember, that one about heart and Walmart? So, maybe it is a chick flick after all. It does have Ashton Kutcher, in it as well. Or, Ashton Doucher, as I like to call him. Which should make it some wild ride!

Looks like the studios battled it out to have two chick flicks about friends being promiscuous hit theaters about the same time.(see Friend with Benefits). I mean this is a real high profile concept that people just couldn’t wait to see. Let’s get a couple of annoying actors to play the male leads and we have box office gold. Right? Wrong. If either of these movies made any money I would really be surprised. But, this one has Natalie Portman, so Star Wars Prequel fans…eat your heart out!

No Strings Attached is about Emma and Adam, played by Natalie and Doucher. They meet long ago at summer camp. He is a sort-of everyman, who just so happens to have a famous TV actor father (played brilliantly by Kevin Kline) and she is a weird, super-smart nerd. Their paths cross at numerous times throughout their lifetime until they both end up living and working in Los Angeles. Emma is a doctor, and Adam is an aspiring screenwriter/ assistant working on a “Glee” like television show. One day, Adam finds out his Dad is dating his ex-girlfriend, that in fact, they are in love, and has a breakdown. He gets drunk and ends up at Emma’s. At some point, because of his issues and her emotional unavailability, they decide to sleep together with no strings attached. Hence, the title of the movie.

Maybe, Asthon Doucher isn’t that bad of an actor after all. By the end, of the movie I kind of believe he is an everyday-sort-of nice guy. This is pretty hard for him to pull off, considering, we all know what a D-bag he really is. I found myself actually rooting for him. Natalie was pretty good as well. Although, I found it strange that she was even in this movie. I also found it odd how frivolously she had sexual encounters. I mean this is no way for a space princess to act! Luke and Leia are your children for goodness sakes! Then again, she did roll around in some field with Hayden Christensen, so, what do I know?

There are also some great supporting characters, and some pretty funny lines. Kevin Kline is excellent as Adam’s famous actor, drug-using Dad. Jake M. Johnson is also pretty great as his longtime buddy. Ludacris (I’m sorry…Chris Bridges) is in this as well for some reason. That in itself is actually…well…Ludacris.

The movie is directed by Ivan Reitman (Ghostbusters, Stripes) so it holds together pretty nicely, and is funnier than I would have suspected.

FORCE THE BOYFRIEND: 6 out of 10 (For some funny asides, and it has a male lead)

Beer Pairing Recommendation

Because it has Stars War Princess Natalie and its about white people

For more on the beer, click here
For more on the chick flick, visit IMDB 

One for the Money (2012)

Starring Katherine Heigl, Jason O'Mara, Daniel Sunjata with John Leguizamo, and Debbie Reynolds
Directed by Julie Anne Robinson

by Joshua Simpkins

One for the money, two for the show, three to get ready, now, GO, CAT, GO! Seriously, you better go. I wouldn’t hang around. Get out while you still can. You still have time! Run…RUN! Run like your out on bail! Because, if you don’t, you might have to hang around and watch this movie. And, that’s not good for anyone! Believe me. I have seen it.

If your still are here, that is, if you are brave enough to hang around, then I’ll tell you a little about the movie. It stars Katherine Heigl as Stephanie Plum, a recently divorced and as-of-late unemployed Jersey girl. She is really down and out. The repo man came and took her car and she doesn’t know how she is going to pay her rent. She gets a job at her cousin’s bail-bond business and her first assignment is her high school crush, Joe Morelli (Jason O’Mara). The two have quite the checkered past. She enlists the help of Ranger (Daniel Sunjata) and the rest, as they say, is history.

This movie will probably be history soon (pun intended). It is based on a bestselling book, but if the book is any good I don’t think it translated too well to the big screen. And, honestly, I normally have a problem with Katherine Heigl, but she isn’t the real problem here. I wasn’t that big a fan of Morelli. I didn’t find his character that interesting. I really wished she would have quit chasing him and just busted a bunch of bad guys. The plot and writing left a little to be desired, as well.

For any Debbie Reynolds fans out there, you probably will have to watch this.  She doesn't come out of the woodwork too often and she is pretty funny as Stephanie's Grandmother.  For those of you who don't know who Debbie Reynolds is, then, well, you don't know who Debbie Reynolds is.  I will tell you that she is Princess Leia's Mother (in real life).  So, all you Star Wars fans can suck on that!  Wait, I'm a Star Wars fan.  I mean I don't dress up in the suit and go to Comic Con or anything, but...I'll just stop while I'm ahead.

So, in the end, my advice would be to skip this one all together. It isn’t that fun. And, even though it starts out OK enough. It gets really boring, really fast. Now, I’ll see you later. Go, cat, go. I don’t mean anything about cats leaving when I say this. Plenty of single women, have plenty of cats. Keep your cats. Give them a good home.

 FORCE THE BOYFRIEND:  1 out of 10 (Just go, cat, go)

Beer Pairing Recommendation 

This beer is horrible. It's just as bad as this movie. So, I think they go together perfectly. 

For more on the chick flick, visit IMDB

Friends With Benefits (2011)

Starring Justin Timberlake, Mila Kunis, with Patricia Clarkson, Woody Harrelson, Richard Jenkins, and Jenna Elfman  
Directed by Will Gluck

by Joshua Simpkins

Are there benefits to being friends? Sure, there are! First off, friends do nice things for each other all the time. They bring each other soup when they’re sick. They make each other laugh when they are sad. They play board games with them. And, those are just a few examples. So, I went into the movie expecting to watch friends do nice things to one another. In one way, I guess I was right. And, in the other, well… I never expected the nice thing to be SEX! What a surprise!

This movie is about Justin Timberland, aka JTIMB, and Mila Kunis who are friends. And, since, JTIMB is the one who brought sexy back…well…then…the benefit is (SPOILER)…SEX! Shhh, don’t tell anyone who hasn’t seen the movie yet. We don’t want to ruin for anyone.

JTIMB plays Dylan, a hot young executive, who meets Jamie (Mila Kunis), a headhunter from New York who convinces him to move from Los Angeles and take a job with GQ in the big apple. They become friends, and one drunken night, after watching a CHIFLI (short for – chick flick) decide to have sex as friends, with no emotions attached. And, that, ladies and gentleman, is how they become friends with benefits.

Do things become complicated? Of course they do! We wouldn’t have a proper CHIFLI if things didn’t get complicated. I mean, we learn, early on in the movie, with cameos by (SPOILER) Andy Samburg and Emma Stone, that both JTIMB and Milas are emotionally unavailable. But, as Woody Harrelson, who plays a gay co-worker puts it. The right relationship is NOT with the person you want to spend Friday night with. It’s with the person you want to spend with all day Saturday.

This one takes a while to get going. And, honestly, it takes awhile to get accustomed to JTIMB who thinks he is so cool and witty. All I kept picturing was him crying in that episode of PUNK’D. But, after you get into the movie a little bit, it gets better. There are some great performances from the supporting actors Richard Jenkins, Jenna Elfman, Woody Harrelson, and Patricia Clarkson.

 FORCE THE BOYFRIEND:  6 out of 10 (Unless he hates JTIMB)

Beer Pairing Recommendation 

This beer would go nicely with the Bluepoint Summer Ale.  It
will be your best friend.  Plus, it's from New York which is the main
setting of the movie.

For more on the film, visit IMDB 
For more on the beer, click here

Pilar Barks!

Hello, my name is Pilar and I'm a Yorkie. I enjoy watching chick flicks, although I do not like drinking beer. It's disgusting! This is my column. Ask me anything you want. But beware, I bark the truth!

Dear Pilar,

How should I get my wife to watch the new Batman?

Steve, Iowa City, IA

Dearest Steve,

I don't know?  How did you get her to go out with you to begin with?  You must be fairly attractive because it sounds to me like you're not very smart.  Is this the biggest problem in your life?  Trying to get your wife to see the new Batman?  Everyone wants to see that movie, so if she doesn't want to see it something else must be going on.  I think she's cheating on you.  Just kidding.  But, seriously, help out around the house a little more.  Is it too much to ask for someone to take the trash once in a while?  Help out and maybe she'll offer to go.

Get a life,
Pilar

Just Wright (2010)

Starring Queen Latifah, Common, and Paula Patton
Directed by Sanaa Hamri

by Tim Rousseau
Guest Blogger

I don't want to spoil my review, but I bring you the never-gonna-be-classic, JUST WRIGHT.

Queen Latifah plays Leslie Wright, a physical therapist who lives in New Jersey with her gold digger god-sister and kooky parents next door. She likes sports, is funny, gets along really well with guys and never gets to second base. This is because she likes sports, is funny and gets along really well with guys. In other words, she’s the “girl buddy” which I never realized was a thing until Queen Latifah starting making films. Wait a second, just WRIGHT? Leslie WRIGHT? Oh...that’s where it comes from! Wow...

At any rate, Leslie has tickets to the Nets game and decides to take her promiscuous god-sister with her so she can stare down every man wearing high tops in the arena. During the game we are introduced to hot shot basketballer Scott McKnight played with all the personality of a guy who makes his money doing something else,played by Common. After the game the two fortuitously meet at a gas pump, they exchange a few similar interests and she ends up invited to his birthday party. Obviously the god-sister shows up with her and proceeds to “do her.” Fast forward, they’re engaged and he’s leading the East at the All-Star game and everything seems fine.

Something has to happen, Wright? I mean, right? Could it be a knee injury? It is a knee injury, I don’t know where that line of questioning was supposed to take me. Santa Monica perhaps. It never rains on the Pacific Coast Highway. Back to the movie, so he’s hurt, may never play the game professionally again. Anyone think the god-sister is gonna stay? Wrong. She’s out because she’s a bobblehead and he’s left twisting in the wind. If only he knew someone who was involved in Physical Therapy who has the good heart and the skill to mend him emotionally and physically while becoming transformed in her own way? Someone, JUST WRIGHT? Seemless writing here, folks. The story picks up from there and it actually is pretty decent. Good pacing, believable transitions. I enjoyed the themes of what makes the core of love. What’s broken can be fixed, belief in one self and in one another requires trust and the things that we share with each other can keep us immortal, if only in our minds.

Common wasn’t very good in it. Let’s hope this music thing he’s doing on the side works out. Fingers crossed.

FORCE THE BOYFRIEND:  4 out of 10 (Hey, he might like basketball)

Beer Pairing Recommendation

This is what I had while watching the movie. It had light citrus notes tickled my
palette while burning away all hints of pretention.

 For more on the chick flick, visit IMDB
For more on the brew, click here