Movie And A Beer

Movie And A Beer Episode 163: Tropic Thunder

On this jungle exploring episode of Movie And A Beer, we discuss the rather farcical action flick Tropic Thunder. With an excellent cast of actors portraying actors portraying stereotypes we expect from Hollywood, this movie achieves what few only hope too, in that it pulls off making fun of itself without taking itself too seriously. Ben Stiller, Jack Black, and Robert Downey Jr. are the main protagonist(s) whom exemplify the worst parts of being an "A-Lister" effectively while the supporting cast bring it all together. 

Along the way we also sampled three beers which brought different profiles and abilities to our tastebuds. The first two were lagers from Old Town Brewing (OR), and Baerlic Brewing (OR), while the third was a wild ale from Funky Fauna (OR). Listen in on the episode for a deep dive into lager styles and how or why these are successful with this film. 

Movie And A Beer Episode 162: The Parenting

On this most frightful episode of Movie And A Beer, we review the recently released streaming film The Parenting. Directed by Craig Johnson with the screenplay by Kent Sublette, the movie starts out in 1983 providing a backdrop for the spooky vibes and monsters that show up later on in the film. Starring a number of talented actors, the story is a great blend between the horror and comedy genres. The story, while somewhat believable takes you along the path of discovery and forgiveness in a meaningful way. 

The beers we tried and reviewed were also somewhat tasty and went along well with the suspense and horror action on the screen. First up was a Cream Ale by Living Haus (OR) and second up was a West Coast India Pale Ale from Irrelevant Beer (WA). Give the episode a listen to hear more about these beers and this great movie. 

Movie And A Beer Episode 161: Spaceballs

On this most epic spoof of a space comedy episode of Movie And A Beer, we most lovingly enjoyed Spaceballs, the Mel Brooks film from 1987. This is one of the best spoof movies that is out there, it uses all kinds/types of humor to make fun of and laugh along with the audience references to pop culture, sci-fi movies and TV shows, and just about anything else that was relevant at the time. While the film's humor is centered around that, the story and acting were quite simple and straight forward without a lot of confusion. 

The two beers we had while watching this movie were both amber beers. An amber lager from Obelisk Brewing (OR) out in Astoria and the other was an amber ale from Commensal Fermentation (OR) here in Portland. They were both similar in some way, but different in others. Just like this film. Give the episode a listen to learn more about the beers and our thoughts on this comedy time capsule. 

Movie And A Beer Episode 160: Hundreds of Beavers

On this cold weather survival and hunting expedition of Movie And A Beer, we discuss the wonderful black and white (sort of) silent film Hundreds of Beavers. This comedy was created using a super low budget, amazing physical action, and lots of talented post-production effects. The film’s writer, director, editor, and main visual effects artist Mike Cheslik has provided the viewer with an experience that should be shared with a wide audience. Storytelling without much dialogue is along forgotten skill that he masters with the characters on the screen. 

We discuss a couple of great beers along the way with this film, a black lager from Oak Union (OR), and a peanut butter milk stout from Belching Beaver Brewing (OR). Both were excellent choices for this film but we all tended to enjoy one more than the other. Give the episode a listen to hear about this and many other fascinating facts about distilling applejack and other funny facts about mascots. 

Movie And A Beer Episode 159: Thor Ragnarok

As we look back on one of the better stand-alone MCU films on this episode of Movie And A Beer, we celebrate Asgard's destruction with Thor Ragnarok. Directed by Taika Waititi, this film brings in a delicious mix of humor with super-hero non-stop action and great actors supporting a simple, but humble hero's journey to save his people. The character Thor has a long and rough journey to find himself and his true powers while facing new challenges. You don't necessarily have to have watched the other MCU films prior to this one as the story stands alone for the most part, but there are a few parts that might not make much sense if you don't. 

We did have a couple of gluten free beers from Evasion Brewing (OR), a fruited ale and blood-orange IPA that went exceptionally well with the movie. We do discuss what makes a gluten free beer and how difficult it is to make one that actually tastes like beer (like these do). Give the episode a listen to hear more about that and the MCU.  

Movie And A Beer Episode 158: A League Of Their Own

On this historically accurate episode of Movie And A Beer, we explore the 1992 film A League Of Their Own, which is about the woman's baseball league that was formed during WWII. It's directed by Penny Marshall and includes an amazing cast of actors, it follows a team of women who prove that they have what it takes to play ball in America. We also include some discussion about SheBrew, an annual female-identified brewing competition and celebration that's taking place in March. There are parallels between the empowerment portrayed in this incredible film and with the beer industry. 

Honoring female brewers is something that should be done year round and we selected a couple of rock-stars to sample beers from. Steeplejack Brewing with a Dusseldorfer Style Alt Bier and Grand Fir Brewing with a great Bohemian Style Pilsner. Both were delicious and we do discuss the origins and styles during the episode. 

Movie And A Beer Episode 157: Idiocracy

We at Movie And A Beer have found ourselves enjoying the 2005 futuristic comedy known as Idiocracy while making a concerted effort to convince each other that this is a reality that could never come about. The film itself is great, the acting and comedy are on point, the realities of big corporate ownership of the government and information that is taken for granted starts to hit a little close to home in the movie for us. We did discuss a bit in our review about society and technology and the 'have vs. have-nots' type of dystopia that's so common with futuristic stories like this one but all agreed that everyone should find and enjoy this film, even if it's really close to what's happening in our own society today. 

The beers we sampled were of the 'dark' variety, a black lager from Cerveceria Norte (OR) and a black ale from Holy Mountain Brewing (WA) in Seattle. Both went surprisingly well with the film but provided a slightly different approach to the roasted qualities they included. Give the episode a listen to hear more about this and our take on the future and what it might hold for us.  

Movie And A Beer Episode 156: The Royal Tenenbaums

As we venture into the past with a new episode of Movie And A Beer featuring The Royal Tenenbaums, there's much discussion on Wes Anderson's approach to filmmaking and the way in which this film provides insight into dysfunctional families and self-centered people whom seem stuck due to their own self destructive behaviors. This film is entertaining with an amazing ensemble cast of talented actors, great sound design and music, great design and visual appeal. However, there are some things that are hard to overlook and we dive into this in some detail in our discussion. 

We also had a couple of amazing beers to go along with this film that were purchased at Chill N'FIll. The first was a NW style red ale from Stoup Brewing (WA), and the second was a sour IPA from Evil Twin Brewing (NY). Both tasted great and provided a pleasant backdrop to the sometimes depressing story on the screen.

Movie And A Beer Episode 155: Frankie Freako

As we imagine ourselves back in the 80's when creature features and bad puppetry were at their peak, Movie And A Beer discovered a strange secret Xmas film that was made in 2024 that fits the bill in Frankie Freako, Written and directed by Steven Kostanski, it follows Connor, a number crunching square who's been given permission to let lose while his wife is out of town for the weekend. Paying homage to the puppetry horror films of the past, Connor calls a late-night party hotline that promises out-of-this-world fun. Once the mayhem beings, he must battle the pint-sized forces of evil unleashed through his phone line, led by the maniacal rock n’ roll goblin FRANKIE FREAKO.

While the film was hard to swallow in it's shallow story, the two beers we had while watching it were not. We enjoyed an English Bitter from Obelisk Beer (OR), and a Fruited Sour Gose from Abomination Brewing (CT). Both had their merits, but one was outstanding above all else. Listen into the episode to hear more about these beers, beer engines, and salt. 

Movie And A Beer Episode 154: Train To Busan

On our third and final installment of "What kind of zombie is this?" we at Movie And A Beer enjoyed the 2016 Korean horror film Train To Busan. While the movie does a great job of portraying the tension and horror of a zombie outbreak, it also includes some parallels with the social standings and class attitudes that exist within Korean society. It follows a well-to-do fund manager who's neglected daughter convinces her father to take her to visit her estranged mother who lives in Busan via train. The outbreak provides the father with the opportunity to discover what really matters as a human, not just money and prestige. 

Along for the ride, we sampled a variety of flavored Makgulli (rice wine with lactose) and a couple of Sojus (rice wine). These were both surprising and enjoyable as the film was. Give the episode a listen to hear more about rice wines and other Korean drinks and our take on how these foreign films are successful in using zombies as a story telling backdrop.  

Movie And A Beer Episode 153: Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead

On this second installment of "what kind of Zombie are they", Movie And A Beer explores Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead, a Japanese buddy horror film that takes place during a zombie apocalypse in Tokyo. It follows Akira Tendo, a worker drone who's existence is only driven by his sadistic boss. Figuring out he no longer has to go to work, Akira discovers he can actually live his life to the fullest. The action and storytelling are well done, there is some manga style adaptation to the film towards the end, so if you're a fan of that, this movie is for you. 

We had a couple of decent beers with this movie as well. A Japanese rice lager from Crux Fermentation Project (OR), and a robust porter from Little Beast Brewing (OR). Both were pleasant but we did find one was a bit more on-point for the action on the screen. Give this episode a listen to hear about what makes a robust porter "robust" and a brief discussion on adjunct lagering. 

Movie And A Beer Episode 152: Apocalipsis Z: El principio del fin

On this zombie driven episode of Movie And A Beer, we watched Apocalipsis Z: El principio del fin, a 2024 Spanish zombie action film staring Francisco Ortiz as Manel. He's a regular guy (lawyer and engineer) trying to make his way through grief and the zombie apocalypse with his wife's cat, Lúculo who represents all that he's fighting for. This isn't your typical horror film, it wouldn't even get a R rating here in the states. It's extremely well directed, written, acted, and shot and tells a great story without relying on the tropes usually associated with zombie films.

We did have a couple of amazing beers with this film as well. A west coast IPA from Boneyard Brewing (OR) and a CDA or Black IPA from ColdFire Brewing (OR). Both were exceptional in their flavor profiles and we really loved them along with this film. Give the episode a listen to hear more about CDA's and the importance of balance in beers.  

Movie And A Beer Episode 151: Miracle Mile

On this late 80's episode of Movie And A Beer we watched Miracle Mile, a film about an unlucky guy who first meets the love of his life at the Labara Tarpits Museum (in LA), plays some jazz music for her at a concert, then oversleeps his date later that night only to discover the world's ending in an hour. What does he do? He of course goes to save the girl just to be caught up in a tangled mess of poor decisions and the world ending. 

While that might sound like a huge mess to wade through, the film does hold our interest and we had a couple of amazing beers to sip along the way. First was a collab Fest beer by Gold Dot and Hetty Alice, and the second was an American Brown from now defunct Mt. Tabor Brewing. Listen in for some re-write recommendations and our thoughts on these two exceptional beers. 

Movie And A Beer Episode 150: The Wrath of Becky

We welcome episode 150 of the Movie And A Beer podcast with a delightful thriller movie The Wrath of Becky, which borrows from it's predecessors in the genre with the simple story, excellent acting, and overall appeal to crossover humor, horror, and thriller/revenge films. "You killed my dog..." as a phrase comes to mind. Becky is a distraught teenager trying to find her way through life after a tragic set of events and now is faced with another set of unfortunate circumstances which lead her down a path of revenge and hate. 

While the movie proved that it could punch above it's weight, the two seasonal beers we had, first a pumpkin ale from Grains of Wrath (WA), and a stout from Culmination Brewing (OR) both didn't perform as well as expected with the film. Listen in as we discuss pumpkin spice, stouts and how sequels can be better than their first. 

Movie And A Beer Episode 149: Detective K: Secret Of The Living Dead

We celebrate a couple of birthdays on Movie And A Beer with Detective K: Secret Of The Living Dead, a wonderful 2018 Korean historical horror drama that provides the audience with a lot of laughs and some great lessons in how to get revenge against those that have wronged you. Examining just how human vampires can be, the story provides some insights into feudal Korea and how injustices often were justified when trying to hold onto power. 

We had a couple of great beers with this film, a West Coast style lager from Funky Fauna (OR), and a Czech Dark Lager from Wayfinder. Both went really well and we discuss what the decoction method in brewing is during the episode. Give it a listen to hear more. 

Movie And A Beer Episode 148: The Sandlot

This episode of Movie And A Beer brings us a coming of age story based in the 1960's through the lens of kids playing baseball in the film The Sandlot. Newly moved to a new neighborhood, Scottie Smalls (Thomas Guiry) learns how to play baseball while having the summer of his young life. He makes fast friends with his teammates and goes on a number of amazing journeys and faces the Beast to retrieve his fathers signed baseball. 

We were lucky to try a couple of beers that were related to both baseball and things from our childhood. An imperial/double IPA from Chapman Brewing (CA) with some cool-aid like vibes and from Stormbreaker Brewing (OR) the official beer (IPA) of the Portland Pickles baseball team. Listen in on the episode to hear about this great story and these beers. 

Movie And A Beer Episode 147: Kill

On this action packed foreign film episode of Movie And A Beer we watched Kill, a recent movie out of India with 90 minutes of knife wielding mania.  What should be a simple Romeo-and-Juliet style love story between an army commando Amrit and his true love Tulika whom is engaged against her will, they are faced with a gang of knife-wielding thieves led by the ruthless Fani (Raghav Juyal) who terrorize innocent passengers on his train and then the killing begins. 

We sampled a couple of excellent pale ales for this movie, one from Olympia WA by Ilk Beer and the second was by Ruse Brewing (OR). Both were tasty, exemplified the style, and had lots to offer, but one really did go better than the other. Give the episode a listen to hear about this often overlooked beer style and our thoughts on this great action film. 

Movie And A Beer Episode 146: Slay

Movie And A Beer celebrate Portland Pride with this excellent 2024 campy horror drag film from Tubi titled Slay. Along with our special guest host James, we discuss the in's and out's of drag performances when faced with the challenges of a Texas roadhouse, an unfriendly crowd, and of course vampires. With excellent production quality and writing, this movie provides great entertainment and a positive message to the audience of acceptance of one-self and others. 

We were super lucky to find a couple of local beers from Gigantic Brewing (OR) that featured local drag legends, Darcelle (Blond IPA) and a Beermosa by Poison Waters. We discuss their importance to the local Portland scene and how well the beers provided refreshment for the movie. Give the episode a listen to learn about drag and it's importance when faced with adversity.  

Movie And A Beer Episode 145: Sasquatch Sunset

On this July 4th nature documentary adjacent installment of Movie And A Beer, we enjoyed the peaceful serenity of the movie Sasquatch Sunset along with our coastal friend Jason whom once again, provides us with some amazing insight and discourse. This somewhat controversial film follows the life of a sasquatch family over the course of a year in the wilds. With potty humor, beautiful cinematography, and a breathtaking soundtrack, this film is definitely worth your while. 

We sought out a couple of beers to sip with this amazing piece of film. First was a Yeti variation from Great Divide Brewing (CO) and the other was a simple and cheap American Lager from 10 Barrel Brewing (OR). Both were exceptional, but one was a clear crowd favorite. Give the episode a listen to hear why and share with us the excitement of this film. 

Movie And A Beer Episode 144: Weird Science

Here we are, another flashback to the 80's episode of Movie And A Beer! This time around it's Weird Science, a John Hughes coming of age film about a couple of high school misfit nerds who use their computer to create/simulate their perfect woman "Lisa". She's played by Kelly LeBrock who turns their world upside down in just a few days. This movie doesn't hold up well but it is worth watching as it's a time capsule back to 1985 in suburban America. 

We were really fortunate to have both Otto and Randal as guests hosts for this episode and there were pretzels to enjoy along the way besides the two beers that some of us enjoyed. The first beer was a Helles from Bizarre Brewing (WA) and the second was an IPA from Von Ebert Brewing (OR). Both went well, the snacks were on point, and the discussion was fun. Listen in to hear more about pretzels and the movie.