Thursday, February 25, 2010

Grace 8/10



Grace is absolutely the most inventive original vampire story ever! I realize this is quite a lofty claim, but if you get the chance to see this movie, i doubt you will disagree. This film oozes with tension from the first frame until the wonderful last. This is not a film for anyone with a tender stomach. The movie starts as a pretty typical drama between a couple and their parents (or the mans parents), in the process of a pregnancy. This however get much more complicated after an ill fated car accident, takes the life of the husband. Supposedly the baby has died inside the mother, but she carries to term and delivers what is thought to be a stillborn. This couldn't be farther from the truth. Tension mounts and the ride couldn't me more enjoyable. I found myself with my jaw dropped multiple times. I won't spoil the surprise for you, but this is definitely worth a watch. Its been on dvd for a few months. I haven't seen a more original movie in years honestly. As a self proclaimed horror movie buff, i highly recommend this movie. I absolutely loved it. 8/10

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Murphy's Red Beer 7/10



Murphy's Red Beer is an Irish beer that has been brewed with to the specifications of the original recipe since 1856. The experience shows. This beer has a very deep amber complexion. Poured into a pint glass, it has little to no head, which honestly, if you just want a drink, is not much of a problem. The smell, or bouquet if you will, if fairy mild, however you can smell the mild roast of the hops. Initially, it has a fairly mild flavor. The finish is quite pleasant though. This isn't a life changing beer, and it most likely won't blow your mind, but if you want to impress your buddies at your local bar, order this drink, and they'll marvel at the fact that its from Europe and has a bulging neck. Good beer, nothing amazing though. 7/10

Alkaline Trio "This Addiction" 8.5/10


"This Addiction" was being hailed as a "return to their roots" album for Alkaline Trio. Physically this may be true, they recorded in Chicago with their old producer from their "Goddammit" days on Asian Man Records. However, musically, this album is more of a return to the gloomy pop punk of "Crimson". The hooks are just about nonstop, but its not in a negative way. Lyrically, they stick to their tried and true formula of gloom and doom, drunken relationship themes. Which for any alkaline trio fan, you couldn't be happier with. Of course I'm biased, so this review is extremely skewed in their favor, but nonetheless, this album is an extremely enjoyable trip back to a time when Alkaline Trio seemed like they were having fun wallowing in their misery. Its no doubt a fun ride for the listener as well. They even bring in a horn section on the song "lead poisoning". Alkaline Trio fans really couldn't ask for more, speaking as one of their biggest fans, i feel justified in saying this.
The deluxe edition contains 6 extra songs, 2 new and 4 acoustic versions of songs you'll hear on the album. Plus it comes with a full concert performance of 18 songs from their Agony and Irony tour. And for only 10 bucks this week, its well worth it.
I can't stop listening to this album so i suggest you go buy it now!

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Alberta Cross and Mumford & Sons

Well here we go!
Alberta Cross is a band from New York who's new album "Broken Side of Time" blends indie rock moods with a bit of prog rock experimentalism. They've got a sound similar to Band of Horses, and a bit of My Morning Jacket. The vocalist even gets into a bit of Wolfmother territory. The Songs are all solid and enjoyable. If you're looking for something new and exciting, here you go! Best songs: "Old Man Chicago" and "Ghost of City Life"

Mumford & Sons is a band hailing from London. They blend 60's british folk rock with a bit of Americana, to give their band something fairly unique. The songs are for the most part bouncy and fun, with lyrics that are more heavy handed. They're definitely a breath of fresh air to what may have become somewhat stagnant in their genre. Best songs: "Blank White Page" and "Sigh No More"

Monday, February 22, 2010

Shiner 101 Czech Style Pilsner 6/10


Shiner has been making beer for 101 years. Thus, their 101st anniversary beer, a Czech style pilsner. This beer was a sort of mission for me. I saw a billboard advertising it about a month ago and have been searching for it ever since. I finally found it at Target of all places. Now a search of that magnitude usually tends to lean toward disappointment, however, I do have to say that Shiner 101 is probably my favorite beer Shiner has made other than its flagship, Shiner Bock. This beer is a very familiar beer to most casual beer drinkers. This style has been copied time and time again, however, Shiner has chosen to brew this beer the "craft" brew way, with only four ingredients, just barley, hops, water, and yeast. This may seem like an easy way out, but on the contrary, simplicity is one of the hardest things to pull of and make work. Initially, the beer has quite a strong flavor, with a somewhat disappointing finish (aka lingering flavor). That being said, the flavor that it does have is wonderful. Its subtle and strong at the same time. As far as smell goes, it leans toward citrus. And color is of course the classic golden yellow color. This beer is definitely not a mind blowingly flavorful beer, but it does deliver. Hopefully Shiner keeps this beer around for a while, because as an everyday drinker, beer couldn't get much more enjoyable than this. 6/10

Saturday, February 20, 2010

Shutter Island 6/10


Just saw Shutter Island today... here's what I thought....

Shutter Island 6/10

First of all, I was happy that most of what you see in the preview gets onscreen about 5 minutes into the movie. So you don't have to worry about any spoilers from the preview. However, this type of thriller/mystery has been so overdone, you can see the twist coming from a mile away. The movie is made well, of course, its a Martin Scorsese film. None of his movies are really disappointing. However, like i said, you can see the "twist" coming from a mile away. I won't give details, however, there is a telling sign about 3 or 4 minutes into the movie that you most likely won't catch, but it could clue you in to what happens later. I do have to say though that, very rarely does the last line of a movie redeem the previous 2 hours of a film. This movie does that! I found myself somewhat irritated that I knew what was going on about halfway in, but at the end, I enjoyed the secondary twist that gets thrown at the audience. No real new ground is being broken with this movie, but if you want to see a decent mystery movie, go see Shutter Island. Its not bad, but i'd go for the matinee, maybe not worth a full $10 ticket. 6/10

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Oscar Best Picture

As I've said before, I'm not a professional, so the things I review or suggest are just what I've had the time and money to experience. That being said, I wanted to comment on the oscars nods for best picture this year and give a sort of prediction.
If I had my way (which i don't), the close competition would be between Inglorious Basterds, District 9, and UP in the Air. However, I don't believe any of these will win best picture. Inglorious Basterds probably has the best chance out of those three, however, Avatar will most likely win. Inglorious Basterds was one of the most original movies I've seen in years. And one of the only American movies ever, that didn't "Americanize" all the other countries it portrayed. It truly was an international film. Germans spoke German. The French spoke French. English and Americans spoke English. Its definitely a fantasy of a different sort than Avatar. And yes Avatar may have its merits, and its underlying themes but what's so wrong with a movie being purely entertaining? Does entertainment mean that its unworthy of an award? There was definitely no shortage of compelling dialogue, or interesting plot twists. Yes, Avatar is a huge movie in every way. Gorgeous landscapes, beautiful ideas, and of course underlying themes. But, as fantastical as Avatar is, it seems somehow prosaic compared to the creativity that went into creating a fictional world, inside of a period in history that we all know.
District 9 was not initially as impressive as it was after buying the dvd and seeing that all the dialogue was all improv. I don't think this movie has a chance in hell. I'm pleasantly surprised that its nominated, just because of the type of movie it is. I think the oscars are taking a step in the right direction.
Up in the Air is a very close contender for my favorite movie of the year. Its a great story that is extremely relevant and touching all at the same time. George Clooney is amazing. His performance was probably too subtle to be noticed as a "best actor'' performance, however, there is no shortage of emotion spilling out of his eyes in every scene. This movie is wonderfully acted, and written, but I just don't think it has the pull to edge out the other movies in this category.
SO which movie do I think will win? After this long diatribe about my preferred movies, here's who I think it will be between...
Avatar
The Hurt Locker
Inglorious Basterds
and possibly Precious
Its a tough call, Precious could pull a Crash and come out over the big obvious choices, but I doubt it. Though I haven't had the chance to see that movie yet. Or about 2 or 3 of the other choices. (as i said, i don't get paid to see movies, so i'm slightly limited)
Avatar will most likely win (dammit)
Its just disappointing when you can almost tell who will win before the show even takes place.

Massive Attack "Heligoland" 8/10


So lets try a music review shall we? Music is a passion of mine, I love all genres. However, when you are as passionate about a subject like this as I am, its hard to be critical. So the music reviews will most likely be suggestions rather than critical reviews... Plus I'm not a professional and don't receive promotional copies of albums for free so its limited to what I can afford to buy myself. That being said.....

Massive Attack "Heligoland" 8/10

This is massive attack's first album since 2003's "100th window". Massive attack, if you don't already know, are one of the bands that pioneered the trip-hop movement. Trip-hop uses much of the same elements as hip-hop and rap/r&b and slows them down, and makes them "trippy" if you will. This slower beat, and odd sounds, make for a much deeper, sometimes creepy sound. Massive Attack are masters at layering sounds and generally, you never can quite absorb one of their albums on the first try. "Heligoland" is no different. Each song is a sexy, slow burner, full of tension, suspense, and foreboding, that builds to an inevitable, albeit mild, climax. These songs can take some getting used to if you're new to the genre. But Massive Attack have somewhat gone back to their roots on this album without sounding dated, or like they're recycling their old tricks. "Girl I love You" is possibly the best song on the album, with powerful emotive vocals that definitely affect you in ways few singers can. Horace Andy provides the vocals for this song, as he has on several other Massive Attack albums.
I think people are overly critical of Massive Attack because of how groundbreaking and original they were in the early 90's. Their music is still heads and shoulders above most of their peers. The only band I can think of that may have trumped them as of late would be TV on the Radio.
"Heligoland" is no step forward, but is definitely not a step back. Its a great album that just takes a few listens to absorb, but once you do, you'll be in for a real treat. Eight out of Ten.

Why Beer?

If you see the title of this blog, you may be wondering, why beer? And more so, why beer and movies? Well to tell the truth, I intended to write about beer and all things involving entertainment that I come across that is worth talking about. (i.e.- music, video games, books etc.) But why not wine you say? Well, in my opinion, beer is just as complex, if not more complex, with as many, or more varieties than wine. Plus, beer is much less pretentious and i think it's more fun in general. When's the last time you had a wine with a name like Arrogant Bastard? (great beer by the way)
Beer is something I enjoy drinking, movies are something I love watching, music is my life... and I have hundreds of thousands of opinions on all these subjects. Yes I'm an amateur, however, my tastes are diverse in each subject, and I branch out and try new things more so than the average human. I wanted a way to tell a broader audience my suggestions and my opinions. If you like it and find it entertaining great! Maybe you'll even find a new favorite drink, movie or band. If you don't like it, well then keep your mouth shut! HA! No I encourage all types of critiques and compliments. Just don't be a douche just to be a douche. Thanks!

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

The Wolfman 5/10


So here's a movie review!

The Wolfman
I have to admit, i got a little sick of seeing previews for this movie. I feel like I've been hearing about this movie since about this time last year. So for a while there I really didn't care to see this movie after having it shoved down my throat. However, the advertising must've worked because when it came down to opening weekend, I was pretty excited to see it (although not as excited as the white bearded man in line who'd been waiting 50 years for a remake)
So on to the movie... this movie has a classic gothic horror feel. Its a true period piece, which based solely on that fact, is done very well. Anthony Hopkins brings some warmth and character (no pun intended) to the screen. Benicio Del Toro is unusually bland. However, the effects are done well, its definitely a bloody movie. However, this doesn't really save it from the lack of intrigue. Most of the exciting parts of the movie can be seen in the preview, so there isn't much gained from seeing the full length movie. The wolfman makeup always bothers me... its just cheesy looking. Its like an angry cartoon dog... Nevertheless, there are quite a few exciting moments, (excluding the weird wolf on wolf fight towards the end) All in all this is a fairly well made movie, it just falls short of being a really memorable or recommendable movie. I'd give it about five out of ten.

Samuel Adams Noble Pils 7.5/10


So here's my first attempt to ever review a beer! I know, for someone who decided to write a blog about beer (and movies) why would anyone trust me if i've never reviewed a beer before. The truth is, i'm no professional, I'm just an appreciator of the hop! I've tried hundreds (possibly thousands) of different beers, so in my opinion, I know more than you! Just kidding, however, i think i've had more experience than the common man (or woman). SO here goes...

The Noble Pils is a golden, pilsner style beer brewed by Samuel Adams brewery (Obviously). They say they brewed it with all 5 of the noble hops of Europe (the oldest hops in the world). Most mass produced American beers are modeled after the Pilsner style lager, out of Pilsen in the Chzech Republic. ANyway... (on with the review right?) Okay, first there's the smell... (or bouquet if you want to be fancy) very flowery, almost citrus aromas. Taste, at first, after hearing that beers like budweiser and Miller are modeled after this style of beer, you may expect a mild flavor, but this beer has a very full flavor. Its not too bitter, however, if you're expecting something very light, this may not be the best place to start... That said, it has all the flavors you would expect from a good springtime beer. Quenches your thirst and is quite easy to drink. Quaffable if you will! Again, i'm no expert and haven't ever tried to distinguish flavors in beer other than initial obvious ones. The Noble Pils is definitely worth a try. It may not be for the casual beer drinker, but then again no beer Samuel Adams makes is casual. Its one of my favorite beers of late and if i had to put it on a scale from one to ten I'd have to give this a good seven and a half! Go try some....

WELCOME!

HELLO! My Name is Dustin! I love Beer and Movies... and when the two come together, they create something wholly amazing! Well, i think so anyway... I decided to start a blog rating and reviewing and just talking about all my favorite different movies, beer, music and whatever else i think is worth mentioning! SO if you enjoy entertainment... take a gander! You might even find something you enjoy yourself!