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?

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!

In Theaters Now!

The Fault In Our Stars (2014)

Now playing in theaters across the country is, The Fault In Our Stars (2014).  It stars Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort as Hazel and Gus, two teenagers who meet and fall in love at a cancer support group.  It is based on the book by John Green.



I'm sure that plenty of teenage girls are dragging their boyfriends across the country to see this. No beer allowed!
Have you seen it? Are you planning on seeing it? What do you think?

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!

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

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,  

What is your favorite chick flick from the collection?

Holly, Santa Rosa Beach, FL

Dear Holly,

First off, let me say that I am glad a chick finally asked me a question about chick flicks. It is a breath of fresh hair, I mean, air. Second, why would you ask such a question? Everyone knows not to ask people what their favorite movie is of any kind, especially yorkies. You know, I almost answered because you were another female. But, from one girl to another, don't ever ask me, or another yorkie, that question again.  Personally, I don't really like chick flicks.  But, if I had to pick one let's say...Marley and Me.  Or...Beverly Hills Chihuahua. Girl Power!

Pilar

You can email Pilar and ask her a question at chickflixandbeer@gmail.com.

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

Moonrise Kingdom (2012)

Starring Bruce Willis, Edward Norton, Kara Hayward, Bill Murray, Jared Gilman, Jason Schwartzman, Frances McDormand, Tilda Swinton, and Bob Balaban
Directed by Wes Anderson

by Joshua Simpkins

Is Wes Anderson’s new film, Moonrise Kingdom, a chick flick? My first response would be a loud, “No!” His films are extremely hard to categorize because they are so uniquely is own. In fact, his films could fall into anything but the chick flick genre. They are incredibly funny, but also incredibly sad. For every ounce, of quirkiest, is an extreme level of depth. They can be comedies. They can be dramatic. But, to consider one a chick flick? Never! Then, I started to think about it. What actually does make a chick flick? What do all chick flicks have in common?

One element that all chick flicks have in common is a love story. This goes for any movie within the genre, whether it is a romantic comedy, romance, or drama. It takes a couple that is in love, or should be in love, and keeps them apart. We watch how they get together. That is the movie. That is a chick flick. So, with that in mind, Moonrise Kingdom could easily be put in the same category, as a chick flick. It is a possibly a chick flick in disguise.

The film is a coming –of-age tale, set in 1965, on a small island, that begins with Troop 55, led by Edward Norton. He runs a tight ship, but quickly learns that one of his khaki scouts has, “flew the coop.” That khaki scout, is Sam (played to perfection by Jared Gilman), a rambunctious foster child, who parents died years ago. Norton and his troop, frantically search for Sam before enlisting the help, of the local police Captain, played by Bruce Willis. Sam is on his way to meet Suzy (Kara Hayward); the two fell in love, after meeting the previous summer at the church play. They meet up, disappear into the woods, and the island goes into a frenzy, when her father (Bill Murray) and mother (Frances McDormand) and many other locals get involved.

Jared Gilman and Kara Hayward carry the film. The acting is so good that Anderson’s make believe world comes alive making it easy to feel the children’s isolation and love for one another. They fit into their characters so perfectly that we feel they’re naiveté, ambition, and love for each other. Although they are just children, they seem destined to be together against all odds. But, as with most chick flicks, Are they doomed to be apart?

Anderson’s films are all about the details and Moonrise Kingdom has more than its fair share. In fact, this film seems to have more details than all of Anderson’s previous work combined. The cinematography and art direction are superb. The acting and costume design are top rate. Moonrise Kingdom is the culmination of more than a decade of unique, complex and heartfelt films. Still, it feels like Anderson’s most complete work to date. 

Is Moonrise Kingdom a chick flick?  Probably not when compared to what is typically considered a chick flick.  It does contain the same plot element of many, if not all, chick flicks.  That is, will the protagonists ever be together?  Either way, Moonrise Kingdom is a unique experience today with everything being about explosions and CGI.  It is refreshing and makes the perfect date movie for someone looking for something a little out of the norm.  Why do you have that tape on your nose?  Exactly.

 FORCE THE BOYFRIEND:  8 out of 10 (Wes Anderson's style is not for everyone- personally, I give it a 10)

 Beer Pairing Recommendation

I think it would be appropriate to take a budwieser, rip off the label,

write "Beer" in futura font, and mix it with milk.

Explore more on the official site

Maid In Manhattan (2002)

Directed by Wayne Wang
Starring Jennifer Lopez, Ralph Fiennes, Natasha Richardson with Stanley Tucci and Bob Hoskins

by Joshua Simpkins

The Big Apple is one tough city. It’s a hard knock life. It’s particularly hard for a single Hispanic mother from the Bronx. Especially, when her no good ex-husband is off with some tramp spending the holiday weekend in Miami when he is supposed to be at his son’s speech for school and take him camping. It’s real hard! I hear you, girl! Preach it!

Meet Marisa, played by J-Lo, who is a maid at a high-end hotel in Manhattan. This hotel has rules, and Marisa follows them. She might even make manager one day. At least, that’s what her friend, Stephanie, thinks which is why she secretly applied for Marissa. Marissa doesn’t want it. She doesn’t think she deserves it. She doesn’t even think she deserves to try on a guests throwaway $5000 dollar suit. She’s J-Lo so she does anyways. Meanwhile, her son, who is wandering the hotel because his Dad has bailed on him for the weekend (see above, Preach it, girl!) meets New York politician Christopher Marshall (Ralph Fiennes) and brings him into the suite. Marshall sees J-Lo in the suit, mistakes her for a guest named Caroline, and BAM…we have a chick flick!

It's hard to believe J-Lo is a maid, but somehow it works. J-Lo makes us believe. Why? Because she is J-Lo. That's what she does. The decent cinematography and direction helps us believe as well. It's called suspension of disbelief. So, if you don't believe that J-Lo would be a maid in some swanky hotel in Manhattan. Well, then, Maid In Manhattan, might not be for you. If you can believe, like Seal says, that you could fly, and you believe J-Lo can be maid. Then, BAM...you have a chick flick to watch! Preach it!

LThis movie was better than I thought I was going to be. Like I said, J-Lo played Marisa with some believable depth, although the story had a few plot holes, it was completely enjoyable. I was wary about Ralph Fiennes as a love interest, but he played his the politician believably. It did of course have the cheesy line;

“Are your running away from something you want or running away because your afraid to want it?”

Or something like that. Believe me…it was the macaroni and the cheese.

A fun bit of trivia…this movie was originally supposed to be directed by John Hughes, based on a story he conceived. But, that fell through. Many of you will know John Hughes, through his 1980’s bratpack movies, Breakfast Club, Sixteen Candles, and Weird Science. I must say, John Hughes is the shizz! That would have been awesome!

FORCE THE BOYFRIEND: 5 out of 10 (It's up to whether or not he can believe!)

Beer Pairing Recommendation

A great beer to pair with Maid in Manhattan would be something delicious that you can drink at a upscale event. I would say something latin for that J-Lo flavor but I would still drink it at a big reception….Dos Equis Green. BOOM! Do it!

Remember, Please drink Responsibly

 

For more on Maid In Manhattan, visit IMDB 

For on Dos Equis XX Special Lager, visit DOS EQUIS