Whiskey and Popcorn

Disney's 'Wish' fizzles like pixie dust

It feels like Disney was banking on a hope and dream with it's newest animated feature "Wish." The cast is solid, the art is beautiful, and the songs are fun. But this movie is missing a real core that can resonate with audiences of all ages. Find out why we didn't love this movie in this review. Find out more at https://whiskeyandpopcorn.pinecast.co

Family comedy 'The Persian Version' is hilarious and filled with heart

When a large Iranian-American family gathers, a family secret is uncovered that catapults the estranged mother and daughter into an exploration of the past, and to discover they are more alike than they know. Directed by the award-winning Maryam Keshavarz, "The Persian Version" is a fantastic film about women, mothers and daughters, and secrets. Find out more at https://whiskeyandpopcorn.pinecast.co

Prime Video's "The Burial" is a surprise delight

Based on true events, "The Burial" stars Tommy Lee Jones as Jeremiah Joseph O'Keefe, a funeral home owner with financial trouble, and Jamie Foxx as Willie E. Gary, an unconventional lawyer. Together the unlikely duo who take on big business. Find out more at https://whiskeyandpopcorn.pinecast.co

'Lightyear' divides our opinions

Does Lightyear go boldly were no Disney-Pixar film has gone before? Not really. But the film is leaving critics and fans divided, including us. Chris Evans voices Buzz instead of Tim Allen. The movie is not exactly tied to the Toy Story universe. But it does boast a new slate of characters that are very memorable – including one sweet robo-cat. Find out why Lightyear is creating a buzz in this review. Find out more at https://whiskeyandpopcorn.pinecast.co

'Top Gun: Maverick" - Better than the original?

After more than 30 years of service as one of the Navy's top aviators, Pete Mitchell, aka Maverick, á la Tom Cruise, is where he belongs, pushing the envelope as a courageous test pilot and dodging the advancement in rank that would ground him. But then he is pulled into duty as a Top Gun instructor. His mission, (should he choose to accept it!) is to train the best of the best for a dire mission unlike anything these pilots have seen before. Diehard fans of the original might be surprised...

'Jurassic World Dominion' - Worth it? SPOILERS

Jurassic World Dominion is the third and final film in the rebooted Jurassic Park franchise. This time the original cast is thrown in with the new cast and the dinosaurs are literally all over the world. Is this film the epic conclusion it's touted to be? Or more like T. Rex fodder? And just how did host Kaely Monahan convince her editors to allow a full podcast on Arizona's dinosaurs? Find out in this episode of Whiskey and Popcorn! Find out more at https://whiskeyandpopcorn.pinecast.co

'The Bob's Burgers Movie' is satisfying enough

The Belcher's are on the big screen serving up their biggest adventure to date. Literally. The family is faced with possible closure by their bank and landlord if they don't manage to pay up in time. To make matters worse a sink hole opens right in front of their door. What's a family to do? For the Belcher's they keep on carrying on! Fans of the TV show will be charmed by this movie, if have strong opinions on it, and those who haven't watched it will find it a great introduction. Liste...

'The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent' will be a cult classic

Nicholas Cage takes on his greatest performance yet as...himself. In 'The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent' Cage is playing a fictionalized version of himself. As a washed up, overhyped, actor, he struggles to find work in a town that is no longer interested in him. On top of that, his relationship with his ex-wife and daughter are on the rocks. Then comes a chance to earn some money by traveling to Spain to visit a super fan. Turns out, this fan is part of the Spanish mafia. But this do...

The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent

'Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore' fell flat

The "Fantastic Beasts" franchise feels more like a wounded animal at this point. While highly anticipated, "Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore" earned 31% less than its predecessor "Crimes of Grindelwald." While there was nothing particularly faulty with the film, the franchise feels boring and tired. Take a listen to our review to find out why. Find out more at https://whiskeyandpopcorn.pinecast.co

Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore

Week 2 Favorites from Phoenix Film Festival

Phoenix Film Festival Favorites - Week One

Whiskey and Popcorn returns to the Phoenix Film Festival

The 22nd Phoenix Film Festival is here and Whiskey and Popcorn is back at it. Hosts Kaely Monahan and Tuesday Mahrle caught up with the festival's executive director, Jason Carney, to chat this year's highlights, doing multiple festivals so close to one another, and COVID precautions. You can get tickets and schedule details to PFF 22 at www.phoenixfilmfestival.com. Make sure to like and subscribe for more local, Phoenix and Arizona movie news and reviews. Find out more at https://whiskey...

PFF 2021 — 'Downeast'

"We are all running from something" is the tagline line for this Maine-made movie. Downeast takes the noir genre and gives it a 2021 update. Lobsterer Tommy lives in a small fishing town that is under the thumb of a gangster. Emma is the sister of his now deceased friend Mikey. The need for answers and closure drive Emma to return to the town. But secrets lie around every lobster trap, and a dangerous game of cat and mouse begins. Downeast won Best Ensemble at the Phoenix Film Festival, ...

PFF 2021 – 12 Months of Kai

It's 2025. Kyoka works as a web director in Tokyo. She's still grieving a breakup that tears at her heart. Lonely she decides to purchase a personal care humanoid, a PCH. He arrives and she names him Kai. Able to simulate 60% of human behavior, Kyoka quickly develops feelings for Kai.  But things take a creepier twist when she suddenly discovers she's pregnant. Something that should be impossible.  12 Months of Kai takes the concept of artificial intelligence a step further than most films...

PFF 2021 – We Are the Thousand

What happens when you call out for one thousand rock musicians to come to your town and play together, all in the hopes of attracting your favorite band? You get an incredible documentary full of joy, spirit, and human greatness. And that's exactly what We Are the Thousand gives us. It's the story about the world's largest rock band and how they got started. Curious about our drink choices? Visit whiskeyandpopcorn.org for the recipes!

PFF 2021 - 'Planet George' Review

Another fun-filled and Arizona-made film, Planet George follows the hijinks of George, a trustworthy doorman fed up with a rash of low-level crimes in the luxury condo complex where he works and lives. With pleas for help going unanswered, by management, George enlists the help of his goofy childhood friend and the pretty girl next door. The mission: solve the mystery of break-ins and reinvent his lackluster life. Curious about our drink choices? Visit whiskeyandpopcorn.org for the recipes!

PFF 2021 - 'Beans' Review

Beans is the director Tracey Deer's debut feature. Based on true events, twelve-year-old Beans is on the edge: torn between innocent childhood and reckless adolescence; forced to grow up fast and become the tough Mohawk warrior she needs to be during the Oka Crisis, the turbulent Indigenous uprising that tore Quebec and Canada apart for 78 tense days in the summer of 1990. Curious about our drink choices? Visit whiskeyandpopcorn.org for the recipes!

PFF 2021 - The Immortal Jellyfish

Kicking off our Phoenix Film Festival experience this year, we started with The Immortal Jellyfish. A truly hilarious film that's so off the wall and charming that it easily ranks as one of our top picks this year. Denny, an off-the-grid oddball who calls a nurse hot-line for help with his nasty "fire piss" problem. When a dying man washes ashore, Denny and nurse Linda get caught up in the drama and become madcap partners in crime-solving. Curious about our drink choices? Visit whiskeyandp...

'Joe Bell' leaves us divided

Mark Wahlberg and Reid Miller star in this tender story of love, loss, and acceptance. Following the story of father Joe Bell, we learn how his son committed suicided after severe bullying led him to taking his own life. Propelled to walk across the country, Joe tries to come to terms with his son's death while learning to accept his own failings as a parent. This film split us on its merit. Does the story hold up? Is it missing something? Kaely, Tuesday, and returning guest reviewer Jen, d...

'Roadrunner' is a tribute to Anthony Bourdain's life

The story of Anthony Bourdain has in many ways been eclipsed by the shocking news of his suicide. But the chef with the rockstar life style was so much more than that one moment. This incredible artist lived to push boundaries and fill the void in his soul with as much as he could, be it for good or bad. Director Morgan Neville (Won't You Be My Neighbor), pieced together interviews from family, friends, and production team to paint the complex life Tony lived. Choosing to not dwell on Tony...

'Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard' -- worth it?

Kicking off our summer movies is the Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard, starring Ryan Reynolds, Samuel L. Jackson, and Salma Hayek. It was our first film back in theaters (ahhh movie popcorn!). On it's surface this movie is incredibly stupid, but hosts Kaely and Tuesday fell in love with it. Take a listen to hear why you should see this film! Find out more at https://whiskeyandpopcorn.pinecast.co

'Final Account' exposes new perspectives on Nazi Germany

Final Account is unlike any World War II documentary you've seen. British filmmaker Luke Holland was drawn to the story of Germany's citizens who lived through the Third Reich not as victims of the Nazis but those who witnessed and even participated in the evil ideology. With interviews from men and women, ranging from SS soldiers to concentration camp guards, Final Account captures Germans' stories and explores Germany's greatest shame from their own perspectives. See Final Account in the...

High Stakes Action Film 'Profile' Disappoints With Female Journalist Portrayal

Taking after the incredible film Searching, Director Timur Bekmambetov's Profile makes clever use of the "screenlife" film technique to tell the story of a journalist who attempts to infiltrate the ISIS recruitment scheme for young women. Based on a true story, the narrative's promise is quickly dashed as the film turns away from the actual events of the story to a bloated, infuriating opera of a woman falling in love with the bad guy. Do we recommend this film? You'll have to listen to fi...

Sundance Highlights and CODA Review

CODA kicked off our Sundance 2021 experience, and what a way to begin! Hosts Kaely and ASL fluent Tuesday offer their insights into how this year's festival went as well as give high marks for this multi-award winning film. Find out more at https://whiskeyandpopcorn.pinecast.co

'Minari' is the most American story of 2020

Minari is a story about a Korean American family who moves to an Arkansas farm in search of their own American dream. Amidst the challenges of this new life in the strange and rugged Ozarks, they discover the undeniable resilience of family and what really makes a home. This is one of our favorite films of 2020, and it is in theaters on February 12 and on demand on February 26th. Find out more at https://whiskeyandpopcorn.pinecast.co

Sundance 2021 Preview

It's that time of year for our annual pilgrimage to the Sundance Film Festival. But it's going to be a bit different this year. Instead of flying up to Park City, Utah, we'll be "remoting in" to the festival to stream the movies and attend the talks and exhibits. Tuesday and Kaely are also super excited to be covering the festival as official press members this year. Here's a preview of just a few of the films we're looking forward to. Make sure to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twi...

WW84 Fun, But Not Great

Wonder Woman 1984 _reunites writer-director Patty Jenks with Gal Gadot as Diana Price in a glitzy 80s sequel the first Wonder Woman_ blockbuster. Delayed due to COVID and finally released simultaneous in theaters and on HBOMax, WW84 does not have the same impact as its predecessor. However, there are layers worth exploring in Diana's development, and the introduction of Kristen Wiig as Cheetah and Pedro Pascal as Maxwell Lord add dimension to the story. Find out more at https://whiskeyandpo...

Disney Pixar's 'Soul' has a lot of heart

What is it that makes you...YOU? Pixar Animation Studios’ all-new feature film Soul introduces Joe Gardner (voice of Jamie Foxx) – a middle-school band teacher who gets the chance of a lifetime to play at the best jazz club in town. But one small misstep takes him from the streets of New York City to The Great Before – a fantastical place where new souls get their personalities, quirks and interests before they go to Earth. Determined to return to his life, Joe teams up with a precocious sou...

'The Climb' is an anti-bromance but best buddy movie

As far as buddy movies go The Climb might be better described as two life-long friends, turned enemies, turned friends again. Mike and Kyle have a fraught adult relationship. But despite the betrayals and the hurt they cause each other, their friendship remains one of mutual connection and respect. This film is smartly written and executed with a European flare. A "dramedy" that perfectly suits 2020, The Climb proves that movies on male relationships can go beyond dumb boys comedies like Th...

A Surprising Delight: 'Eurovision Song Contest' is one of Will Ferrell's best films in years

Will Ferrell and Rachel McAdams star as two aspiring pop stars with the sole goal of representing Iceland in Eurovision. Directed by David Dobkin, Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga both pokes fun and celebrates the annual show. As Lars, Ferrell delivers a familiar but entertaining performance. Backed by McAdams as Sigrit, they make a wonderful comedic duo. We highly recommend this film if you're looking for a goofy escape from our pandemic riddled lives. Never miss a review ...

Thumbs up for Netflix's 'The Old Guard'

We're back! After a hiatus as we navigated our new COVID world, Whiskey and Popcorn returns (from home) with a new review. Brushing off the dust, we're getting back into reviewing films and sharing our recommendations, both in movies and in drinks! Netflix's new film The Old Guard is an action packed sci-fi fantasy and thriller. Charlize Theron and KiKi Layne star as of immortal warriors. Together with three others like them, they have taken it upon themselves to protect the world. But in...

Jane Austen's matchmaker gets a reboot in 'Emma.'

In Emma. Jane Austen's precocious heroine gets another silver screen adaptation. Director Autumn de Wilde has her own way of doing things when it comes to translating the beloved novel. Starring Anya Taylor-Joy as Miss Emma Woodhouse and Johnny Flynn as Mr. George Knightly, this rendition of Austen's book captures much of the 544 pages into a cohesive story. However, fans of the book or the 1996 rendition, might not care much for this iteration. Hosts Kaely and Tuesday are split on this one....

Margot Robbie soars as Harley Quinn in 'Birds of Prey'

It's been four years since Suicide Squad flopped in theaters. The only silver lining was Margot Robbie's Harley Quinn. Now she's back and free from the Joker in Birds of Prey: And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn _ or...as the film seems to be suddenly renamed: _Harley Quinn: Birds of Prey. Confusion of the film's title aside, Robbie and Director Cathy Yan pull together one of the best superhero genre films since Wonder Woman. Full of engery, laughes, and never boring, Harley...

Sundance 2020

It was our third year covering Sundance 2020, and despite the cold and snow we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. This year we saw films ranging from breathtaking to head scratching. Hear our reviews of the following films: 40-Year-Old Version, Boys State, Saudi Runaway, The Mountains Are a Dream That Call To Me, The Assistant, Surge, and Sin Señas Particulares _ (Identifying Features)_. Each film was wholly unique in plot, cinematography, and skill. Some of these films will be streaming or comin...

'A Hidden Life' is a masterpiece

In a time when truth is being questioned and the pressure to follow the crowd is immense, a film like A Hidden Life is just what is needed. Franz Jägerstätter is an Austrian farmer who faces death when refuses to fight for the Nazis in World War 2. His quiet protest which seemed so small at the time now resonates around the world of what one can do in the face of great evil. Director Terrance Malick delicately weaves Jägerstätter's story into a masterpiece of storytelling. Never miss a rev...

'The Gentlemen' is messy but amusing

Guy Ritchie's newest film The Gentlemen _ is a slick-talking, very British, crime drama that will delight Anglophiles and Ritchie fans alike. While a bit over-the-top, _The Gentlemen earns its laughs. Never miss a review by subscribing. We're on all your favorite podcasting sites. Bookmark us at WhiskeyandPopcorn.org. And don't forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Search for Whiskey and Popcorn!

'Troop Zero' earns its Gold Award

Charming and heartfelt Troop Zero follows the story of misfit Christmas Flint and her determination to get her voice on the Golden Record. Hearing that whoever wins the Birdie Scout Jamboree will get their voice on the record, Christmas sets out to create her own troop with their own style of doing things. Produced by the same team as Beasts of the Southern Wild, Troop Zero is a cute and enjoyable film to send a Saturday afternoon with. Watch it now on Amazon Prime. Never miss a review by s...

Don't hold your breath for 'Underwater'

2020 kicks off with a pointless sci-fi horror that belly flops so hard it’s painful to watch. Underwater stars Kristen Stewart, Vincent Cassel, John Gallagher Jr., Jessica Henkwick, and T.J. Miller, in a survival race on the ocean floor. Part of a 300-plus mining crew, the hapless team has to escape to the surface as the massive underwater drill implodes. The monster that causes it to fail is as boring as the character development is lacking. Underwater feels like a cheap reimagining of Jame...

'1917' immerses you into the battlefield unlike any other war movie

When it comes to the World Wars, the Second World War seems to capture much of the imagination and romance of Hollywood. World War One not so much. And perhaps that’s due to there being a “less clear” enemy. There aren’t Nazis in WW1. But the First World War has plenty to offer when it comes to storytelling. Writer/Director Sam Mendes proves this in his film "1917" A truly immersive experience, "1917" follows two British soldiers as they set out on a ride-or-die mission across No-Man's land....

Should you see 'Jumanji: The Next Level'? Yes!

The latest Jumanji lives up to its name: "The Next Level." Still fresh, crazy fun, and an all-around blast, we highly recommend fitting in this film in between all your Oscar-contenders. Never miss a review by subscribing. We're on all your favorite podcasting sites. Book mark us at WhiskeyandPopcorn.org. And don't forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Search for Whiskey and Popcorn!

'Marriage Story' is the anti-romantic comedy

If the word "beautiful" could be used to describe a divorce, director Noah Baumbach captures it in Marriage Story. Poetic, tragic, yet heartfelt and humorous, Marriage Story compassionately explores what it means to go through a divorce. Adam Driver's and Scarlett Johansson's performances will make you laugh and cry. Never miss a review by subscribing. Find us on all your favorite podcasting platforms. We're also at WhiskeyandPopcorn.org. And don't forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter,...

'A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood' is just what we need right now

Last year we got an intimate look into Fred Roger's life in Won't You Be My Neighbor? This year, Tom Hanks zips up the iconic sweater as Mr. Rogers in A Beautiful Day in the Neighbor. The story follows the interactions between Mr. Rogers and journalist Lloyd Vogel (Matthew Rhys) as he endeavors to write a profile on the children's show host. What we see is a biopic that is as stunning as it is touching. Hanks masterfully fills Fred's shoes and Rhys' performance is heartfelt. We highly recomm...

'Ford v Ferrari' is fun, fast, and fantasic

The best films are the ones that you have zero expectations for and then you leave thoroughly surprised and entertained. That was "Ford v Ferrari" for us. As two women who know nothing about cars, we loved this film. Take a listen to hear why. Never miss a review by subscribing. We're also at WhiskeyandPopcorn.org. And don't forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Search for Whiskey and Popcorn! Find out more at https://whiskeyandpopcorn.pinecast.co

'Terminator: Dark Fate' is unsatisfying for fans

Terminator: Dark Fate is full of the action we crave but the reboot leaves us fans in a bitter place. We have mixed feelings about this film. Action fan, Kathy Ritchie joins host Kaely Monahan to dissect the latest Terminator movie. Do note that there are spoilers in this review. Never miss a review by subscribing. We're also at WhiskeyandPopcorn.org. And don't forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Search for Whiskey and Popcorn! Find out more at https://whiskeyandpopcor...

'Doctor Sleep' is a snore

Doctor Sleep picks up with Danny Torrence years after the events at the Overlook Hotel. Still traumatized, Dan struggles with alcoholism and is searching for peace. But the past comes back to haunt him when he meets teenager, Abra who gives off an incredible "shine." Together they fight the cult members who tried to feed off of those who shine in order to gain immortality. Despite the star-packed cast, Doctor Sleep left us scratching our heads more than satisfied. Never miss a review by su...

'Midway' is everything 'Pearl Harbor' strove for and missed

Roland Emmerich's "Midway" is a sprawling epic of a war film that highlights this decisive battle in the Pacific. Fast-paced, thrilling, and illuminating, "Midway" is everything "Pearl Harbor" tried to be and missed. Never miss a review by subscribing. We're also at WhiskeyandPopcorn.org. And don't forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Search for Whiskey and Popcorn! Find out more at https://whiskeyandpopcorn.pinecast.co

'Harriet' gives Tubman 'superpowers' and cheapens her story

'Harriet' attempts to tell the whole life of Harriet Tubman in the span of two hours to mediocre success. The theatrical Harriet has "superpowers" and loses momentum as it tries to inject action while condensing her incredible story. Never miss a review by subscribing. We're also at WhiskeyandPopcorn.org. And don't forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Search for Whiskey and Popcorn! Find out more at https://whiskeyandpopcorn.pinecast.co

Poking fun at Nazis isn't new, but 'Jojo Rabbit' is still fresh

From Charlie Chaplin's The Great Dictator to Mel Brooks' The Producers, we have been fed a parade of the absurd when it comes to Nazis and their ideals. Now Taika Waititi can add his name to the list of directors who take a swipe at Germany's greatest shame. In Jojo Rabbit we experience the waning days of World War 2 through the eyes of a dedicated Hilter-fan, 10-year-old Jojo. A staunch believer in das Führer to the point of imagining Hitler as his imaginary friend, Jojo aims to be the best...