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)

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...)

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! 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!

GIRL TALK ~ Weekly Recap

It was a great week here at Chick Flicks and Beer. We are back with a vengeance! Chick Flicks and Beer is now updated daily with new reviews, more beer, and more chick flicks! Here is the recap for the week here at Chick Flicks and Beer!  Like us on FACEBOOK!



This week shared the passing of two great cinematic icons. We remembered Nora Ephron, the writer/director behind such films as When Harry Met Sally (1989), Sleepless in Seattle (1993), You've Got Mail (1998), and Julie and Julia (2009).

Nora Ephron (click to read more...)

We also remembered Andy Griffith's and one of his last great performance's in Waitress (2007).

Andy Griffith in Waitress (2007)  (click to read more...)

J-Lo and Matthew Matthew McConaughey ruined one wedding and planned their own in The Wedding Planner (2001).

The Wedding Planner (2001)  (click to read review)

 
This week we also tasted and discussed Blue Point's Summer Ale.

Blue Point Summer Ale   (click for a tasting)

The Ugly Truth (2009)

Directed by Robert Luketic
Starring Katherine Heigl and Gerard Butler

“The Ugly Truth” is that I actually watched this movie about a month ago. At the time I was too lazy to sit down and write a review of it. While I watched it I drank an Abita Purple Haze and The Real Truth is that I love Abita Purple Haze. Whenever I drink an Abita Purple Haze and breath in its flowery aroma I can’t help but think about Super Mario Brothers 2 and Princess Toadstool. I have no idea why but I makes me happy. “The Ugly Truth” is that after a few sips I realized that there was some dark flakes floating around within my frosty mug. I questioned whether this is normal for Abita Purple Haze and whether or not this was affecting the overall flavor of the beer. After all, doesn’t Goldschlager have little bits of flakes in it? And, that’s never killed anyone (at least, not the gold). So, knowing that my friend Tyler would disapprove (he is never one to waste any beer) I poured it out and grabbed a Dos Equis Amber Lager, poured into another frosty mug, and Voila!...no flakes. I don’t blame Abita, it was probably past the freshness date.

Katherine Heigl plays a local new producer and Gerard Butler plays an outspoken if not flat-out rude cable access television show host of a show called (guess what) “The Ugly Truth”. The beginning is slightly ridiculous. She calls in to argue with him one night and the next day (guess what again) he just happens to be hired by her news station manager. And, (guess what for the third time) she is assigned to be his producer. It’s Manly Man versus Modern Women and it looks like we have the perfect setup for a chick flick. If I remember anything about “The Ugly Truth” it was that I wasn’t all that impressed with Katherine Heigl or Gerard Butler. She seems a bit loony and he has that almost annoying “British guy making a scruffy American accent” that all the actors from the UK (or Australia) try to put on (see Colin Farrell, Russell Crowe, and Orlando Bloom). But...He sounds so manly with that scruffy voice.

“The Ugly Truth” is that the movie has a weak beginning and ending. But, the middle isn’t really that bad and some pretty funny parts. This movie won’t be bad for a date night and might lead to a little discussion about the opposite sex (male or female) and also, cats. Because don't all single lonely, women have a lot of cats? At least, that's what Gerard thinks.

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 P.S. I Love You

Chick Flick: 3 cartons of ice cream (out of 5)

DVD: 1 pieces of milky chocolate (out of 5)

Beer: 4 manly high fives (out of 5)- for the XX Amber Lager

It's Complicated (2009)

Directed by Nancy Meyer  
Starring Meryl Streep, Steve Martin, and Alec Baldwin

by Tim Rousseau

Having struck a seedy back alley deal with the missus, I found myself sitting down in the theater to watch "It's Complicated." This is the newest film modern menopause cinema has to offer and who better to bring it to us than Nancy Meyer, the poster girl of the movement. With her last outing "Something's Got to Give", I was surprised by the humor and relieved by its wit. By the end of the movie I was sold into wanting for these characters. Not the case with this one. The setting is similar, beautiful home and countryside, swap east coast for west coast, everyone walks around eating pastries and drinking white wine. Money doesn't seem to be a problem. In fact, there aren't really any problems with these people.......and that's when things get COMPLICATED.

Meryl Streep is the cougar with the heart of gold and Alec Baldwin is the douche bag, absent, full of sh!t father who somehow isn't responsible for any selfish thing he does. Steve Martin is the nice guy doormat. Well, you can see where I'm going with this, it's time for a fifty-something love triangle! They've been divorced for 10 years. He's remarried to the mistress, she's lonely but oh so brave and independent. They screw, she feels guilty, he doesn't. All sorts of hijinks ensue, and all the while she's kinda sorta dating Steve Martin. Most of the screen time is dedicated to Alec Baldwin bullshitting his way into Meryl Streep's granny panties and it only gets thicker and more absurd. Ladies, imagine your man laying in bed with you on a Sunday morning trying to get some nookie. You know, just laying it on thicker and thicker till you just give it up to shut him up. Well, there's 2 hours worth of it here, just in case you ever wanted to know how divorcee's get down.

This may sound like the ranting of an angry boyfriend forced to watch a chick flick, and well... it is...but it's also the voice of someone trying to reach out. I want to like these films, comrades, I do but the chick flick is a subtle art. When done properly it will persuade and move the male to see more Romcoms, even oddly looking forward to the next one. Characters are everything and this one didn't have any that I even cared about. I have a feeling this film is more realistic than I want to admit. About divorce, about growing older, about re-discovering social rites in a world that has changed. Maybe I judge it too harshly. It wasn't a bad movie by any stretch. There was even a funny marijuana sequence involving Steve Martin being, well, Steve Martin which unlike Alec Baldwin's schtick will never get old.

FORCE THE BOYFRIEND: 6 out of 10 (men will like this more than they think but will grow tired of Alec Baldwin)

Beer Pairing Recommendation
It was so complicated I couldn't chose a specific beer...much like Meryl had a hard time picking a man

For more on this chick flick, visit IMDB

Girl Power!

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!



Beer: 4 manly high fives (out of 5)