Movie And A Beer

Movie And A Beer Podcast Episode 103: House Of Flying Daggers

On this latest installment of Movie And A Beer, we bring in the Chinese Lunar New Year and celebrate with a review of the critically acclaimed House Of Flying Daggers and imbibe on a few imported lagers from China and a celebratory shot of locally produced Baijiu (Bia-Joe). The story follows political intrigue and a blossoming romance between a sheriff and a spy sent to lure him to capture. With many plot twists and turns, not to mention the many choreographed fight scenes, this is one of the best Chinese films to come to America on wide theatrical release. 

We enjoyed a couple of excellent imported lagers from China, specifically Tsingtao and Yanjing which both went really well with the film. Give the episode a listen to hear about our take on the use of color, sound, and visual story telling and how these beers fit right in along with them. 

Movie And A Beer Podcast Episode 102: Black Widow

On this super-hero driven episode of Movie And A Beer we watched the much delayed film Black Widow and had a couple of non-alcoholic beverages in celebration of "Dry January", a hop-water and a N/A (alcohol reduced) IPA. If you're a fan of Marvel films, then this is up your alley. It doesn't work too well as a stand-alone film with a weak plot and story. The actors did the best with what they had, so nothing against them. 

The drinks we tried during the movie were a hop-infused sparkling water from Pelican Brewing (OR), and an alcohol-reduced (.5% ABV) IPA from Boulevard Brewing (KS). One was just water, the other was a beer. Give the episode a listen to learn about these and how much CGI we think went into the making of this movie. 

 

Movie And A Beer Podcast Episode 101: Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World

On this most excellent "get the gang back together" episode of Movie And A Beer, we jam out to the stylings of Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World while sipping down a couple of great cheap beers. We follow Scott as he learns to be true to himself and others while battling the league of evil ex's and learn how easy it is to defeat someone with the power of veganism. 

The beers we had with this film were an American lager called Old German from Pittsburgh Brewing (PA), and the second was a locally brewed Helles from Occidental Brewing (OR). Give this episode a listen to hear all about these beers and our thoughts on this great graphic novel to screen adaptation. 

Movie And A Beer Episode 100: The Muppet Christmas Carol

On this most holiday festive episode of Movie And A Beer, we enjoyed The Muppet Christmas Carol and a couple of seasonal beers along the way. Starring Michael Caine as Ebenezer Scrooge and a supporting cast of Muppets (Kermit, Ms. Piggy, Beaker, Animal, etc), the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future tell the Dickens tale in a kid friendly and educational way. 

The two beers we had along the way were a Seasonal Gnome beer from Oakshire Brewing in Eugene OR, and the other was a Holiday Spice Ale from Grains of Wrath Brewing, Camas WA. Both went well, one had a slightly more festive approach than the other. Give this great holiday episode a listen to learn more. 

Movie And A Beer Episode 99: Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale

On this holiday tale episode of Movie And A Beer, we watched a great Norwegian film Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale which brings a new light to the origin story of good old St. Nick. While this isn't a 'horror' film per-se, nor is it a kid appropriate movie, it definitely utilizes great writing, acting, and production to tell a great holiday tale about Santa and what he really is. 

We enjoyed a couple of seasonal beers with it, first was a hoppy red from Widmer Brothers Brewing (OR), and the other was a CDA from Pelican Brewing (OR). Both of these were spot on, but one perhaps went a bit better than the other did. Give the episode a listen to hear more about Santa's elves mischievous behaviors and which beer we liked the most. 

Movie And A Beer Episode 98: Die Hard

As the holidays are upon us, we at Movie And A Beer want to celebrate it with you by reviewing some great traditional and seasonal films. First up is Die Hard, starring Bruce Willis as officer John McClain battling a bunch of terrorist led by Hans Gruber, played by Alan Rickman, whom seem to be following the terrorist playbook to their advantage. 

 The two beers we had during this action flick were pretty good. First up was an IPA from Baerlic Brewing (OR), and the second was a sour ale from JAPAS Cervejaria (IL). Both went well, but one stood out more than the other. Give the episode a listen to learn more about them. 

Movie And A Beer Episode 97: The Woman King

On this striking episode of Movie And A Beer we discuss The Woman King, and a couple of great beers that we enjoyed while watching. The movie takes place in the 1800s and revolves around a group of all-female warriors protects the African kingdom of Dahomey. Directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, and staring Viola Davis as Nanisca, the would be Woman King. 

The beers we picked were really interesting and went well with the movie in different ways. One was a classic Vienna Lager from Ft. George Brewing (OR) and the other was a pretty strong IPA from Double Mountain Brewing (OR). Give this great episode a listen to hear about these beers and our take on this amazing film. 

Movie And A Beer Episode 96: The Thing

On this Halloween special edition of Movie And A Beer, we watched the 1982 classic horror film The Thing by John Carpenter. The story follows the alien creature as it escapes from the nearby Norwegian camp and subsequently takes over the American's encampment, leading to a great cliffhanger. This movie includes some great actors, Peter Maloney, Donald Moffat, Richard Masur, Kurt Russell, and Wilford Brimley.  

We had three collaboration beers (such as the alien did to anything alive it encountered), first was a West Coast IPA from Matchless Brewing (WA) and Varietal Beer Co. (WA), second was a traditional IPA from Fremont Brewing (WA) and Burial Brewing (NC), and rounded out with a smoothie sour from Brix City Brewing (NJ) and Abomination Brewing (CT). Give the episode a listen to hear how these beers went with this classic horror film and why you should always remember to burn an alien monster, not just shoot it.  

Movie And A Beer Episode 95: Hellraiser (2022)

On this scary episode of Movie And A Beer, we watched the recent 2022 reboot of the Hellraiser franchise. Director David Bruckner brings to life a new take on this classic story with an updated look and design to the Cenobites and lead character Riley (played by Odessa A’zion) dealing with a double crossing boyfriend while trying to save her brother. As an allegory for recovery, the films backdrop supports the questions and answers those going through addiction deal with. 

We sought out a few beers to sample while watching this great film. The first was a really nice lager from Wayfinder Brewing (OR), and the second and more challenging was an imperial stout from Drekker Brewing (ND). Give the episode a listen to learn more about them and how film franchises work. 

Movie And A Beer Episode 94: The Lego Movie

On this block building and instruction following episode of Movie And A Beer, we enjoyed The Lego Movie with our youth correspondent Otto. We had a great time reminiscing about playing with Lego's as kids, and sometimes as adults. This family movie provides a great opportunity to teach young and old about the need to be creative, and also follow the instructions when you need to. 

The beers we picked for this episode were "Special" in different ways. The first was from Level Brewing (OR) and had some great artwork on the can, and the second was a nitro beer from Away Days (OR). Give the episode a listen to hear more about these and the great snacks that Otto enjoyed during it. 

Movie And A Beer Episode 93: Elvis

On this epic musical episode of Movie And A Beer we watched and review recent biopic by  Baz Luhrmann, Elvis. Staring Tom Hanks who tells the story of Elvis (played by Austin Butler) from the perspective of Col. Tom Parker who was Elvis' manager for many years. The acting is solid, the music is amazing, the story, while a bit shallow, tells a decent story. 

We had a couple of interesting beers with this film based on the foods that Elvis liked the most. A banana bread beer and peanut butter & jammy sour. Give the episode a listen to hear if these worked or not. 

Movie And A Beer Episode 92: Thor Love And Thunder

On this Norse Mythology driven episode of Movie And A Beer we review the Marvel film Thor Love And Thunder and enjoyed a few beers from far away breweries. If you're following the 30+ Marvel Cinematic Universe movies you will find this one is sort of a stand-alone and is more about the relationship between Gods and their worshipers than superhero's. This time around we follow Thor as he tries to stop Gorr the God Butcher from taking out any more of his compatriots and saves a few kidnapped New Asgard kids along the way.  

The beers we had went pretty well from a visual and flavor standpoint. They were from Mad Swede (ID) and Prost (CO) Brewing respectfully. Give this episode a listen to hear more about these beers and what we really think about screaming goats. 

Movie And A Beer Podcast Episode 91: PREY

On this hunt-or-be-hunted episode of Movie And A Beer, we partook in the latest installment of the Predator franchise titled PREY. This film takes place in the wilderness of North America in 1719 as a prequel to the first film that came out in 1987. This time around the lead Naru (played by Amber Midthunder) wishes to hunt like the men in her tribe and is saved a number of times by her brother Taabe (played by Dakota Beavers) and bests the Predator in the end. This action-packed film pays homage to the Commanche way of life and the beautiful setting that is Alberta Canada where it was filmed.

We had a couple of amazing beers to go with this film, the first was from Holy Mountain (WA) and the second was from Brouwerij West (CA). One went a bit better than the other, you'll have to listen in to hear why. 

Movie And A Beer Episode 90: The Gray Man

On this action-packed episode of Movie And A Beer we discuss the Netflix thriller The Gray Man a $200 million dollar film directed by the Russo Brothers. Starring Ryan Gosling, Ana de Armas, and Captain America himself, Chris Evans. This film has more shots fired than words spoken. 

To help get through the two-plus hours of explosions, we sought out a trio of amazing beers from Pono (OR),  Grains of Wrath (WA), and Bend Brewing (OR) companies. All were light, delicious and provided a great platform to enjoy the movie. 

Movie And A Beer Episode 89: Nope

As we close out season four of Movie And A Beer, we discuss Jordan Peele's foray into sci-fi horror with Nope. This excellent film follows the Haywood horse ranch brother and sister team played by Daniel Kaluuya and Keke Palmer as they seek that 'Oprah Shot' to cash in on their mysterious visitor. 

We were able to see the film at Cinema 21 here in Portland OR. The three different beers we tried all went well, but some better than others and drinking beer through a straw may be the reason why. Give the episode a listen to hear more about this. 

Movie And A Beer Episode 88: Bend It Like Beckham

Bringing it back to 2002, we enjoyed the coming of age story Bend It Like Beckham. With the backdrop of the soccer pitch, young Indian girl Jess, played by Parminder K. Nagra learns that your family and friends aren't always there for you, while you can be. This is a great family night movie for those with teenage kids. 

We had a couple of really good new(er) beers from Kings and Daughters brewing and Living Häus Beer Co. while watching the movie. Both were worthy, one a bit more bitter. Give the episode a listen to learn why.

Movie And A Beer Episode 87: Shaun of the Dead

On this 2004 flashback episode of Movie And A Beer we enjoyed Shaun of the Dead, a tale of 30-somethings trying to find themselves among the horror of the zombie apocalypse in London. This was Edgar Wright's first big budget film and it pays homage to Romero's zombie lore while starring Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, and Kate Ashfield. 

We wanted to chill and just enjoy a couple of beers with this movie and we drank a couple of lagers from 10 Barrel and Pfriem Brewing. Give the episode a listen to hear us discuss the history of zombies and how these wonderful beers went with the movie.    

Movie And A Beer Episode 86: Mad God

In this stop motion animation episode of Movie And A Beer, we explore Mad God, a film that took over 30 years in the making by Phil Tippitt. This is a visual poem that provides three basic stories which follow the actions of the Assassin, the Surgeon, the Alchemist, and the Last Human.  

The lagers we tried during the film were local from Wayfinder and Mt. Tabor Brewing. Give the episode a listen to hear more about them and how they went with the film. 

Movie And A Beer Episode 85: Everything Everywhere All At Once

Be ready for a crazy ride, on this episode of Movie and a Beer we watched and discuss the multi-verse mayhem of "Everything Everywhere All A Once". With amazing storytelling and multiple-character acting by Michelle Yeoh, Ke Huy Quan, Stephanie Hsu, James Hong, and Jamie Lee Curtis, this thrill ride asks critical questions about family, decisions, and consequences. Oh, and we had some really great beers along for the movie also.  

This time around we had a couple of dark beers and a hazy IPA from three breweries in Seattle that I recently visited. Shoutouts to Jellyfish, Counterbalance, and Flying Lion brewing. Give the episode a listen to hear about the beers and this great movie. 

Movie And A Beer Episode 84:The Northman

It's time for a Viking revenge story on this episode of Movie And A Beer. The Northman staring a multitude of actors including Alexander Skarsgård, Ethan Hawke, Nicole Kidman, and Willem Dafoe, bring the audience into a world of deceit, anger, yelling, and more yelling, and vengeance. 

We were lucky enough to sample some meads from Denmark and a local one from Battleground WA to help channel the vibe of this dark, sinister, and brutal betrayal on the screen. Give the episode a listen to learn about mead and how we loved the film.