Chick Flicks & Beer

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2016-07-27T18:58:00.000-05:00

SingleDumb Episodes #4 and #5

2014-11-18T08:50:00.001-06:00

If you aren't watching the SingleDumb web series you should be. Here are episodes #4 and #5...

SingleDumb is created by Alexandra Kern. For more on SingleDumb visit their youtube channel.

New Fifty Shades of Grey Trailer!

2014-11-14T10:30:00.001-06:00

Ok, so I don't know much about Fifty Shades of Grey but the new trailer is up...What do you think?

SingleDumb - Episodes #2 and #3

2014-11-04T12:44:00.000-06:00

So, I know everyone out there has been desperately waiting for episodes #2 and #3 for SingleDumb. Well, the wait is over. The wait was over...you should just subscribe to SingleDumb on youtube. That way you don't have to wait for my way too late posts on Chick Flick and Beer.

SingleDumb is created by Alexandra Kern. Enjoy! #singledumb

The Skeleton Twins (2014)

2014-10-27T16:15:00.002-05:00

Directed by Craig Johnson
Starring Kristen Wiig, Bill Hader, and Luke Wilson

by Joshua Simpkins

Ok, for everyone out there expecting to see a scary halloween movie about skeletons, this is not your movie. I mean, I only saw like 3 skeletons in it. And, two of them were tattoos. I walked in expecting to see this season's new it horror flick about murderous twins made of bone. Instead, I almost cried in it...twice.

Bill Hader plays Milo, a gay aspiring actor, who after drinking too much and becoming "melodramatic" attempts suicide. On the same day, across the country his twin sister Maggie, played by Kristen Wiig, is contemplating committing suicide herself when she gets the call about Milo. She rushes to LA to see him and he comes back to small-town New York to live with her and her husband (Luke Wilson)and mend his wombs. They have been estranged for a decade and the entire movie is about them reconnected.

Before I go any further I must say, Bill Hader needs and oscar nomination for this role. He is totally believable as Milo. I forgot it was actually Bill Hader and I'm not a super fan of his but for anyone that sees this and disagrees...as the sticker on some pole I saw read...Haders gonna Hade. Kristen Wiig is awesome, too!

While this movie isn't really about skeletons, it is about a lot of other things...love, friendship, family, fake farting, depression, hope, nitrous, angst, Moby Dick, sticks and it takes place around Halloween. It's a drama with comedic elements, and it is really sad at times. It is as manic as the characters.

I highly recommend seeing this movie. It's great!

FORCE THE BOYFRIEND: 8 out of 10 (They'll like but may not admit it)

Beer Pairing Recommendation

Umm, its about skeleton twins on halloween...if you don't get it

I'm not going to explain it...

SingleDumb (2014)

2014-10-21T18:09:00.001-05:00

Check out this awesome chick flick style web series called "SingleDumb" (2014)...

Created by Alexandra Kern

Enough Said (2013)

2014-07-08T22:38:00.000-05:00

Directed by Nicole Holofcener
Starring Julia Louis-Dreyfus, James Gandolfini, Catherine Keener, Toni Collette, and Ben Falcone

by Joshua Simpkins
This is a pretty good flick to watch. Enough said!

That was my review. See ya later!

What? You’re still here? What do you want from me? A synopsis?

Ok! Ok! Relax! I’ll give you a synopsis!

So, Julia Louis-Dreyfus (JLD) plays a divorcee masseuse named Eva who meets Albert, a nice guy played by James Gandolfini (in one of his final roles). At the same party she befriends, Marissa (Catherine Keener), a successful poet whom she takes on as a client. She is also friends with Toni Collette (did I mention that). Well, Eva and Albert hit it off, and she really starts to like him, even though he’s fat, and then she finds out that Marissa is actually his ex-wife, and she uses the relationship to get info on Albert, which begins to sour her feelings for him. Until [spoiler] he finds out…and…Enough said!

For a chick flick, this is a pretty well made little film with some great acting and funny parts. And, don't get it twisted. This is indeed a chick flick. JLD dresses down to believably play Eva with just the right amount of insecurity and spunk. James Gandolfini plays against type as Mr. Simple Nice Guy and he pulls it off quite well. And, Catherine Keener is really spot-on as the organized, new age (?) poet. Even Toni Collette and Ben Falcone, are great as the comic relief couple. All in all a great film. Enough Said.

This a movie made by adults for adults even though the characters don’t always act like adults in the movie. Let me rephrase, this is a movie made by LA adults for LA adults, acting like LA adults. Not that I have a problem with LA, I hear the weather is nice. One more time, maybe not as harsh, this is a movie made by LA adults for women that don’t always act like adults. I should just stop typing now before I..well..Enough said.

At least, I think I’m funny. Enough said.

FORCE THE BOYFRIEND: 7 out of 10 (He'll think its aight)

Beer Recommendation

This chick flick will go down smooth with a smoothy, smooth

Kelso Pilsner. While it has nothing to do with LA or even children

going to Sarah Lawrence it has everything to do with deliciousness

and being smoothy, smooth smooth.

(Click photo to read more)

For more about Enough Said visit IMDB.

For more about Kelso Beer click here.

If you want more chick flick reviews then click here.

If you are interested in a sarcastic little dog well you better click here.

And, as always, please remember to drink responsibly.

Even Yorkies Like Chick Flicks!

2014-07-08T20:16:00.001-05:00

Kelso Pilsner

2014-07-03T01:22:00.001-05:00

So, I’m not going to wax poetic about how it’s the 4th of July and patriotism, and backyard barbecues and how good this beer would be with a group of your best friends and family. I won’t tell you how delicious it will be ice cold as the temperature rises this weekend. I won’t say any of that because I think I said it all before about another beer. Because for some reason, every beer I taste, if its good, I want to head out and fire up the grill, invite some friends over, and throw a party. But, that’s just me.

Straight outta Brooklyn, Kelso Brewing Company's Pilsner comes in a can. And, it taste great right out of the can. It tastes even better when poured into a glass. It’s beautifully transparent and gold in color. It is very bright and has a thick, soapy head with decent lacing for a Pilsner. The aroma has a hint of spice with some grains. It has a trace of sweetness and grain. It has a nice dry finish.

I definitely would recommend this beer to anyone. And, if you’re thinking about picking up some Miller Lite, Budweiser, or Coors forget about it and pick up a sixer of Kelso’s Pilsner. You won’t regret it.

Profile: It's a pilsner that is bright, light golden and airy.

Food Pairing: This would go great with just about anything. Burgers, hotdogs, you name it. If it goes on the grill it will go with this beer.

Cheese pairing: Gouda. It would be very gouda with gouda!

Drinking utensil: Pint glass or straight from the can.

I would pair this with any chick flick that goes down smooth. Something classic that you would watch on the weekend. Here's a suggestion!

Have a Happy and safe 4th of July weekend and remember to please drink responsibly!

Click here to learn more about Kelso Beer Company in Brooklyn, New York! Have a Happy and safe 4th of July weekend and remember to please drink responsibly!

For a Good Time, Call... (2012)

2014-06-23T12:04:00.000-05:00

Starring Lauren Miller, Ari Graynor, and Justin Long
Directed by Jamie Travis

Alright guys (and gals) you’ve all seen it written before on the bathroom wall, “For a Good Time Call…”. The only problem it usually says, “For A Good Time Call Tony”, or “For _________ Call Tony”, and you don’t really want to call Tony because the idea of even crossing paths with Tony scares the hell out of you. It’s not a good time. Nor will it ever be a good time. Tony haunts your dreams, and fuels your nightmares. Somewhere he is out there in the night providing a “good time” like some perverted superhero. The last thing you want to be awakened by is Tony staring at you through your bedroom window on a stormy night! But, enough about Tony. Tony’s my next door neighbor. He’s not even in this movie.

For A Good Time Call... seems like it wants to appeal to guys with all the dirty talking, and phone sex, and sex jokes. Do not be fooled. This is a chick flick, made by chicks, for chicks. It is about an over-achiever who is dumped by her douchbag boyfriend before he takes a job transfer. She enlists the help of her go-to gay friend (Justin Long) who suggests he move in with her slutty college nemesis, Lauren (Ari Graynor). Due to financial hardships, they both agree to live together and Lauren quickly learns that Katie is a phone sex operator. They end up becoming besties and Tony appears. Just kidding. Tony’s my neighbor.

This movie was written by Lauren Miller. The same Lauren Miller who plays the main character Lauren Powell. I know, pretty meta, right? She is married to Seth Rogen which I think is why he makes a cameo as a Seth Rogeny self-pleasuring pilot. There are a couple if not a few cameos of gentlemen callers in this film to look out for in this chick flick. I won't ruin the surprises. But, I will overhype them by even mentioning their existence. I know, I know but you want to know answers to the real questions. Is it any good? Is it funny? Should I even keep reading this garbage review? At least, tell me what Tony looks like. Look, forget about Tony. He’s not really real. I made him up! He’s not really my neighbor. Just kidding again. Or am I?

If you want to have a good time, and you don't want to call the number written on the nearest public restroom wall, you could watch this movie. You’ll have a good time. Will you have a great time? No. But, all times can’t be great. So, for a good time watch For A Good Time Call...and drink beer while you do it.

FORCE THE BOYFRIEND: 6.5 out of 10 (He'll have a few laughs, and then when you think he's done laughing, he'll laugh again)

Beer Pairing Recommendation

These chicks raise a little hell in the chick flick made by chick

for chicks. So what could be better than a little Dogfish Head

Hellhound. So, if you want to raise a little hell while watching

For a Good Time Call...this beer is for you!

(click to read more)

For more info on For a Good Time Call.. click here

In Theaters Now!

2014-06-16T11:03:00.000-05:00

The Fault In Our Stars (2014)

Now playing in theaters across the country is, The Fault In Our Stars (2014). It stars Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort as Hazel and Gus, two teenagers who meet and fall in love at a cancer support group. It is based on the book by John Green.

I'm sure that plenty of teenage girls are dragging their boyfriends across the country to see this. No beer allowed!
Have you seen it? Are you planning on seeing it? What do you think?

Blended (2014)

2014-06-09T16:41:00.003-05:00

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)

DALE'S PALE ALE

2014-05-14T09:14:00.000-05:00

by Joshua Simpkins

Headed to a concert this summer? Thinking about what you are going to load in your cooler? Dale’s Pale Ale by Oskar Blues Grill & Brew is a great beer to throw into the mix. It’s flavors and aroma make it the perfect beer to kick back in some relaxing, lounge chairs with some friends and share some good times, mellow vibes with some good tunes.

Poured right out of the can the color is a beautiful golden hue with a wonderful 2” head and decent lacing. The aromas and flavors that follow are bread, piney hops, with some slight hints of orange and grapefruit. For an IPA it isn’t too overpowering and this would be a great one to toss to a friend who isn’t sure about IPA’s just yet. Then again, who isn't sure about IPA's theses days?

Dale’s Pale Ale is a great beer that I would describe as middle of the road. But, that isn’t a bad thing. It is smooth and comfortable. Perfect for the tailgating or camping. You could easily have a few of these and still feel pretty good. Comfort is a good thing.

Profile: This is a classic pale ale that has an excellent balance of malt and hints of citrus.

Food Pairing: This would go great with anything classic, such as a burger and hot dog or fires.

Cheese Pairing: Cheddar

Drinking Utensil: Pint Glass or straight from the can.

You can learn more about Oskar Blues here.

When pairing it with a chick flick you would probably want something that is pretty decent. It’s flavors call for something the guy might like as much as the girl. This is after all a beer for both sexes. I would go for a comfortable lead actor like Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Grant, or Matthew McConnaughey. Look for an actress along the lines of Reese Witherspoon, Sandra Bullock, or Katherine Heigl. Wait, stop! The beer is not better enough for Katherine Heigl, so scratch that!

This is a beer that you could really have fun with. So with all that taken into consideration how about The Sweetest Thing (2002).

Chick Flicks and Beer Rating: 3 out 5

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

(click poster to read more)

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!

2014-05-06T18:58:00.002-05:00

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!!!!

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

2014-02-14T10:02:00.001-06:00

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

2013-12-17T09:02:00.000-06:00

Admission (2013)

2013-08-25T13:21:00.000-05:00

Starring Tina Fey, Paul Rudd, Wallace Shawn, and Lily Tomlin
Directed by Paul Weitz

Ok, I must admit that I finally sat down to watch another chick flick. I must admit I’ve been lazy. I also must admit that I was sick of chick flicks. I admit it. But, if I was going to watch a chick flick at least it could have Paul Rudd in it. And, Tina Fey can be funny. I admit, Tina Fey is funny. What else would you like me to admit?

Do you think I am going to admit that Admission is a good film? Ugh, I can’t really admit that. But, I do admit that it is an OK film. It isn’t really a funny film. It was a little more serious than I expected. I admit that. Maybe, the marketing team should admit that they tried to trick us. Is Paul Rudd funny in this movie? Not really. Does Paul Rudd always have to be funny? Not really. But, I do admit that I want him to be funny.

In Admission, Tina Fey works in the admissions department at Princeton University. She is very serious and devoted to work. In fact, she is in the running to take over as head of the department. One day, she gets a call from Paul Rudd who is running an alternative school in the northeast. He asks if she can stop by and give a presentation on Princeton to his kids. We learn that he is specifically interested in her meeting on kid, a kid that could also be her child that she gave up for adoption when he was born. Let the craziness ensue.

Do people still really want to get into Princeton? That is my question.

I have to admit that this isn’t the best review I’ve ever written. I admit it. Go to Princeton become a lawyer, and sue me.

FORCE THE BOYFRIEND: 5.5 out of 10 (They'll like but may not admit it)

Beer Pairing Recommendation

Bud Light. A horrible beer selected by college students everywhere.

WELCOME TO CHICK FLICKS AND BEER!

2013-04-15T09:45:00.002-05:00

Welcome to Chick Flicks and Beer! While your here please enjoy the chick flicks and
the beer. Oh, yeah. We also have a Yorkie! Ciao! Please Chick, I mean Click the pictures below.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2012-12-28T15:14:00.000-06:00

Bruiser Loves Chick Flicks and Beer!

2012-11-07T09:08:00.000-06:00

War Movies For Chicks!

2012-10-10T12:07:00.000-05:00

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...

2012-10-07T10:38:00.000-05:00

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

In Theaters Now!

2012-10-03T14:19:00.001-05:00

Check out these Chick Flicks...In Theaters Now!

For more Chick Flick Trailer visit Trailer Trash?

Pilar Barks!

2012-09-27T11:06:00.002-05:00

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

Desperate or Psychotic...

2012-09-19T14:16:00.000-05:00

For more on "Sex and The City", Click Here...