Pilar is a yorkie with a lot to say about chick flicks. She now has her own column, Pilar Barks! I thought I would sit down with her, and ask her a few questions, so everyone could get to know her a little better.
JOSHUA: What is it you like about chick flicks?
PILAR: What is it I don't like about chick flicks? Why do you like that shirt your wearing?
JOSHUA: What's wrong with this shirt?
PILAR: Nothing: It's just hideous, that's all. But, whatever floats your boat.
JOSHUA: What about your shirt?
PILAR: I'm not wearing a shirt. I'm a dog. The only shirts I ever wear my Mom puts on me and those are fab.
JOSHUA: Back to chick flicks...What is your favorite chick flick?
PILAR: What is your favorite chick flick?
JOSHUA: That's a tough question.
PILAR: And, you think I want to answer it?
JOSHUA: Alright, I can tell your going to be difficult. I guess this interview is over.
PILAR: Good. Take me on a walk!
To learn more about Pilar, follow her weekly column, Pilar Barks!
by Joshua Simpkins Directed by Michael Sucsy Starring Channing Tatum, and Rachel McAdams, with Sam Neill, Jessica Lange, and Scott Speedman
Have you ever made a vow? Have you ever loved something so much that you always promised to protect it? I’m talking something strong like a blood oath involving multiple people, and multiple species. Then, when the fairy princess you vowed always to love and protect is kidnapped and taken hostage in the darkness of night, you have set off on a quest to rescue her and bring her back, you and your loyal band of mythical creatures. Everyone quickly and eagerly agrees and together you all form the band of “The Vow”, upheld by your ancient blood oath. Of course, this movie The Vow (2012) has nothing to do with any of that whatsoever. It’s a completely different sort of vow.
Channing Tatum plays Leo, a nice, humble recording studio owner, who is married to the love of his life, Paige (Rachel McAdams). On the way home, after a night out, their car is rear-ended and Paige is sent flying through the windshield. When she wakes up, she doesn’t recognize Leo. In fact, she thinks she is her doctor, and the last thing she remembers is her life before Leo existed. Her estranged family returns to take care of her, and Leo has to fight for her just to come home with him. Upon returning home, life is even harder for Leo and Paige, who doesn’t understand why she is an artist and not a lawyer, and remember when she exactly broke up with her ex-fiancé, Jeremy (Scott Speedman). Leo puts all his effort and energy into helping her remember because he made a vow that he refuses to break. To Paige, Leo is nothing but a stranger.
Leo believes that life is made up of a series of moments: how they met, how they fall in love and how they get married. We learn about Leo and Paige’s life together through a series of flashbacks. They both have a strong love for one another, that is, until the accident, when Paige no longer remember their “moments” together and, therefore, no longer loves Leo. Leo then decides, to create new moments, and make her fall in love with him all over again. That’s when the band of mythical creatures is formed. Again, I kid.
I wasn’t sure about Channing Tatum in this role but he did an excellent job. By the end of the film, he was very believable as Leo. His acting is genuine, sensitive, and honest. Rachel McAdams is great as always, and she seems real as Paige, although I think Tatum steals the show. There are also good performances from Sam Neill and Jessica Lange as her conservative and forceful parents. Scott Speedman plays a likeable douchebag to perfection.
The Vow was a better film that I expected. Honestly, I didn’t want to watch it at all. I wouldn’t have if it weren’t for my dedication to chick flicks. But, in the end, it surprised me. In fact, the ending isn’t exactly what you might expect and I liked that. I don’t want to spoil anything, but Paige doesn’t trip, hit her head on a rock, remember everything, and run off with Leo again. The ending had a little more depth.Their are a lot of similarities to The Notebook (2004), but The Vow still stands on its own.
FORCE THE BOYFRIEND: 6.5 out of 10 (The film is mostly a male lead, good acting, direction, and cinematography)
Beer Pairing Recommendation What would be more perfect than Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA? What better way to lose your memory, forget you lost it, and then drink have another one?
Starring Channing Tatum, Matthew McConaughey, Alex Pettyfur, Olivia Munn, and Cody Horn
by Tim Rousseau Guest Blogger
I did it. I watched it. The film that is single-handedly bringing "girls
night out" back into fashion and will probably put CHIPPENDALE'S back into business. I did it. The film that has garnered
groans and eye-rolls to rival a field trip full of teenagers. I watched it. The
film that has made all men skulk around it, sniffing and growling
like a pack of wolves frightened but defiant of a searing bonfire
filled with man-ass and McConaughey. I DID IT, ladies. I WATCHED IT, men. I
LIKED IT...yes. Yes I did. Give it up. It's MAGIC MIKE!
Mr. Magic, played by Channing Tatum, is a regular guy at heart. Ambitious,
he's a man who works hard. He owns his own auto detailing company, makes
custom furniture, and works construction where he meets Adam (Alex Pettyfer). Adam is the
opposite of Mike, no ambition and no clue. Mike takes him under his
wing and shows him another way he makes his money; the wild world of
male revue exotic dancing. At first, it's strange but Adam is drawn like
a naked moth to a thong...flame. His six pack abs bring in the easy
money so he becomes part of the crew lead by" alright alright alright"
McConaughey who is the owner of the club. Mike and Adam dance, drink and
screw groupies freely until Adam needs a drunken lift back home to where
he's couch crashing with his straight-laced sister, Brooke (Cody Horn).
Brooke is not happy about her brother taking his clothes off
for money. Almost as a dare Magic invites her to come down to the club to
catch a show. She shows up and sees her brother and still doesn't get
it, or like it. Then Mike takes the stage. He's a performer, his dance
transcends the lustful cougars and coeds shouting and undulating around
the main stage. Like an estrogen fueled room of pentecostals filling
themselves with the holy spirit Mike tempts them and asks them to handle
the snake. Brooke watches, she's aroused but, she's also moved in a way
that makes her look away. They begin to connect (not in a montage of
scenes involving ice cream cones and tandem bicycles). She likes him and
is wary of him. He's Magic Mike after all. His lifestyle still
involves sweating, dry humping strange women, and binge drinking till
dawn. This is just one conflict that our greased up hero has to contend.
McConaughey wants to move the revue down to Miami where the money and
hungry housewives make them in even greater demand. Mike is owed a piece
of the equity, will he get what he wants? Will he be able to protect
Adam from the drugs and dangerous women surrounding him? Is there room
for someone like Brooke in his life? Does Brooke even believe in him?
Magic Mike is a
mirror of the modern man. Laugh out loud and then I will finish...Ok then.
He's a worker, he's a dreamer. He has passions in his life that grows
beyond his nocturnal adventures. He's a man apart. His onstage persona
as an enraptured Adonis leaves him lonely and abused by the women around
him. He is controlled by them. First, the female bank manager who refuses to
give him a loan to start his furniture business. Second, the college groupie
whose only knowledge is of the carnal despite Mike's delusion of
something deeper. Even Brooke, the only presence of honesty and reality
in his life can't pretend that his plans for the future have any chance
of coming to fruition. The only time he is able to take hold of the
reins is when he hits that stage and unleashes his frustration on those
gathered masses of cosmopolitans and lip gloss. His performance is his
release. He is a prisoner of his own ambition yet he lacks any true
source of love.
This is really good film. There are many reasons for this and one word
to sum it all up is, SODERBERGH. Steven Soderbergh, the film's director, has taken to the helm
with his penchant for naturalistic performance, clean, concise camera
work and sepia tinted summer days to create the world of our main
character. Perhaps he is the real, Mr. Magic.
Magic Mike is movie that is very funny and very genuine and very
satisfying. I cannot make the husbands and boyfriends of the world go
and see this movie, but I think they would be surprised if they did. I
know I was. It's no big deal though, just let her go and make it a
"ladies night." Although, don't be surprised if that night devolves into something
more. She may end up downtown, looking for a little bit of magic.
FORCE THE BOYFRIEND: 7 out of 10 (They'll like but may not admit it)
Beer Pairing Recommendation
What could be better to pair Magic Mike with than the Michelob Ultra
Pom Rasberry. It is magical and light on calories and has a refreshing taste. What
Chippendale dancer or gym rat wouldn't want some to keep trim
It was 4 am. I was awakened by a call
from The Roose.
“What are you doing,” he asked.
“About what?”
“Nora Ephron has passed away. You
should do something about it.”
“Like what?”
“You are the creator of Chick Flicks and
Beer, are you not,” he questioned.
“Chick Flicks and Beer is over.”
“Why? Why is it over?”
“It’s over because it’s 4 am. It’s over
because Hollywood, the industry, the biz, all refuse to make a quality chick flick. They have no respect for
romance, or romantic comedy.”
“So you quit?”
“I’m burned out. Besides, who cares about
chick flicks?”
“Who cares? Who cares? What about
Nora Ephron? Her movies were great? Did you not go see You’ve Got
Mail (1998) with a friend after you were both stood up on a date?
Two single, viral males enjoying the bliss of a Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks
reunion?”
“Yeah, but-”
There is not but,” he interrupted,
“there only is. Now, get up and get going on Chick Flicks and Beer!
Nora Ephron is the entire reason for a blog about chick flicks. Her films
are the best!”
“They are great, but-”
“No, buts! I’m going to write a piece
about Nora Ephron. You work on the blog!”
I sat up on the bed. The Roose was
right. I was time to write! Nora Ephron is the reason to have
a blog about Chick Flicks and Beer. Right, there, at 4 am, Chick Flicks
and Beer was reborn!
NORA EPHRON, A REQUIEM: WHEN HARRY AND SALLY
LAMENTED by Tim Rousseau (aka The Roose)
I don't want to say it's difficult to
write about this subject. It's not. This vehicle, she runs on levity and
anything less...or more, may seem like we've lost our thread. Fair enough but
today we've lost someone very important not only as a great purveyor of the
CHIFLI (short for chick flick), but an educator to those of us who study the art
of storytelling.
Nora Ephron may not be a name you know well
but her work is iconic to say the very least. When Harry Met Sally (1989) is probably
the first romantic comedy I can remember seeing. Two neurotic New Yorkers
talking through the years about life and love. It's a film that, in my mind,
redefined the genre while paying homage to its predecessors. The dialogue was
quick and self-centered. The idea of the "transitional" or rebound
person was introduced along with the very honest question: can men and women
truly be friends? Her use of pop culture references didn't exactly break new
ground but paired with her humor and wit. It was a breath of fresh air
from a writer with a truly distinctive voice.
Sidenote: Quentin Tarantino and Kevin Smith
have certainly benefited from feeding film goers scraps from her table. Smith
more than most. His popularity along with JNCO jeans has become one
of those things I've chalked up to that old phrase, "It was the
90's." Actually I have no regrets with the JNCO jeans, which proved to be
infinitely more useful than wondering how many contractors died building the
death star (Star Wars reference).
My Blue Heaven (1990) proved that Steve Martin can
play anything, even a former mobster in witness relocation in California.
Allegedly, Ephron worked on the script from the same research her husband, Nick
Pileggi did for the book that would become GOODFELLAS. It's become a cult
classic after years and continues to make converts with its run on cable.
Sleepless In Seattle (1993) is, quite simply, the
gold standard. It's the movie that you've seen a hundred times. It's the movie that you
watch a hundred more every time it's on TV. Whether it's the beginning (it
never is) or the middle you just can't help seeing it. It's the movie where Tom
Hanks and Meg Ryan became Tracey and Hepburn, Gable and Lombard, Bogey and
Bacall, etc. It's the film those hipsters make fun of in their bs screenplays when they laugh at the "Meg Ryan movie with the songs
sung by Louis Armstrong." They're right, but they're making fun of
themselves because as cute as they think they're being it only reveals one
thing: how much they love that freaking movie. It makes you want to move to
Seattle and fall in love in New York. Don't forget, it's about a widower who is
left to raise his son alone. It's about connections we have we thought we'd
lost. Life goes on living and you should cherish everyday. Laugh, because it's
funny, it really is. Nora knew that.
She's written and directed other really great
films. Like Silkwood (1983), You've Got Mail (1998), the little known but very adorable Mixed
Nuts (1994), Bewitched (2005) which I thought was clever and funny. But, what do I know? I know
a lot. Her movies make me happy. She makes me happy. I am not a lover, a friend
or a relative of Miss Nora. Simply a fan, of her writing and her movies. In a
lot of ways this site owes everything to Nora Ephron and her ability to make us
feel joy. So, with that, we pay homage to the Queen of CHIFLI, may there always
be laughter in our hearts and Louis Armstrong in our heads.
Nora Ephron passes away Tuesday at the age of 71 from leukemia.
If her name doesn't ring a bell...it should. Especially if you like Chick Flicks. She is responsible for many of your favorite chick flicks including, When Harry met Sally (1989), Sleepless In Seattle (1993), You've Got Mail(1998), and most recently, Julie and Julia (2009).
Check out my review of "Sleepless in Seattle" (1993)
We'll have some more on Nora Ephron soon! She will be missed. RIP!
This made me notice I do not have a review up on Julie and Julia(2009), You've Got Mail(1998), or When Harry Met Sally (1989). Weird!
It's been over to years since I started this crazy endeavor to watch chick flicks and drink beers. Looking back, here are some more of the more popular reviews. If you've read them before, read them again. If you haven't... enjoy.
Starring Rachel McAdams, Harrison Ford, Diane Keaton, Patrick Wilson, and Jeff Goldblum
Directed by Roger Michell
What’s the story, Morning Glory? Wasn’t that an old Oasis album? You know…Oasis, the band who said they were going to be bigger than The Beatles, the band who said they were bigger than Jesus. I guess it’s OK to be bigger than Jesus. But, you better not say you’re bigger than The Beatles saying you’re bigger than The Beatles is sacrilegious. Irronically, I’m not entirely sure if Oasis, did, in fact, “Live Forever”.
If you are wondering if this is something along the lines of VH1: Behind the Music, then you are wrong. I just wanted to reference Oasis. Is there anything wrong with that? Maybe, there is, but seriously, you need to chill out. Chillax…take a chill pill. Go drink a Slurpee, or an ICEE, or a nice, tall whisky & water. Go and Relax! Go to Tropical Smoothie...You’re are way too uptight, and it’s stressing me out.
Anywho, this is about the future film classic, Morning Glory. A movie, excuse me, a film, that you will watch over, and over, and over, and over again; Studying it’s nuances, technique, character development, etc. It will be a classic for years to come, and I suspect, may even finally beat out Citizen Kane as the (disputed) best film of all time. It’s glorious. It’s Morning Glory. It will “Live Forever”.
Morning Glory is really about Becky Fuller (Rachel McAdams), a recently unemployed News Producer, who gets a shot at the big leagues when she is hired as the Executive Producer on a fledgling network morning show, Daybreak, where she is introduced to Adam (Patrick Wilson) with whom she begins to form a romance. (Deep Breath) Sorry, that was long sentence. She hires the aging hardnosed reporter, Mike Pomeroy (Harrison Ford) and things get interesting. And, let’s not forget Diane Keaton. She’s in it, too. If you are wondering if Becky is a workaholic who can’t get into a relationship then are correct. She loves what she does. She is going to “live forever”.
The acting in this chifli(pronounced she flea) isn’t that bad. Rachel McAdams, Harrison Ford, and Diane Keaton are all believable in their roles, and the overall movie is slightly better than your average chifli. You’ve seen movies like this before, but you’ll still be entertained. Also, they focus on the story more than just obsessing over her “will she get a man, etc”. Will she get a man? Do they ever get a man in any of these chick flicks? Oh, wait...they always get a man. Whatta mighty good man...say it again now.
I paired this flick with Pete’s Wicked Strawberry Blonde because, maybe I’m mistaken, but Rachel McAdams played a Strawberry Blonde in The Notebook. Also, strawberry blondes and morning news go together like brunettes and nightly news. Although, Rachel McAdams isn’t a strawberry blonde in this flick, but a busy-body brunette with bangs (ask Harrison Ford, I mean…Mike Pomeroy). Let me say this about Pete’s Wicked Strawberry Blonde…it’s delicious, and I’m going to give it a 5. And,I know what everyone out there is thinking. You’re thinking that I give almost everything a 5 and I’m not hard enough on the movies, either. What would you have me do, give everything a 1. Well, I’m not going to do that. So, chill out, because you’re stressing me out again.
All in all, Morning Glory is not a bad chifli (once again pronounced she flea, slang for chick flick)and I do recommend it. Rent it this weekend with your cat. Enjoy!
FORCE THE BOYFRIEND: 7 out of 10 (1 mean he'll hate it, 10 means he'll love it)
Watch if you liked...Rachel McAdams, Broadcast News, or The Notebook.
Chick Flick: 4 cartons of ice cream (out of 5) Beer: 5 manly high fives (out of 5)
Directed by Emile Ardolino Starring Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey
Nobody puts Baby in a corner!
What the hell does that even mean?
I know, I know. Nobody could believe it. I had never seen Dirty Dancing. I had no idea about Baby's summers at the lake. I had no idea about Patrick Swayze's smooth moves. I had no idea that "nobody puts Baby in a corner". Frankly, I feel like I've been living in the dark all these years.
Why should I have seen Dirty Dancing! I grew up with three brothers. Not one of us had any desire to watch Dirty Dancing. Or, maybe they watched it when I wasn't around. Road House, well that was another story. I've probably seen Road House 100 times. Road House is Awesome! But, I'm not here to talk about Road House. I'm here to discuss Dirty Dancing.
Dirty Dancing is a good movie. I might even slip it into my Sunday afternoon 80's Rainy Day Afternoon repetiore. It was very entertaining. The Dancing, The Dirtiness, The Dirty Dancing, that scene on the tree. Omg, that was hot. The montage scene was incredible! I really did have "the time of my life" watching this movie. The 80's Rock!
What is up with that college douchebag getting that girl pregnant? Oh, no he didn't... That is just plain wrong. And, we all know that teenagers didn't have sex back then. So, there was inconsistency there. And, am I wrong, or does the good Doctor owe Johnny Castle an apology. Don't mess with Johnny Castle! You hear me people!
Side note: Why did Jennifer Grey get a nose job? What the hell?
Ummmm, no comment.
BOTTOM LINE: Dirty Dancing is Dirty, Intense, Sexual, Intense, Sensual, Intense, and Dirty, and Intense. Nobody puts Baby in a corner!
For Dirty Dancing, I chose Abita Turbo Dog. I've had Turbo Dog before and it's very good...Try one.
FORCE THE BOYFRIEND: Not Applicable
Watch if you liked...Dirtiness and Dancing?
Chick Flick: 3 1/2 cartons of ice cream (out of 5) Beer: 4 manly high fives (out of 5)
Here is a tasty Bon Bon for you on a relaxing Sunday afternoon. It's called "The Vow" and it stars Rachel McAdams and Channing Tatum. Here's a taste;
Not sure if this will be any good or not. Doesn't look like it's coming out until February 2012, so you'll have to wait. It is directed by Michael Suscy whose only feature was the made for tv remake of the awesome documentary Grey Gardens (2009).
Starring Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Cattrall, Cynthia Nixon, and Kristin Davis
Sex and Cities are back! It’s “Sex and the City 2”. SATC 2. Yeah, baby!
If you think I’m excited about this…you’re wrong. I only made it 20 minutes into the first one before I had to shut it off (see SATC: The Movie – the first twenty minutes). In an effort to make something fresh that has lived through a long, drawn out series and two movies I decided:
To write my review in “real time” as I watch it. So here it goes…
In New York…blah blah blah…it’s New York. What are those shoes? They’re Loub’s (Thanks Tiffany). Apparently there’s going to be a “gay” wedding. Apparently, I should stop calling it a “gay” wedding. Ok, now it’s ok to call it a “gay” wedding. (Thanks, Carrie). Swan, “gay” things, Liza Minelli…if you liked it then you should have put a ring on it. If you liked it then you should have put a ring on it. If you liked it then you should have put a ring on it. Surrogate service? Wtf! Ah, it sets up Carrie to need to have a baby.
This wedding scene is way, way too long. Ahh, dog humping…now that is funny.
Apparently, the nanny should wear a bra. It should be a law. The “Jude Law”. Ah, this sets up Erin’s worry about her husband wanting to sleep with the nanny.
Why can’t Mr. Big kick back and throw his feet up?
Now, Marinda quits her job and “makes” it to her son’s science fair. He wins and she “makes” it. She never “makes” it.
Samantha is rubbing some sort of cream on her hoo haw to “freshen up”. Now, she is invited by some dude with abs to a red carpet event. Now, she has to go. She’s pulling up her panties to get to the lunch date.
At this point, I questioning or not whether this movie is actually evil. Why? Because, these women live in NYC. And, women (including young girls) are watching this and thinking that they have to be “fabulous”, or “whatever” even though they live in the Midwest, or New England, or…
Why can’t Mr. Big install a big screen TV for their anniversary because it represented a nice time they have together? She got him a vintage Rolex and he got her a TV because he wanted to spend time with her. I’m going with Mr. Big on this one.
JAY Z is rapping again…I like this part…This leads to Miley Cyrus at the premiere. Oh crap, her and Samantha are wearing the same dress. Oh snap, girls unite!
Carrie and Mr. Big are fighting about the TV again.> Cuisine Art paid some money for an extreme close-up of their new state-of-the-art coffee maker.> Carrie’s at her old apartment so she can knock out some magazine articles.
Girls Lunch! This sets up the girls to go to Abu Dhabi. I mean Samantha went to all those birthday parties for Erin. Ring, Ring…who is that…Mr. Big…in a limo…a limo…omg…they missed each other. And, the TV stayed “off” the entire night. The End.
Wait, this movie is still going….Mr. Big and Carrie are talking again about their marriage…gag me. Seriously, gag me so I pass out and can’t watch the rest of this. More marriage talk…the closet, the bathroom, the breakfast table. “Carrie, we are adults without children. We have the luxury to design our life.” Good one.
Sidenote: Skip ahead to the scene where they fly to Abu Dhabi and take a look at Carrie’s hat. If you women, think that hat is fashionable then I am allowed to wear whatever I want until the end of time because that hat is the most hideous thing I have ever seen in my life. It looks like some creature landed on her head and died, birthed something, and then that something died…and then sat on her head.
At this point, I don’t know if I can write anymore. I mean…I’m going brain dead. I don’t have much more to say about this…culturally, culturally, or…culturally. I see why women love this series. It’s glitz, it’s glamour, it’s Abu Dhabi! I’ll let them have it. I just want to watch the rest of this without have to think about what I’m actually seeing.
I selected a beer that I thought was appropriate. It is Michelob Ultra- Pomegranate Raspberry. It tastes like juice and I don’t think it has any alcohol in it. It’s light and crispy. But, I don’t really consider it a beer. Nuff said.
*Throughout the entire movie I thought that Charlotte's name was actually Erin. Shows you how much I know about Sex and Cities.
FORCE THE BOYFRIEND: 1 out of 10 (1 mean he'll hate it, 10 means he'll love it) - Find a girlfriend to watch this one with and everyone will thank you for it :)
Watch if you liked...anything else regarding Sex and the City.
Chick Flick: unrateable DVD: unrateable Beer: 1 manly high fives (out of 5)
Directed by Anand Tucker Starring Amy Adams and Matthew Goode with Adam Scott
So, this is the first posting since the summer...and I have been ignoring emails, dropping phones calls, unplugging internet cables, and burning chick flick DVDS. All the complaints about me not updating this site was just too much. So, I'm back...and just in time for...duh duh duh...LEAP YEAR.
What a fabulously cliche movie. It really had all the right elements for a classic chick flick. Type-A city girl meets Type- B Country Boy. She's American, he's Irish (or at least he has a horribly fake Irish Accent). And, in the end...they fall in love?
I'm not sure if they fall in love. I zoned out for reasons I won't go into here. I actually watched this a few weeks ago and forgot the beer I had with the movie. Did I even have a beer with the movie? What is beer? What are movies? What is life? Why do we even exist? Oh, the humanity...
I actually like Amy Adams. I was a huge fan of Enchanted...should I even admit that? I don't know who Matthew Goode is...is he Irish? I'm really too lazy to do my research on this. I think the beer I had was Japanese, or maybe a micro brew. I have had the Sams Adams Octoberfest recently. That is very good. Very, very good. But, I'm sure most of you loyal readers out there have pick up a 6-pack at your local grocery chain.
I use loyal very loosely...and in case you didn't notice...I was being sarcastic earlier in this thread. I didn't get one complaint about being lazy and not updating the site. Maybe nobody really cares about chick flicks. Maybe my writing sucks. No one ever comments or even complains so how am I supposed to know. Should I even continue this pointless study on female driven movies? What do you think?
Here's the trailer below...
FORCE THE BOYFRIEND: 1 out of 10 (1 mean he'll hate it, 10 means he'll love it) - Don't force yourself either.
Watch if you liked...really cliche chick flicks
Chick Flick: 2 cartons of ice cream (out of 5)- Hugh Jackmanw as Ok. DVD: 1 pieces of milky chocolate (out of 5) Beer: 0 manly high fives (out of 5)- because I forgot what it was...
Directed by Adrienne Shelly Starring Keri Russell, Nathan Fillion, and Jeremy Sisto with Cheryl Hines, Adrienne Shelly and Andy Griffith
So, here is yet another movie, that I would have never subjected myself...and yet...I do again and again. A movie about a waitress who is into making pies..boooriing. She is unhappy in her marriage...booorinng. She wants to start a new life for herself...boooring. She's pregnant...booring again. This thing had chick flick fluff garbage all over it. And, yet, I still sat down to watch it (this time with an Yuengling Original Black and Tan). And, in the end, I actually enjoyed it.
"Waitress" stars Keri Russell (think "Felicity") as Jenna, a Waitress (surprise!) whose desperate plan to leave her controlling husband Earl, played by Jeremy Sisto, is foiled when she discovers she is pregnant with his baby. Not the type of woman who would give up a baby, she decides to keep it which leads her to meet the new Doctor in town, played by Nathan Fillion (think "Two Guys, A Girl, and A Pizza Place"). She is not happy about this pregnancy or her life but still gets tons of support from her co-workers, and Andy Griffith. The only think she really loves in life is making pies, and she is really an artist when it comes to making pies.
That's it. That's the set-up. What do you think will happen? Well, you'll have to watch it. I'm not going to tell you here. I will say this. I do find after watch all these chick flicks with their cookie-cutter characters and plots, etc. that whenever one is made with a writer/director it does make that chick flick a lot more interesting. There are some pretty surreal moments in "Waitress", strange things that wouldn't normally be seen in your average chick flick. I think its for the better. And, I craved pie throughout the entire movie.
"Waitress" is actually very entertaining once you allow yourself time to get into it. This is because the characters are so (should I use the chicky word) "endearing". Although, it took me a little while to get used to non-southern actors using southern accents. And, if you have problems with non-southern actors using southern accents then you know what I'm talking about. These aren't that bad so you get used to them pretty quickly.
The Yuengling's Original Black and Tan. I really recommend this if your a fan of Black and Tan. It's probably the next best thing to getting one in a bar.
This movie is overshadowed by the death of the actor/writer/director Adrienne Shelly who was murdered during post-production on this film. It's actually a very sad and tragic story. If you want to know more check her out on imdb or wiki it.
FORCE THE BOYFRIEND: 7 out of 10 (1 mean he'll hate it, 10 means he'll love it)
Watched if you liked...any chick flick whatsoever.
Chick Flick: 4 cartons of ice cream (out of 5) DVD: 3 pieces of milky chocolate (out of 5)-a nice homage to director Adrienne Shelly Beer: 5 manly high fives (out of 5)- but then again, I love Black and Tans
Directed by Paul Weiland Starring Patrick Dempsey, Michelle Monaghan with Sydney Pollack, Kevin McKidd, Kathleen Quinlan, and Busy Phillips
So, here we have Patrick "McDreamy" Dempsey. They call him "McDreamy" because he is apparently pretty "dreamy" and when you put the "mc" in front of things it makes it more than whatever it is. I guess "dreamy" didn't do it enough justice so the powers that be made him "McDreamy" and then America fell in love. Or, it might have something to do with Grey's Anatomy, a show I haven't seen.
In this film, "McDreamy" plays Tom, a womanizing playboy who invented the coffee sleeve or some tiny invention that has made him rich. Michelle Monaghan plays Hannah, his best friend in the whole world. They have been best friends for 10 years since he "accidentally" invaded Hannah's bed in search of her roommate. Hannah goes of to Scotland for work, and Tom discovers that he has true feelings for her. Tom plans to tell her but, as soon as she arrives back to New York, he is immediately introduced her new fiance Colin, a Scottish Duke. Hannah asks Tom to be her maid of honor, he plans to win her back and, as in most chick flicks, hi-jinks ensue.
I've always been a fan of Patrick Dempsey (even before he became "McDreamy") in movies like Can't Buy Me Love and Loverboy. He brings a lot to the character of Tom and plays him well. Michelle Monaghan is also good as Hannah. These two actors have good chemistry and it is believable that they could be longtime best friends. While this wasn't a bad film, I feel like this could have been a much better film if it just took itself just a little more seriously. There were strange comic moments that were interjected within the storyline and seemed out of place. As if the producers were like, this isn't funny enough, let's put some glow-in-the-dark "sex" beads around the Grandma's neck. The fact that Grandma was slighty interested in the beads in the first place was funny. They didn't need to have an ackward out of place shot with her wearing them a week later at the wedding. It was these moments that really detracted from the movie.
The premise of him being the Maid of Honor was a little wacky and it seems that us men get it easy when it comes to weddings. After all, we only have to plan bachelor parties and ask the groom multiple times if he is "sure" that he "wants to go through with this". All you girls have to plan showers and provide "support" etc. Why do they call them showers anyways? I've never really understood that. Is it really that hard to be a bridesmaid? It always seems like it is really dramatic and I hear about bridesmaids getting fired and there being falling outs with the bride and stuff like that? Does that really happen? Why are weddings so crazy?
This film play a trick...in that even though it is obviously a chick flick..it has a male lead and is really about the male character. So...boom.
For Made of Honor I drank an IBC Diet Root Beer. This root beer is delicious and should be consumed icey cold directly from the bottle. If you like root beer and you want to try a diet root beer I suggest this one. It doesn't get much better than this.
FORCE THE BOYFRIEND: 6 out of 10 (1 means he'll hate it, 10 means he'll like it)
Watch if you liked....Grey's Anatomy or wedding movies.
Chick Flick: 3 cartons of ice cream (out of 5) DVD: 1 pieces of milky chocolate (out of 5) Beer: 5 manly high fives (out of 5)
Directed by Robin Swicord
Starring Maria Bello, Emily Blunt, Kathy Baker, Amy Brenneman, Maggie Grace, Jimmy Smits, and Hugh Dancy
by Joshua Simpkins
This movie was not recommended to me. I chose it because the title alone sounded horrible and very “chick” to me. It seemed like the farthest thing from anything I would want to watch. What could be interesting about a bunch of women sitting around talking about Jane Austen? It was directed by a chick, written by a chick, starred a bunch of chicks. In other words, it made for women by women.
To accompany the flick I went with the obvious choice, Budweiser, the King of beers. There was no alternative. What is more American than Jane Austen and Budweiser? After all, Jane Austen is one of America’s best known “chick” authors and “Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman”. Then I found out she was British and wasn’t even a doctor. So what? Budweiser isn’t American anymore. They were one of the last great American companies then they sold out to the Swedes or some other country. So we have an ex-pat beer and a British chick author, Jane Austen and Budweiser. The two still go hand and hand.
The movie is about a group of women (and one dude) who escape the difficulties of everyday life by creating a book club and reading Jane Austen. The rules are simple. There are six books and six members. Each one gets a specific book and hosts a meeting with food and discussion themed after their specific book. The drama in their lives reflects the drama in Jane Austen’s stories and vice versa and versa visa. Oui Oui.
Each women in the group is different from the next. There is the newly divorced Mother, her young lesbian daughter, the spinster, the socialite with multiple ex-husbands (what do they call those again?), the overly tense, uptight young high school French teacher, and the guy is a semi-dorky science fiction fan. There is plenty of drama to go around. The divorcee sees her husband running around with his new piece of ace, the French teacher is fantasizing over her beefy student, the lesbian loves too easily, the spinster is trying to set the divorcee up with the sci-fi geek but likes him herself. The only chill one is the older woman that has been married multiple times. But, don’t let that fool you. This had plenty of gossip to fill my drama king lifestyle.
Now, the question is, “Did I like the movie?” The answer is, “Yes, I did”. As the movie progressed I went from completely uninterested to finding it pretty enjoyable. I cared about the characters and what happened to them and I liked the story. It was a neat premise and while technically it did have its fault (dialogue, stereotypes, cheesy music, clichés, etc) I won’t really go Into to all that here. Focusing on the story I enjoyed it. Plus there was a little bit of lipstick lesbian action. For you girls out there, If you haven’t seen it then watch it.
FORCE THE BOYFRIEND: 3 out of 10 (1 means he'll hate it, 10 means he'll like it)
Yesterday was Cinco de Mayo and I went out after work and drank two Blue Moon’s with a delicious orange slice to celebrate. I also had a quesadilla that wasn’t very good. But, hey, when in Rome do as the Romans do. Or, when in America celebrate anything that gives you a reason to consume mass quantities of alcohol. Oktoberfest- Awesome, Cinco de Mayo- Superb, St. Patrick’s Day- Green Beer!, Christmas- Why not! Egg Nog!. We are a melting pot…I’m not complaining. I drank my beers in honor of my half Puerto Rican- half Mexican friend…Ole! He can get a darker tan than me in the summer and he’s always tan in the winter. Anyway’s, I getting off topic.
I drank my two dee-lish beers and headed in Barnes and Noble (pronounced No-blay) and discovered a great book called, “The Ultimate Guide To Chick Flicks: the Romance, the Glamour, the Tears, and more,” by Kim Adelman. This book has it all. Romance! Glamour! Tears! And More! OMG! This looks incredible. It includes an incredible index of films. Here are few that I’m sure to review in the future;
-Breakfast At Tiffany’s -Bridget Jones; The Edge of Reason -Dirty Dancing -Funny Face -Kate & Leopold -Prelude to a Kiss -Sweet Home Alabama -Somewhere In Time -Shall We Dance -Teen Witch
Apparently, there are rules to the chick flick. I tried to form a definition of “Chick Flick” in an earlier post. Here are some of the rules according to the guide;
1. Create a sympathetic heroine. 2. Offer up a love-worthy hero 3. Don't forget the best friend. 4. Something is wrong with the heroine type. 5. They meet. 6. Toss in impediment to the romance. 7. They dance. 8. Memorable 9. The hero employs the three magic words. 10. Achieve the ultimate happy-ending
I can’t wait to read this thing. I will work my way through the entire list of Ultimate Chick Flicks. I’m also interested in finding out if there is a list of AFI (American Film Institute) top 100 Chick Flicks or Romantic Comedies. I’ll keep you updated. Girl Power!
Starring Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan Directed by Nora Ephron
by Joshua Simpkins
I decided my first chick flick would be one of the two films that actually got me into chick flicks. One is“Sleepless In Seattle”. The other is “When Harry Met Sally”. They are both co-written by Nora Ephron. I liked this movie when I younger and I still like it today. So, I ran out and picked up the Anniversary Edition on DVD, rushed home, threw it into the DVD player and grabbed a beer.
I don’t care who you are…man or woman…if you don’t think Tom Hanks is the shit…then you’re lying. Because, he is, most definitely, the shit (pronounced slow like, Sheee- It). Almost everything he has ever done is classic from “Big” to “Saving Private Ryan”. And, if he happens to be in a crappy movie (i.e. “The Ladykillers”) his acting is still superb. When Tom feels it, I feel it…and so do you.
Don’t get me started on Meg Ryan. I think I was in love with her at some point and she is at her best in SIS. In 1998, a friend and I were soo into Meg Ryan, that after we were stood up by our dates we went to see “You’ve Got Mail” with each other. Then, we quickly vowed never to tell another soul. I think I actually kept that secret…until now. Meg Ryan was the It girl for a while. Then she ran off and had a fling with Russell Crowe, got plastic surgery, and now she looks kinda like the Joker. Why did she have to mess with her face?!!!
Ok, so there I am, watching SIS again for the first time in years. The title clears and we see Tom and his son at a funeral. Tom’s upset…therefore I’m upset. Everyone is telling him to get help. He decides to move. Seattle. Enter Meg Ryan looking good with her fiancé, Walter, played to perfection by Bill Pullman (I actually forget it’s him). They are going to her parents’ house so Walter can meet her parents for the first time. He is allergic to everything. Wait….We have a problem. Now, I know that Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan are going to get together at some point, they have to…but, Holy Crap, she lives in Baltimore and he lives all the way across the country….how the hell is this supposed to happen?…and, Meg Ryan doesn’t believe in signs…Oh, No!...now I’m sucked in. It’s a good thing this Bud Select is so dee-lish.
SIS is the one of the deepest of all the chick flicks. It's like the Charlie Kaufman version of the romantic comedy other then, like, the actual Charlie Kaufman version of the chick flick, “Eternal Sunshine and The Spotless Mind”. Why? Because it works on so many levels and basically retells the story of a movie that is within the movie (kinda like the Charlie Kaufman version of an adaptation of a novel called “Adaptation”). It retells or spins the events of “An Affair to Remember” starring Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr (or is it Karr? I can’t remember) within the action of “Sleepless In Seattle”. How deep is that?
I’ve already rambled on too long about “Sleepless In Seattle” because we all know it’s a good movie.
Update - 7/9/2012 - This is not an actual review for Far and Away. This is a history of how the site started - conversationally, of course.
One rainy night I was sitting home alone in my furniture-less apartment watching the semi-classic Tom Cruise/ Nicole Kidman film “Far and Away”, directed by Ron Howard, when a friend called and asked what I was doing.
ME: Watching a movie and drinking a beer. FRIEND: What movie are you watching? ME: Far and Away. FRIEND: Is that the one with Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman that’s
directed by Ron Howard? ME: Yeah. FRIEND: Is there a chick with you? ME::No, why? FRIEND: So, you’re telling me, you are sitting at home watching a chick flick
all by yourself and drinking a beer. That’s ridiculous. ME: It’s not ridiculous and it’s not a chick flick. It’s an historical Irish epic
about the Oklahoma land rush starring Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman
that’s directed by Ron Howard. FRIEND: It’s a chick flick. ME: It’s a swashbuckling romance. FRIEND: Does drinking a beer make you feel manlier while watching chick
flicks? ME: No, I like beer. It’s refreshing.
And, then it struck me. While “Far and Away” isn’t the ultimate chick flick it does have many elements that would classify is it as such. It is a timeless love story about two people from different classes who overcome the odds to fulfill their dreams of love and happiness. Did my subconscious recognize this? Why was I drinking a beer? Did it make me feel manlier? Why was I wearing a pink rob and socks? Where the hell did I get a pink robe? Wait, this robe’s not pink, it’s forest green. Thank God! Why am I questioning my masculinity? Who cares! I like chick flicks and I like beer. The two actually go together quite harmoniously.
And, then it struck me, again. Why not create a blog in which I review and muse over chick flicks while drinking a beer. You can do it yourself…the rules are simple…the movie must be a chick flick…and you’re allowed no more than two beers. How does one determine what is or isn’t a chick flick? That’s easy. If you even have the slightest thought or question about a movie being a chick flick then I probably is.
If you need more help determining what is or isn’t a chick flick, dictionary.com defines chick flick as follows;
Main Entry:chick flick Part of Speech:n Definition:
a movie intended for and marketed to females, with themes, characters, or events more likely to appeal to women than men; also called chick’s
flick Usage:
slang
You can also start with “Far and Away” starring Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman. It’s directed Ron Howard. Real Men Wear Pink!
Pilar is a yorkie with a lot to say about chick flicks. She now has her own column, Pilar Barks! I thought I would sit down with her, and ask her a few questions, so everyone could get to know her a little better. 
Directed by Anand Tucker
Directed by Paul Weiland
