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There is Honor Among Thieves in some D&D games, where as others, not so much. We were lucky enough to have most of our group that we play with together to watch this movie at the LivingRoom Theater here in Portland and we all enjoyed it as much as anticipated. While the characters often bent the rules of the game in some instances, it did stay pretty close to the 'core feel' of the game. The theater had a number of different beers available on draft and while none of them were 'new' to us, we certainly enjoyed them before and during the film. They included local beers from Occidental Brewing (OR), Laurelwood Brewing (OR), Ft. George Brewing (OR), and Pfriem Brewing (OR). Give this episode a listen to hear about how much rule bending went on and what beers you might find and enjoy during it as well. 

On this most challenging pseudo documentary cum master class on filmmaking episode of Movie And A Beer, we delve into The Five Obstructions, a Lars von Trier vehicle where he challenges his mentor Jorgen Leth to remake his classic black and white experimental film, The Perfect Human five times with different rules or obstructions.  We decided to go with a similar approach to the beer we tried while watching this strange film, using IPA as the primary style, and exploring four differing sub-classifications of it. The IPAs were from Lagunitas Brewing (CA), Bells Brewing (MI), Sweetwater Brewing (GA), Gigantic Brewing (OR), and Ninkasi Brewing (OR). Each provided a different perspective on the overall style, but we enjoyed one of them way more than the others. Give the episode a listen to hear why. 

We've traveled back to the era of King Author and his knights of the round table to partake in the quest for the Holy Grail. Monty Python does one hell of a funny sketch, and in 1975 they outdid themselves with this wonderfully funny sketch based full length movie, The Holy Grail. There's many things that one could choose to drink while watching this wonderous masterpiece, and we believe we answered wisely.  We partook in a cider from Ten Towers Cider Co. (OR), a triple dry hopped hazy Imperial IPA from Androit Theory (VA), a vière from Gallia Sauvages (FR), and a red ale from Block 15 (OR). All went exceptionally well, but one stood out amongst the insults and laughter more than the others did. Listen in to hear which one and why. 

When you think of Nick Cage and John Travolta acting like each other, it wouldn't be much of a stretch as they demonstrate in Face/Off, the 1997 John Woo production that has more sparks, explosions, and references to faces than humanly possible in one film. Although we tried to suspend all belief in reality while watching this one, it's a testament to the courage to tell a crazy story with even crazier actors. We were able to sip on a couple of IPA's during this film, participating in a little East vs. West coast approach. The East was represented by Commonwealth Brewing (VA) and the West was from Upright Brewing (OR). There is a surprise on which beer was better, along with some surprise analysis of the film, so give the episode a listen to learn more.  

We traveled to the far East for this episode of Movie And A Beer to explore one of the greatest animated films of all time, one that abruptly changed what we think cartoons could be. Akira is by far one of the most influential animated films from the late 1980's to come out of Japan. It tells a simple story of greed, choice, friendship, and power through a visually stunning futuristic landscape of "Neo-Tokyo".  We shared a couple of imported beers that were also fun and different than what we usually consume while watching films.  The Asian inspired (imported) beers were a red ale and a citrus infused pale ale, both with tea like qualities and a new(er) approach to the standard flavors we are used too. Give the episode a listen to hear about this amazing film and what beers might go best with it. 

It's that time of year to celebrate all things Irish, and with this episode, we embrace the shamrock in all of us with The Guard. This is a great film to learn about Irish culture and life in a small coastal town from the perspective of a 'guarda' or 'policeman'. Starring Brendan Gleeson as the rude cop and Don Cheadle as an American FBI agent forced to work a drug smuggling case with him.  We really enjoyed a couple of imported Irish beers. A Wexford nitro cream ale and a O'Hara's stout. Give the episode a listen to hear all about those and who we'd pick to play the guard in a remake.  

On this most excellent arm wrestling 80's nostalgia driven episode, we watched Over The Top, a Silvester Stallone vehicle with more than just his 10 year old kid's life at stake. To go along with this high-stakes adventure, we enlisted the help of a couple of beers that you might find in a local truck stop.  Both beers were purchased at a local grocery store, one being a Miller Lite and the other a Montucky Cold Snacks (MT). Both went exceptionally well with the poor acting and plot holes, give the episode a listen to hear who we'd love to see in the remake!

On this surfer and bank robbing episode of Movie And A Beer, we watched Point Break, a classic 1990's action film by Kathryn Bigelow, starring Keanu Reeves as Johnny Utah, a new FBI agent on his first assignment going up against a gang of bank robbers know as the Dead Presidents. But this is no ordinary group of robbers. They're surfers -- led by the charismatic Bodhi (Patrick Swayze). We really loved this classic action flick and the beers we enjoyed with it.  The two pale ales we picked were from Georgetown Brewing (WA) and Black Plague Brewing (CA). While one was a bit sharp like Johnny was at the start of his undercover work, the other was really well rounded and felt the waves and was able to surf with the best of them at the end. Give the episode a listen to hear which was which. 

We went back to 1947 and recorded the episode using an approach like they would have back then, so it's like listening to a radio broadcast to give it more realism. The Lady from Shanghai is an Orson Welles film staring Rita Hayworth, Orson Welles, Everett Sloane, and Glenn Anders in a complex film Noir setting that takes you on a cruise from New York to San Francisco. A murder plot drives this classic with an interesting twist at the end.  The beers we selected for this were being produced back then and it's quite possible that the scene's that took place in bars in both NYC and SF, the actors could have been drinking them. Narragansett (RI) and Anchor Steam (CA) are quite classic like the film, give the podcast to hear more about them. 

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. 

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.   

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.  

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. 

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. 

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.