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!!!!

War Movies For Chicks!

I’ve compiled five great “chick friendly” World War II movies. So, go ahead and take it out on the hubby or boyfriend. Who knows they may even like it.


From Here to Eternity (1953)Directed by Fred Zinnemann
Starring Burt Lancaster, Montgomery Clift, Donna Reed, Deborah Kerr, and Montgomery Clift

And, you thought it started with Ben Affleck and Josh Hartnett in Pearl Harbor. Well, guess again. This is a great, great, movie and it even garnered Frankie Sinatra an Academy Award. You probably seen part of it before...you know the black and white scene with the couple rolling around on the beach at the watersedge...well, its from this movie. I've seen it numerous times...and I even read the book I liked the movie so much. This is a must see...for you and your boyfriend.




The English Patient (1996)
Directed by Anthony Minghella
Starring Ralph Fiennes, Juliette Binoche, Willem Dafoe, Kristin Scott Thomas and Colin Firth

This movie won like 300 Academy Awards (and if that doesn't mean anything to you, and sometimes it doesn't) then just take my word for it and watch it. It is what you chicks call a timeless, love story and there is lots of war so there is plenty for everyone. Very well acted and directed. If you saw it in the 90's then watch it again. If you have never seen it then watch it because I say so...and make your boytoy watch it, too.


The Diary of Anne Frank (1959)
Directed by George Stevens
Starring Shelley Winters, Millie Perkins, Ed Wynn, Lou Jacobi, and Diane Baker

Like me you were probably forced to read this book in school. And, even at the time you knew that this was an important book. You might have even got to watch the movie in class and give your English teacher a break. Watch it again, and this time, pay attention to the scene in which the Frank family is about to be discovered by the Nazis. It doesn't get more emotional or suspenseful then that. Is this necesarilly a chick flick? Probably not...but it was written by a chick and it is very, very good.



Notorious (1946)
Directed by Alfred Hitchcock
Starring Cary Grant, Ingrid Bergman, and Claude Rains

I am a huge, huge, huge Alfred Hitchcock fan. I think his films are the reason I even like movies to begin with. Few directors have been able to blend art and commerce so nicely. The Birds is one of my all-time favorite films...why might you ask?...well, one reason is that it really isnt about birds...there are birds attacking people...but...I'm getting off topic. This film is one of Hitchcock's best and at it's heart is many chick flick elements...the relationship between Grant and Bergman to say the least...plus, there are Nazis...look out for the macguffin...you tell me what it is.



Racing with the Moon (1984)
Directed by Richard Benjamin
Starring Sean Penn, Nic Cage, and Elizabeth McGovern

This movies stars Sean Penn and Nic Cage and I bet you haven't even heard of it. I came across it a couple of years ago and wondered how the hell I had never heard of it. I went out and found it on DVD and fell in love with. It took me mulitple viewings much thought before I finally admitted to myself that, at it's core, this film is very much a chick flick. It takes place in 1943 and Sean and Nic are like many other American boys ready to go off and fight in the war...Sean meets Elizabeth...and well...watch the movie. It's great. I highly recommend it if you liked "The Notebook".

The Holidays Are Fast Approaching...

The holidays are fast approaching...Are you ready?

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

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

J-LO Triple Feature!

Happy Saturday!  In honor of J-LO quitting American Idol (or fulfilling her contract) I'm putting up the J-LO triple feature!  Just click poster to read more!  Enjoy!

 (Click Poster to Read More...)

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.

DOGFISH HEAD- HELLHOUND

Robert Johnson was the famous guitarist that allegedly made a deal with the deal.  They always say to never make a deal with the devil. It might just be a trick that comes back hurt you in the end. Dogfish Head's special brew, Robert Johnson's Hellhound Ohmyale, might just play such at trick. At 10% alc this brew packs a powerful punch that actually just sneaks up behind you and catches you in a choke hold.

Right out of the bottle the ale develops a thick white head that lasts after the pour settles. It is a light golden color and has a nice aroma of citrus, lemons, and flowers. Its full flavor holds up well and this ale has excellent lacing. It's stiff without being too punchy, but like I said before, if you're not careful it can pack a huge punch. 

This beer would go great shared with a few friends on a joyous occasion. It has a excellent taste that can be enjoyed by all. For more information on Dogfish Head Craft Brewed Ales head over to their website. They have a huge, tasteful array of brew to choose from for any occasion. 

 

Chick Flicks and Beer Rating:   4.5 out 5 

 Always remember to drink responsibly!
Great beer to pair with; 

 (click poster for more information, or visit IMDB)

Shall We Dance (2004)

Pilar Barks!

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

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

EEL RIVER AMBER ALE

by Joshua Simpkins

Everything is organic nowadays, from the food we eat, to even some of the clothes we wear. It’s better for us. It doesn’t contain pesticides. It’s grown naturally. We are better people for it. Well, that last sentence is still up for debate. Still, a lot of things are organic so, “Why not the beer?”

Eel River Brewing Company claims to be America’s 1st Certified Organic Brewery. Eel River Amber Ale is certified organic and has a 4.8% alcohol by volume. It is brewed in Scotia, California, which is in Northern California. The cap even says, “USDA Organic”.

Eel River Amber Ale pours nicely into the glass and develops a full, two-finger tan head. It has a nice amber shade with a rich, deep color. From there, much is to be desired. The head quickly dissipates and there is not much lacing. There is no aftertaste, but there isn’t much flavor.

Overall, the beer seems pretty light and seems thin for amber ale. I’ll have to keep looking an organic beer that tastes better. Eating organic fruit taste better, why shouldn’t organic beer taste better? I’m still on the hunt…

Chick Flicks and Beer Rating:   2 out 5

Always remember to drink responsibly.

A great beer to pair with;

 Both could have been great, but just kinda sucked.

(Click poster to read more...)

Friends with Kids (2011)

Starring Adam Scott, Jennifer Westfeldt, Jon Hamm, Maya Rudolph, Kristin Wiig, and Chris O'Dowd
Directed by Jennifer Westfeldt

by Joshua Simpkins 

You’ve been to the restaurant before. You know the one. Its really nice, swanky, and upscale. You’ve been planning to go for a while. It wasn’t easy, but you got a reservation on Saturday night at the best time. You’ve sat, enjoyed an appetizer, and then you hear it. What is it? The incessant whining of kids about 3 tables over. Their parents are begging for them to stop, but instead, they proceed to crawl under the table and make faces at their sister. “Who in the world would think to bring their kids to place like this,” you ask yourself. Everyone at the table agrees. Of course, no one at your table has kids. Everyone is appalled.

This is the beginning to Friends with Kids. It follows two best friends, Jason (Adam Scott) and Julie (Jennifer Westfeldt), as they watch their other friends (Jon Hamm, Kristin Wiig, Maya Rudolph, and Chris O’Dowd) get married and have children. Jason and Julie want children one day, but have been unable to find that special someone. And, after seeing how marriage and children have altered the lives of their friends decide to have a kid without marriage. They will have a child together, split the costs, and then find that special someone. Julie’s clock is ticking, after all.

At first look, Friends with Kids, appears to be a comedy. The actual friends (the actors portraying them) are a Bridesmaids (2011) reunion. But, as the movie progresses it becomes more of a drama. This could be a thematic problem or it could be done on purpose. Doesn’t everyone’s life get a little more complicated after children? I don’t know, I don’t have kids. I do have a yorkie, though. And, she can sometimes be opinionated. See Pilar Barks!

I am a huge fan of Adam Scott. He plays Jason perfectly. I will say however, I hope that he doesn't get typcast playing these types of characters. Jennifer Westfeldt takes a little getting used to. I can’t tell if she had plastic surgery or….actually, I’m not really sure what is going on there. After awhile, though, I got used to her and got into the movie. The scenes with friends are great!

This is a great film to watch with the boyfriend because of all the males different perspectives throughout. The ending leaves a little bit to be desired, but then again don’t expect any Academy Award nominations! Other than that, enjoy! And, next time you hear the shrill of children at the overcrowded table behind you, in that swanky restaurant, give them a break. They may have just wanted a nice dinner, and learned the hard way.

 FORCE THE BOYFRIEND:  6 out of 10 (Something for everyone in here)

Beer Pairing Recommendation
Mamma's Little Yella Pils - Just look at the name!

                                                     
                                                  For more on the movie, visit IMDB

GIRL TALK ~ Weekly Recap

Hope everyone had a great week!  We had a lot of magical Mike, which means a whole lot of Channing Tatum.  We threw in some J-Lo action, with a little bit of sass from a yorkie, name Pilar in Pilar Barks! and BAM..what a great week it's been!  Also, check out The Jane Austin Book Club (2007)...

(Click Images To Read More...)

PILAR BARKS! NEW COLUMN!

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!