film review podcast

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

By gophotographer 3 months 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?

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Trust No One, Pass the Whiskey: A Frostbitten Toast to John Carpenter’s The Thing

By gophotographer 10 months ago

In the vast, frozen emptiness of Antarctica, there’s no sound but the wind, no warmth but your breath, and no one you can truly trust — especially if you’ve just discovered an alien parasite that’s really good at playing dress-up. John Carpenter’s The Thing isn’t just a horror film. It’s a paranoia-fueled cocktail of isolation, mistrust, and monster mayhem… served ice-cold with a twist.

At the Adult Beverage Film Podcast, we don’t just watch movies — we pop the cork, pour something strong, and drink in every frame like it’s a rare vintage. And The Thing? This is a bottle you keep tucked away for special occasions… like when you’re snowed in with twelve suspicious co-workers and a few suspiciously moving body parts.

A Horror Vintage That Only Gets Better With Age

When The Thing hit theaters in 1982, audiences didn’t quite know what to do with it. Critics called it too gory, too bleak, and (in one famously bad take) “instant junk.” Then the years passed, the snow settled, and Carpenter’s chilly little monster flick was uncorked again by new audiences — who realized they weren’t just watching a creature feature, but a masterclass in tension.

This is a film that breathes suspicion. Every creak of the station, every sideways glance, every shared bottle of J&B Scotch is another seed of doubt. And unlike many horror films of the era, The Thing refused to give us safety in numbers — here, your best friend could be it. Your drinking buddy? Also it. The guy guarding the door? Definitely it.

The Perfect Pour: Practical Effects Over Digital Ice

The real magic — okay, horror — of The Thing lies in Rob Bottin’s jaw-dropping practical effects. No computer-generated shortcuts, just gallons of goo, twisted latex, and nightmare fuel sculpted by hand. Carpenter’s camera lingers just long enough for the transformations to sear into your brain, but never so long that the illusion melts away.

Watching these effects today, they’re still shocking… and oddly beautiful, in the way that only a dog’s head sprouting spider legs could be. We at Adult Beverage liken it to a perfectly aged whiskey: raw, fiery, and impossible to forget once it burns down your throat.

Bottled Paranoia: The Thing as the Ultimate Barroom Conversation

Imagine you’re at a dive bar in McMurdo Station. Outside, it’s -50°F. Inside, there’s a single bottle of good Scotch, a battered jukebox, and eleven other scientists you’re not entirely sure are human. This is The Thing.

The brilliance is that Carpenter turns every conversation, every drink shared between characters, into a gamble. Who pours from the bottle? Who hesitates? Who drinks without question? It’s the same dynamic you get in a good pub debate — except instead of arguing over who’d win in a fight (Godzilla or King Kong), you’re wondering if your drinking buddy is secretly an alien parasite waiting for you to turn your back.

The Ending: Cheers or Chills?

And then there’s that ending. MacReady and Childs, two men who’ve been through hell together, sitting in the freezing dark with nothing left but mutual suspicion… and a bottle. It’s the cinematic equivalent of clinking glasses with your rival because, hey, you might both be dead by morning anyway.

Is one of them infected? Are they both? Or are they just two stubborn humans refusing to give up without one last drink? That’s the genius of Carpenter’s final toast — it leaves you thinking long after the credits roll, and maybe pouring yourself something strong while you try to decide.

Why The Thing Belongs in the Adult Beverage Hall of Fame

Here’s the thing (pun intended): The Thing isn’t just horror. It’s barroom horror. It’s the kind of movie that thrives on shared experience — best enjoyed with friends, a good drink, and the occasional nervous glance to make sure no one’s face is splitting open mid-conversation.

It’s also the perfect example of how we at Adult Beverage Film Podcast approach cinema: with equal parts admiration, irreverence, and the understanding that sometimes the best way to appreciate a masterpiece is to argue about it over cocktails.

So next time you find yourself snowed in, low on trust, and with nothing but an old VHS player or streaming subscription for company, do yourself a favor:

  1. Put on The Thing.
  2. Pour a glass of something that could strip paint.
  3. Keep an eye on your drinking buddies.

Because in Antarctica, no one can hear you scream… but they can definitely hear you pop a cork.

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“Anora”: A Modern-Day Cinderella Story (With a Russian Oligarch and Way More Vodka)

By gophotographer 10 months ago

Pour yourself a stiff one, because the latest episode of the Adult Beverage Film Podcast is a wild ride through Sean Baker’s Palme d’Or-winning masterpiece, “Anora”! If you thought Cinderella’s story was a fairytale, just wait until you hear about Ani, a Brooklyn stripper who swaps a glass slipper for a private jet and a very expensive fur coat after a whirlwind, vodka-fueled romance with Vanya, the ridiculously rich son of a Russian oligarch.

The gang, including award-winning producer Kent Smith, actor Patrick G. Keenan, critic Laura Truman, and the delightfully grumpy “Audio Genius” Carlisle Hamrick, are joined by special guest Nicolas Brown. With his behind-the-camera experience on shows like The Righteous Gemstones and Outer Banks, Nicolas brings some real on-set magic to the discussion. And probably a few stories about what happens after “a few too many celebratory beverages on set.”

The hosts dive into this hilarious, chaotic, and ultimately heartbreaking tale, pondering some of life’s most pressing questions. How much alcohol does it take to truly fall in love with a guy who’s still playing video games during… well, everything? What’s the perfect adult beverage to pair with an unexpected, international annulment drama? And can you ever really outrun a Russian oligarch’s family in a high-stakes chase scene through Brooklyn?

“Anora” is a cinematic cocktail of screwball comedy and genuine emotional depth. It’s a “Pretty Woman” meets “run for your life from some very serious Russians” kind of film, and our hosts, with their collective experience and love of cinema, break down every magnificent, cringe-worthy, and poignant moment.

So, grab your favorite drink and join the party. This episode is a rollicking good time, with a splash of cinematic wisdom and a chaser of questionable life choices. And we promise, you’ll be laughing all the way to the credit roll—or at least until the international annulment papers arrive.

For more episodes and film reviews, visit adultbeverage.org.

The Birdcage: Hilarious Rom-Com Riot with Robin Williams and Nathan Lane

By gophotographer 3 years ago

Ladies, gents, and fabulous folks of the Adult Beverage Film Podcast, gather ’round for a review that’s about to get as colorful as Armand’s feather boa in “The Birdcage”!

Picture this: a quaint little Miami drag club owned by the charming Armand Goldman, played by the incomparable Robin Williams. Add in his diva partner, the fabulous Albert (Nathan Lane), and their feathered family, and you’ve got a recipe for a delightful disaster in this rom-com riot!

As the story unfolds, Armand’s son Val announces his engagement to the conservative Barbara Keeley, and guess what? Her parents are the right-wing, moral police type! Cue the madness, mischief, and martinis, darling!

Watching Robin Williams, the comedic genius, parade around as a flamboyant drag queen, while trying to maintain a “straight” facade to impress Barbara’s parents, is nothing short of a belly-aching laugh-fest! We’re talking about some of the most hilarious identity-shifting escapades this side of Cinemaville!

Nathan Lane as Albert is a showstopper! His over-the-top expressions and sharp-witted banter with Robin Williams are a match made in cinematic heaven. You’ll be clutching your pearls from laughter and reaching for your adult beverage of choice to cope with the delightful chaos unfolding on screen!

The supporting cast is just as fabulous! Hank Azaria as Agador Spartacus, the flamboyant housekeeper, serves up laughs like it’s a buffet of comedic gold! And Gene Hackman and Dianne Wiest as Barbara’s parents? Oh, they’re perfect as the uptight conservative duo caught in the whirlwind of this flamboyant farce.

Now, let’s talk about the sets and costumes! The glitzy, glammy world of “The Birdcage” is a visual feast for the eyes. Feather boas, sequined gowns, and enough glitter to make the Kardashians jealous! If you’re not already planning a themed movie night with friends after watching this, then you’re missing out, darling!

Beyond the laughs, “The Birdcage” carries a heartwarming message of love, acceptance, and the definition of family. Beneath the fabulous façade, it beautifully reminds us that love knows no boundaries and that being true to ourselves is something worth celebrating. Aww!

So, dear listeners of the Adult Beverage Film Podcast, if you’re looking for a movie that serves up belly-aching laughter, wacky misadventures, and a touch of heart, “The Birdcage” is your ticket to the wildest, most entertaining ride! Mix yourself a divine cocktail, sashay your way to the couch, and let this hilariously heartwarming fiasco unfold before your eyes! Cheers, darlings!

Cinematic Tapestry: Unveiling Love’s True Colors in ‘Love, Simon’

By gophotographer 3 years ago

Picture this: a film that takes you on an emotional rollercoaster, where every scene is filled with the sweet taste of first love and the bittersweet complexities of coming-of-age. “Love, Simon” unravels the story of a young man named Simon Spier, an ordinary teenager with an extraordinary secret. He’s struggling to find the courage to reveal his true self to the world and to the people he holds dear. But fear not, for this isn’t just a coming-out story—it’s a story that transcends boundaries, creating a resonance that touches everyone who watches it.

“Love, Simon” is a film that reminds us of the power of acceptance, the importance of love, and the strength it takes to be true to oneself. It’s a story that will touch your heart, make you laugh, and perhaps even bring a tear to your eye. So, grab your favorite drink, whether it’s a glass of velvety red wine, a refreshing craft beer, or a perfectly mixed cocktail, and join us as we raise our glasses to “Love, Simon.”

Celebrating Pride Month and Recommending Films on Adult Beverage

Summary

On this episode of the Adult Beverage Film Podcast, the hosts discuss the movie “Love, Simon”, a coming-of-age story about a high school student named Simon who is struggling with his sexuality. The movie explores themes of acceptance, love, and being true to oneself. The hosts describe the plot, characters, and their thoughts on the film. They also mention the fun and lighthearted moments in the movie. Listeners are invited to grab their favorite drink and join in on the discussion.

Timestamps

[00:03:42] High school films. [00:04:49] Teenage gay experience in film. [00:11:39] Coming out at a tough age. [00:12:31] Symbolism of phone usage. [00:16:44] Coming out and stolen moments. [00:19:07] Love, Victor spin-off. [00:25:09] High school gossip scenes. [00:27:45] Coming out as gay. [00:34:39] Simon versus the Homo Sapiens agenda. [00:35:27] LGBTQ community’s relevance today. [00:39:23] Thunder and horror movies. [00:44:01] Serial killer podcast concept. [00:46:47] Film recommendations for you.

Quotes

  • 00:09:49 – “But I like the way he progresses through the story too is that even though he makes the huge terrible decision to be the bully in a sense, putting the emails out.”
  • 00:11:54 – “but then I’d hear the flip side from another character and be like, well, I agree with that too, actually.”
  • 00:15:39 – “As soon as you say it to someone, to anyone, it makes it real.”
  • 00:20:23 – “I love those little comets.”
  • 00:27:51 – “I think there’s a great line in this film, and it’s lots of people like someone they can’t have.”
  • 00:30:33 – “it’s not fair that straight people don’t have to come out.”
  • 00:31:26 – “it makes me feel good.”
  • 00:35:27 – “Especially with all the LGBTQ bills coming out and the communities under more threat of oppression now than it has been in a number of years.”
  • 00:40:42 – “It’s almost like a Norman Rockwell painting come to life type of experience.”
  • 00:46:00 – “Happy Pride Month. Be proud of who you are.”