film podcast

One Battle After Another: PTA’s High-Proof Masterpiece (Best Served with a Double)

By gophotographer 3 weeks ago
One Battle after Another
One Battle after Another

If you’ve ever wondered what happens when you take the paranoid DNA of Thomas Pynchon, douse it in 100-proof cinematic adrenaline, and hand the keys to a master like Paul Thomas Anderson, you get “One Battle After Another.”

And if you’ve ever wondered what happens when you take that 161-minute epic and try to make sense of it through the bottom of a bourbon glass, you get the latest episode of the Adult Beverage Film Podcast.

The Movie: A Sprawling, Sovereign Mess (In the Best Way)

Paul Thomas Anderson has always been a director who likes his stories like we like our drinks: complex, layered, and capable of making your head spin. With One Battle After Another, he’s moved past the oil derricks of There Will Be Blood and the fashion houses of Phantom Thread to deliver something far more urgent and “American Berserk.”

The film—loosely based on Pynchon’s Vineland—is a dizzying journey through a landscape of aging revolutionaries, clandestine groups like the “French 75,” and the looming, menacing shadow of Colonel Lockjaw (played with terrifying intensity by Sean Penn). At the center of it all is Leonardo DiCaprio’s “Ghetto” Pat Calhoun—a performance that is equal parts Jeff Bridges “Dude” energy and desperate, off-the-grid survivalism.

It’s a movie about the battles we fight with the state, the battles we fight with our past, and the battles we fight with our own family. In other words: It’s a lot to process.

The Podcast: Breaking Down the “Berserk”

That’s where we come in. On the latest episode of the Adult Beverage Film Podcast, hosts Kent, Laura, and Patrick (and maybe a few “Squeekers” in the background) sat down to dissect PTA’s Oscar-winning odyssey.

What’s on the menu for this episode?

  • The Pairing: You can’t watch a movie this dense with a light beer. We’re talking high-octane bourbon and savory Micheladas. We even attempt to recreate the “Fanny’s Best Picture Cocktail”—a drink that, much like the film’s plot, has a lot of ingredients and might leave you questioning your reality by the third act.
  • The Debate: Is Colonel Lockjaw PTA’s greatest villain yet? Does DiCaprio’s “Bob Ferguson” deserve a spot in the stoner-cinema Hall of Fame? And just how many hidden Pynchon references did we miss because we were busy refilling our glasses?
  • The Vibe: We go deep into the technical brilliance—the Dolby soundscapes, the grit of the handheld camera work, and that “convent of revolutionary nuns” (which is exactly as cool as it sounds).

Why You Should Listen (and Watch)

One Battle After Another is a film that demands a second viewing and a long conversation. It’s a “Big Ugly Now” diagnosis of America that manages to be both a heartbreaking family drama and a truly edge-of-your-seat thriller.

Whether you’re a die-hard PTA scholar or just someone who likes to hear three friends get increasingly passionate about cinematography as the bottle gets lighter, this episode is your perfect companion.

So, pour yourself a stiff one, keep your eyes on the rooftops, and join us for a deep dive into the chaotic genius of Paul Thomas Anderson.

Ancient Greek Rituals, Corporate Overlords, and Beekeeping with Jesse Plemons: Our Deep Dive into Bugonia—Episode 061, Season 7

By gophotographer 1 month ago

Forget the ancient Greeks—it turns out the ultimate get-rich-quick scheme involves kidnapping a pharmaceutical CEO because you’re convinced she’s an intergalactic threat.

On this episode of the Adult Beverage Film Podcast, we’re cracking open a few drinks and descending into the beautiful, paranoid weirdness of Yorgos Lanthimos’s Oscar-nominated film, Bugonia. Join the usual suspects—Kent Smith, Laura Truman, Patrick G. Keenan, and Carlisle “Squeaker” Hamrick—as we debate whether humanity deserves a total reset and why Jesse Plemons is so mesmerizing to watch in those tight close-ups.

Why “Bugonia”?

Before getting too deep into the plot, we had to address the name. It turns out “Bugonia” refers to an ancient Greek belief (and later a ritual) that bees could be spontaneously generated from the decaying carcass of an ox. it is a fittingly strange title for a film where Jesse Plemons plays a conspiracy-obsessed beekeeper who abducts a high-powered executive (Emma Stone) believing she is an alien from Andromeda.

The Lanthimos Effect: Weirdness that Grows on You

Laura’s first reaction was a blunt, “What the f***?”. But like many Lanthimos films, Bugonia is a slow burn that rewards a rewatch. We dive into:

  • The Performances: Emma Stone manages to play a “corporate bitch” and a literal alien simultaneously , while Plemons delivers a masterclass in flat, monotone “internet speak” that feels chillingly believable.
  • The Nuance of Don: We give a huge shout-out to the actor playing Don, Teddy’s brother on the spectrum. He serves as the emotional anchor and viewpoint for the audience as he is manipulated into a nightmare.
  • Cinematographic Tension: From the use of VistaVision to fisheye lenses and “gritty” handheld movements , the film’s visual style keeps the energy high even when the characters are trapped in a single house.

The Ultimate Debate: Is She or Isn’t She?

We break down the pivotal moments that made us question reality. Was it the fact that she didn’t react to having her hair shaved off in the back of the car? Or the discovery of the “kill room” filled with the remains of former “aliens”? While Patrick was waiting for the reveal , Kent wasn’t fully convinced until the literal explosion at the end.

Bugonia vs. Save the Green Planet

Since Bugonia is a reimagining of the South Korean cult classic Save the Green Planet, we couldn’t resist a comparison. While the original leans into wacky comedy and deep backstory for its lead , Bugonia feels more like a tragedy with comic elements—a “podcast mentality” of confidence without evidence brought to life.

Our Takeaway? Humanity is a Disappointment (But the Movie Isn’t)

Whether you view the ending as a peaceful reset or a cynical “popping of the bubble” for the conspiracy theorists , Bugonia left us with plenty to talk about—and a strange craving for coconut cake.

Would you like me to find the specific timestamps for our discussion on the film’s ending or our favorite “what have you been watching” segments from this episode?

🎙 More episodes at: https://adultbeverage.net

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Sinners: Where Southern Gothic Meets Questionable Communion Wine (and Fangs!)

By gophotographer 10 months ago

Alright, grab your favorite questionable vintage, because on today’s Adult Beverage Film Podcast, we’re diving headfirst into a cinematic experience that might just make you question your life choices: the aptly named, Sinners.

Now, when you first clap eyes on the poster for Sinners (and yes, we’ve got it right here for you, folks!), you might think, “Oh, a moody, atmospheric horror flick! Perhaps a deep dive into the human condition, or maybe just some good old-fashioned vampire shenanigans.” And bless your innocent hearts, you wouldn’t be entirely wrong. But you wouldn’t be entirely right either.

Let’s be real, the poster promises a lot: intense stares, a guitar-wielding bluesman, and a dude in the background who looks like he just remembered he left the oven on… and also, he’s a vampire with glowing red eyes and a serious dental plan. It screams “Southern Gothic meets ‘Blade’s estranged cousin who went to seminary’.”

So, what’s the real story of Sinners? Well, imagine if a church retreat decided to host a talent show, but then someone accidentally spiked the communion wine with existential dread and a dash of vampirism. It’s less about the actual sins, and more about the vibe of sinning, if that makes sense. It’s the kind of film where you’re constantly asking, “Wait, is he a vampire because he’s evil, or is he evil because he’s a vampire, or is he just really, really hangry?”

The film does a fantastic job of keeping you on your toes, mostly because you’re constantly trying to figure out if you missed a crucial plot point or if the characters are just as confused as you are. There are moments of genuine tension, and then there are moments where you just want to hand everyone a pamphlet on conflict resolution and maybe a garlic bagel.

Our recommendation for pairing? A strong, dark stout. Something that can stand up to the film’s brooding atmosphere, and also something that will help you forget you just spent 90 minutes wondering if the blues music was a metaphor for eternal damnation or just a really long jam session.

In conclusion, Sinners is a ride. A slightly bumpy, occasionally confusing, but ultimately memorable ride. It’s perfect for a podcast like ours because it gives you plenty to talk about, especially after a few sips of your chosen adult beverage. So, if you’re looking for a film that will make you ponder faith, fangs, and the perils of small-town secrets, grab your drink and give Sinners a watch. Just don’t say we didn’t warn you about the teeth.

🎧 Episode: Emilia Pérez — Crime, Identity, and Catchy Tunes… Wait, Is This a Musical?!

By gophotographer 11 months ago

In this no-holds-barred episode of the Adult Beverage Film Podcast, your favorite cocktail-fueled crew takes on Emilia Pérez, Jacques Audiard’s genre-bending, gender-exploding, narco-musical that’s equal parts Scarface, Les Misérables, and RuPaul’s Drag Race: The Redemption Arc.

Set in the gritty underworld of Mexican drug cartels, this film flips every expectation on its head—starting with a ruthless cartel boss who secretly wants to transition and become… Emilia Pérez. Yes, you read that right. But instead of gritty crime beats and tough-guy tropes, Audiard delivers the transformation with Broadway ballads, pastel colors, and some of the most moving sequences ever set to choreographed violence. Oh, and did we mention it’s a musical? With full-blown showstoppers and synchronized prison dancing?

Selena Gomez steps in as the conflicted wife, Karla Sofía Gascón absolutely slays in a history-making performance as the titular Emilia, and Zoë Saldaña shines as the burned-out lawyer who accidentally signs up for the wildest client of her career—and possibly her spiritual awakening. There’s crime. There’s glitter. There’s justice. And there are questions about identity, forgiveness, and what it really means to change.

🎙️ On the mics:

  • Laura gushes over the emotional core and calls dibs on the soundtrack for her next karaoke night.
  • Patrick wonders if we’ve entered a post-genre world where everything’s a musical… and he’s here for it.
  • Squeaker raises an eyebrow, mutters something deep about duality and reinvention, and then takes the film apart with the precision of a philosophy professor in a leather jacket.
  • Kent tries to keep the group sober enough to land a point… fails… but ends up championing this wild ride as one of the most original films of the year.

This ain’t your typical narco thriller. It’s a cinematic unicorn—part political fable, part identity opera, part cabaret confession—and it’s impossible to forget.

Pour yourself something strong. Tune in. And prepare to have your idea of genre (and justice) lovingly smashed into glittery pieces.
This is Emilia Pérez, and this episode might be our most outrageous deep dive yet.

Poor Things: A Victorian Fever Dream with Emma Stone and Willem Dafoe

By gophotographer 2 years ago

Poor Things is the kind of movie that would make Mary Shelley grin mischievously while sipping tea and giving a knowing wink. Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos—yes, the same mind behind The Lobster and The Favourite—this film is like a delightful stroll through a Victorian fever dream. Imagine if Frankenstein’s monster was reimagined by Tim Burton after a particularly strong cup of absinthe, and you’ve got the general vibe of Poor Things.

Plot? What Plot? The movie follows Bella Baxter, played by Emma Stone, who is resurrected by the eccentric Dr. Godwin Baxter (Willem Dafoe). But hold onto your monocles, because Bella isn’t your typical reanimated corpse. Instead of the usual moans and groans, she’s full of life, energy, and a childlike curiosity that makes you wonder if she’s been binge-watching Pee-wee’s Playhouse while in the afterlife.

Dr. Baxter, who looks like he’s auditioning for a steampunk version of The Phantom of the Opera, has his hands full trying to keep up with Bella. She’s on a quest to discover what it means to be alive, and she’s doing it with the enthusiasm of a sugar-loaded toddler in a toy store.

The Cast: A Carnival of Characters Emma Stone’s Bella is a revelation. She’s like a human jack-in-the-box, constantly surprising you with her whimsical, offbeat take on a woman who’s been brought back from the dead. Willem Dafoe’s Dr. Baxter is every bit the mad scientist you’d hope for, complete with wild hair and a penchant for pontificating in ways that are both profound and utterly absurd.

Then there’s Mark Ruffalo, who plays Duncan Wedderburn, a lawyer with a moral compass as wobbly as a Jenga tower in an earthquake. Ruffalo’s chemistry with Stone is electric, like watching two people trying to out-weird each other—and succeeding marvelously.

Visuals: Like a Hallucination in HD Visually, Poor Things is a treat. The film is drenched in color and packed with bizarre imagery that makes you feel like you’ve wandered into a Salvador Dalí painting and can’t find your way out (not that you’d want to). The cinematography is so luscious you’ll want to lick the screen—though I don’t recommend it.

Why You Should Watch It Poor Things isn’t just a film; it’s an experience. It’s the kind of movie that’s so unapologetically weird, you can’t help but be charmed by its audacity. It’s like going to a circus and finding out the clowns are also philosophers—and surprisingly deep ones at that.

So, if you’re tired of the same old reboots, sequels, and superhero sagas, Poor Things might just be the cinematic palate cleanser you didn’t know you needed. Just be sure to leave your expectations at the door and prepare for a wild, wonderfully weird ride.

Trailer Time! And for those of you who prefer a sneak peek before diving headfirst into the weirdness, here’s the official trailer for Poor Things: Watch the Trailer on YouTube.

Get ready to laugh, gasp, and occasionally scratch your head in confusion—Poor Things is a film you won’t forget, no matter how hard you try.