Happy holidays, listeners! Every year, we take on an unconventional Christmas movie around the Yuletide season, and this time we (along with returning guest Mark Soloff of Blastropodcast) dip back to investigate Tim Burton's deeply strange, fascinatingly weird superhero flick Batman Returns! After Burton's first Batman revitalized the superhero movie as a pop culture phenomenon, he decided to get real strange with it in Batman Returns. Ostensibly, the film features a pitched battle between the Caped Crusader (Michael Keaton) and his arch-nemeses, the Penguin (Danny DeVito) and Catwoman (Michelle Pfeiffer); but it manifests itself in a strange story about mayoral races, masquerade balls and fake news campaigns to discredit Batman. The most dastardly plan anyone has in the film is Trumpian billionaire Max Schreck (Christopher Walken), who schemes to, like... build a power plant?  None of the plot dressing matters, though, since the film itself is a dazzling display of Burton's biggest idiosyncrasies - pale outcasts with mountains of guyliner, Gothic cityscapes, and mountains of quirky Danny Elfman scoring. This is the least Batman-y Batman film to date (and we should know), which might well be the biggest point in its favor. Anyway, listen to us debate the film's finer, freakier points, along with our custom drinking game! (Thanks to our sponsor Safehouse Chicago as part of the Chicago Podcast Coop!)

Happy holidays, listeners! Every year, we take on an unconventional Christmas movie around the Yuletide season, and this time we (along with returning guest Mark Soloff of <a href="https://blastropodcast.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Blastropodcast</a>) dip back to investigate <a href="https://www.alcohollywood.com/tag/tim-burton" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Tim Burton</a>'s deeply strange, fascinatingly weird superhero flick Batman Returns! After Burton's first Batman revitalized the superhero movie as a pop culture phenomenon, he decided to get real strange with it in Batman Returns. Ostensibly, the film features a pitched battle between the Caped Crusader (<a href="https://www.alcohollywood.com/tag/michael-keaton" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Michael Keaton</a>) and his arch-nemeses, the Penguin (<a href="https://www.alcohollywood.com/tag/danny-devito" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Danny DeVito</a>) and Catwoman (<a href="https://www.alcohollywood.com/tag/michelle-pfeiffer" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Michelle Pfeiffer</a>); but it manifests itself in a strange story about mayoral races, masquerade balls and fake news campaigns to discredit Batman. The most dastardly plan anyone has in the film is Trumpian billionaire Max Schreck (<a href="https://www.alcohollywood.com/tag/christopher-walken" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Christopher Walken</a>), who schemes to, like... build a power plant?  None of the plot dressing matters, though, since the film itself is a dazzling display of Burton's biggest idiosyncrasies - pale outcasts with mountains of guyliner, Gothic cityscapes, and mountains of quirky <a href="https://www.alcohollywood.com/tag/danny-elfman" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Danny Elfman</a> scoring. This is the least Batman-y Batman film to date (<a href="https://www.alcohollywood.com/2013/07/26/batman-the-movie-1966/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">and we</a> <a href="https://www.alcohollywood.com/2016/09/29/batman-mask-of-the-phantasm-1993/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">should know</a>), which might well be the biggest point in its favor. Anyway, listen to us debate the film's finer, freakier points, along with our custom drinking game! (Thanks to our sponsor <a href="https://www.safehousechicago.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Safehouse Chicago</a> as part of the <a href="http://www.chicagopodcastcoop.com" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Chicago Podcast Coop</a>!)

CHRISTMAS SPECIAL: Batman Returns (1992)

Every year, the Alcohollywood podcast takes the week before Christmas to celebrate the life and works of Sir Harry Connick Jr. - actor, musician, Renaissance Man.  Harry Connickuh, listeners! For this episode, we take our appreciation for Harry Connick Jr. all the way to the beginning - his breakout film debut in the 1990 WWII drama Memphis Belle. Connick joins a cavalcade of other young 90s stars (Matthew Modine, Sean Astin, Tate Donovan, Eric Stoltz, Billy Zane and more) as the crew of a B-17 bomber on its last mission before ending its tour of duty.  While director Michael Caton-Jones (Asher) does an admirable job replicating the oo-rah spirit of old WWII pro-US propaganda films, that's also what keeps Memphis Belle from really taking off. It's hard to make a movie all that compelling when you have to keep track of ten similar-looking white dudes with one personality trait, all working as a unit to accomplish a pretty tension-free mission. The claustrophobic action,  which mostly takes place inside the cramped bomber of the title, is novel, but it all gets dull after a while. Still, Connick's his laconic, charming self as always, and he even gets a couple songs to sing!  Check out our thoughts on this WWII homage, along with our custom drinking game for the film, here. (Thanks to our sponsor Jackbox Games as part of the Chicago Podcast Coop!)

Every year, the Alcohollywood podcast takes the week before Christmas to celebrate the life and works of Sir Harry Connick Jr. - actor, musician, Renaissance Man.  Harry Connickuh, listeners! For this episode, we take our appreciation for <a href="https://www.alcohollywood.com/tag/harry-connick-jr" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Harry Connick Jr.</a> all the way to the beginning - his breakout film debut in the 1990 WWII drama Memphis Belle. Connick joins a cavalcade of other young 90s stars (<a href="https://www.alcohollywood.com/tag/matthew-modine" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Matthew Modine</a>, <a href="https://www.alcohollywood.com/tag/sean-astin" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Sean Astin</a>, <a href="https://www.alcohollywood.com/tag/tate-donovan" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Tate Donovan</a>, <a href="https://www.alcohollywood.com/tag/eric-stoltz" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Eric Stoltz</a>, <a href="https://www.alcohollywood.com/tag/billy-zane" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Billy Zane</a> and more) as the crew of a B-17 bomber on its last mission before ending its tour of duty.  While director <a href="https://www.alcohollywood.com/tag/michael-caton-jones" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Michael Caton-Jones</a> (<a href="https://www.alcohollywood.com/2018/12/06/asher-review/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Asher</a>) does an admirable job replicating the oo-rah spirit of old WWII pro-US propaganda films, that's also what keeps Memphis Belle from really taking off. It's hard to make a movie all that compelling when you have to keep track of ten similar-looking white dudes with one personality trait, all working as a unit to accomplish a pretty tension-free mission. The claustrophobic action,  which mostly takes place inside the cramped bomber of the title, is novel, but it all gets dull after a while. Still, Connick's his laconic, charming self as always, and he even gets a couple songs to sing!  Check out our thoughts on this WWII homage, along with our custom drinking game for the film, here. (Thanks to our sponsor <a href="http://www.jackboxgames.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Jackbox Games</a> as part of the <a href="http://www.chicagopodcastcoop.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Chicago Podcast Coop</a>!)

CONNICKUH SPECIAL: Memphis Belle (1990)

We only had time for one episode last month, so we're double-dipping this week by extending 00-vember into 00-cember! We move from Timothy Dalton to Pierce Brosnan with the 1997 007 flick Tomorrow Never Dies! Sure, Goldeneye revitalized the Bond franchise, introduced a stellar new Bond in Pierce Brosnan, and updated the secret agent to reflect more on his "sexist, misogynist dinosaur" nature. But then Austin Powers came out and made a bunch of money, so 007 had to get goofy again with his next adventure. And goofy he gets, as Tomorrow Never Dies is a quaintly dated spy caper in which James Bond must stop a mincingly evil media mogul (Jonathan Pryce) from starting a war between Britain and China just to soak up all the ratings.  Still, for all its goofiness, it absolutely has its charms - from David Arnold bursting onto the scene with a bombastic score, a couple of great theme songs at both ends of the film, and Michelle Yeoh kicking ass as one of the most capable Bond girls to date. It's an ugly duckling that Clint loves far too much for his own good. Hear us talk about its pros and cons on the podcast, and check out our drinking game! (Thanks to our sponsor Jackbox Games as part of the Chicago Podcast Coop!)

We only had time for one episode last month, so we're double-dipping this week by extending 00-vember into 00-cember! We move from <a href="https://www.alcohollywood.com/2018/11/30/alcohollywood-podcast-ep-338-the-living-daylights-1987/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Timothy Dalton</a> to <a href="https://www.alcohollywood.com/tag/pierce-brosnan" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Pierce Brosnan</a> with the 1997 007 flick Tomorrow Never Dies! Sure, Goldeneye revitalized the Bond franchise, introduced a stellar new Bond in Pierce Brosnan, and updated the secret agent to reflect more on his "sexist, misogynist dinosaur" nature. But then Austin Powers came out and made a bunch of money, so 007 had to get goofy again with his next adventure. And goofy he gets, as Tomorrow Never Dies is a quaintly dated spy caper in which James Bond must stop a mincingly evil media mogul (<a href="https://www.alcohollywood.com/tag/jonathan-pryce" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Jonathan Pryce</a>) from starting a war between Britain and China just to soak up all the ratings.  Still, for all its goofiness, it absolutely has its charms - from <a href="https://www.alcohollywood.com/tag/david-arnold" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">David Arnold</a> bursting onto the scene with a bombastic score, a couple of great theme songs at both ends of the film, and <a href="https://www.alcohollywood.com/tag/michelle-yeoh" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Michelle Yeoh</a> kicking ass as one of the most capable Bond girls to date. It's an ugly duckling that Clint loves far too much for his own good. Hear us talk about its pros and cons on the podcast, and check out our drinking game! (Thanks to our sponsor <a href="http://www.jackboxgames.com" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Jackbox Games</a> as part of the <a href="http://www.chicagopodcastcoop.com" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Chicago Podcast Coop</a>!)

Tomorrow Never Dies (1997)

As a busy Thanksgiving month winds down, we realized that we haven't talked about a James Bond film for literally 200 episodes. To that end, we decided to get in a little 00-vember action with the severely underappreciated James Bond film The Living Daylights!  The first of Timothy Dalton's two films as 007 (a criminally short tenure), The Living Daylights is one of the most thrilling Bond pictures no one talks about. Sure, the story is a bit muddy and convoluted - a disorienting spy caper involving botched defections, diamonds, opium, arms deals, cellos and two different villains (Joe Don Baker and Jeroen Krabbe)- but Dalton's stripped-down, intense take on the secret agent is a breath of fresh air after 14 years of Roger Moore camp.  The Living Daylights also has some of the most exciting, comparatively grounded action scenes in the franchise, and a cracking final score from John Barry that mixes electronic sounds in an unobtrusive way long before David Arnold came along. This film tends to be one of the unsung children of the Bond franchise, but damnit, we're going to sing its praises till the opium comes home. Check out our thoughts on the film and its legacy in the Bond franchise, along with our custom drinking rules! (Thanks to our sponsor Cards Against Humanity as part of the Chicago Podcast Coop!)

As a busy Thanksgiving month winds down, we realized that we haven't talked about a James Bond film for <a href="https://www.alcohollywood.com/2013/08/15/dr-no-1962-commentary/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">literally 200 episodes</a>. To that end, we decided to get in a little 00-vember action with the severely underappreciated James Bond film The Living Daylights!  The first of <a href="https://www.alcohollywood.com/tag/timothy-dalton" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Timothy Dalton</a>'s two films as 007 (a criminally short tenure), The Living Daylights is one of the most thrilling Bond pictures no one talks about. Sure, the story is a bit muddy and convoluted - a disorienting spy caper involving botched defections, diamonds, opium, arms deals, cellos and two different villains (<a href="https://www.alcohollywood.com/tag/joe-don-baker" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Joe Don Baker</a> and <a href="https://www.alcohollywood.com/tag/jeroen-krabbe" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Jeroen Krabbe</a>)- but Dalton's stripped-down, intense take on the secret agent is a breath of fresh air after 14 years of Roger Moore camp.  The Living Daylights also has some of the most exciting, comparatively grounded action scenes in the franchise, and a cracking final score from <a href="https://www.alcohollywood.com/tag/john-barry" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">John Barry</a> that mixes electronic sounds in an unobtrusive way long before David Arnold came along. This film tends to be one of the unsung children of the Bond franchise, but damnit, we're going to sing its praises till the opium comes home. Check out our thoughts on the film and its legacy in the Bond franchise, along with our custom drinking rules! (Thanks to our sponsor <a href="http://www.cardsagainsthumanity.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cards Against Humanity</a> as part of the <a href="http://www.chicagopodcastcoop.com" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Chicago Podcast Coop</a>!)

The Living Daylights (1987)

As we continue to wrap up our coverage of the Chicago International Film Festival, it's important to take a look at some of the smaller stuff that came out of the fest, especially those set in the city the festival calls home. Gregory Dixon's vibrant, energetic indie coming-of-age dramedy Olympia is a rather fun breath of fresh air - the tale of a conflicted thirtysomething (writer/star McKenzie Chinn) struggling to make ends meet at a dead-end job, dealing with a dying mother in the hospital, and fighting with her boyfriend (Charles Andrew Gardner) about whether Chicago is really the right place for her. Chinn's script is relaxed and acerbic, the performances are naturalistic and witty, and Dixon's stylized approach captures the verve of Chicago alongside the jazzy, pop-infused score from Josh Coffey and Otto Sharp. (You can read our capsule review from our CIFF dispatches here.) While at the festival, I got the chance to sit down with Chinn, Dixon and Gardner to talk about the struggles of getting the film made, Chicago as an vital artistic resource, and the importance for women of color to tell their own stories.  Thanks to our sponsor Overcast as part of the Chicago Podcast Coop!)

As we continue to wrap up our coverage of the <a href="http://www.chicagofilmfestival.com" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Chicago International Film Festival</a>, it's important to take a look at some of the smaller stuff that came out of the fest, especially those set in the city the festival calls home. <a href="https://www.alcohollywood.com/tag/gregory-dixon" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Gregory Dixon</a>'s vibrant, energetic indie coming-of-age dramedy Olympia is a rather fun breath of fresh air - the tale of a conflicted thirtysomething (writer/star <a href="https://www.alcohollywood.com/tag/mckenzie-chinn" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">McKenzie Chinn</a>) struggling to make ends meet at a dead-end job, dealing with a dying mother in the hospital, and fighting with her boyfriend (<a href="https://www.alcohollywood.com/tag/charles-andrew-gardner" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Charles Andrew Gardner</a>) about whether Chicago is really the right place for her. Chinn's script is relaxed and acerbic, the performances are naturalistic and witty, and Dixon's stylized approach captures the verve of Chicago alongside the jazzy, pop-infused score from <a href="https://www.alcohollywood.com/tag/josh-coffey" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Josh Coffey</a> and <a href="https://www.alcohollywood.com/tag/otto-sharp" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Otto Sharp</a>. (You can read our capsule review from our CIFF dispatches <a href="https://www.alcohollywood.com/2018/10/18/ciff-dispatch-part-2/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>.) While at the festival, I got the chance to sit down with Chinn, Dixon and Gardner to talk about the struggles of getting the film made, Chicago as an vital artistic resource, and the importance for women of color to tell their own stories.  Thanks to our sponsor <a href="http://www.overcast.fm/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Overcast</a> as part of the <a href="http://www.chicagopodcastcoop.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Chicago Podcast Coop</a>!)

Interview with Olympia's Cast and Crew (Chicago International Film Festival)

Howdy, listeners! Today we're saddling up and sucking back some moonshine to an old Western classic, 1969's True Grit! (NOTE: I have used my pun quota for this episode; the rest of this post is safe for consumption). Along with guest panelist Gavin, Jared and Clint tackle the impertinence of Mattie Ross, a little history of Oklahoma, and the nuances of a John Wayne performance, as they provide their signature drinking rules for this film.

Howdy, listeners! Today we're saddling up and sucking back some moonshine to an old Western classic, 1969's True Grit! (NOTE: I have used my pun quota for this episode; the rest of this post is safe for consumption). Along with guest panelist Gavin, Jared and Clint tackle the impertinence of Mattie Ross, a little history of Oklahoma, and the nuances of a John Wayne performance, as they provide their signature drinking rules for this film.

Episode 3 - True Grit

Happy Alcohol-loween! We close out our Seven Deadly Sins edition of Horror Octorbor by going old-school for Wrath - the vengeance-filled slasher Friday the 13th! Sure, this is the one that doesn't have Jason in it - see our Freddy vs. Jason episode for our thoughts on the hockey-mashed butcher - but Mrs. Voorhees (Betsy Palmer) still has some bloody fates in store for the counselors at Camp Crystal Lake.  From Kevin Bacon's horny teen to, well, the less-famous fodder around him, Sean S. Cunningham's inaugural effort in the long running franchise serves up plenty of arrow piercings, machete decapitations, and more.  But is it enough? Can we go back to a franchise almost forty years old and see the strengths of a straightforward slasher that was innovative at the time? Or do the kills and stripped-down simplicity seem quaint in today's world of horror pastiches and self-aware tropes? Let's find out - check out our podcast and drinking game! Thanks to our sponsor Overcast as part of the Chicago Podcast Coop!)

Happy Alcohol-loween! We close out our Seven Deadly Sins edition of Horror Octorbor by going old-school for Wrath - the vengeance-filled slasher Friday the 13th! Sure, this is the one that doesn't have Jason in it - see our <a href="http://www.alcohollywood.com/2016/10/07/horror-v-octorbor-freddy-vs-jason-2003/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Freddy vs. Jason</a> episode for our thoughts on the hockey-mashed butcher - but Mrs. Voorhees (<a href="http://www.alcohollywood.com/tag/betsy-palmer" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Betsy Palmer</a>) still has some bloody fates in store for the counselors at Camp Crystal Lake.  From <a href="http://www.alcohollywood.com/tag/kevin-bacon" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Kevin Bacon</a>'s horny teen to, well, the less-famous fodder around him, <a href="http://www.alcohollywood.com/tag/sean-s-cunningham" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Sean S. Cunningham</a>'s inaugural effort in the long running franchise serves up plenty of arrow piercings, machete decapitations, and more.  But is it enough? Can we go back to a franchise almost forty years old and see the strengths of a straightforward slasher that was innovative at the time? Or do the kills and stripped-down simplicity seem quaint in today's world of horror pastiches and self-aware tropes? Let's find out - check out our podcast and drinking game! Thanks to our sponsor <a href="http://www.overcast.fm/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Overcast</a> as part of the <a href="http://www.chicagopodcastcoop.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Chicago Podcast Coop</a>!)

HORROR OCTORBOR: Friday the 13th (1980)

Elizabeth Chomko

Robert Forster

While dysfunctional family dramas are arguably a dime a dozen, Elizabeth Chomko's Chicago-centric debut What They Had stands out substantially from the pack. A touching, heartfelt tale of a woman (Hilary Swank) who returns home to help her brother (Michael Shannon) and father (Robert Forster) care for her Alzheimer's-afflicted mother (Blythe Danner), What They Had is refreshingly nuanced, filled with strong, witty dialogue and incredible performances from its lead cast. While at the Chicago International Film Festival, we sat down with Chomko for a roundtable discussion (along with Pat McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com and Al and Linda Lerner of MoviesandShakers.com) - with Forster popping in as a late-interview surprise. Check out our roundtable, along with that wonderful cameo, in our podcast below. Thanks to our sponsor Overcast as part of the Chicago Podcast Coop!)

While dysfunctional family dramas are arguably a dime a dozen, Elizabeth Chomko's Chicago-centric debut <a href="http://www.alcohollywood.com/2018/10/18/ciff-dispatch-part-2/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">What They Had</a> stands out substantially from the pack. A touching, heartfelt tale of a woman (<a href="http://www.alcohollywood.com/tag/hilary-swank" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Hilary Swank</a>) who returns home to help her brother (<a href="http://www.alcohollywood.com/tag/michael-shannon" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Michael Shannon</a>) and father (Robert Forster) care for her Alzheimer's-afflicted mother (<a href="http://www.alcohollywood.com/tag/blythe-danner" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Blythe Danner</a>), What They Had is refreshingly nuanced, filled with strong, witty dialogue and incredible performances from its lead cast. While at the <a href="http://www.chicagofilmfestival.com" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Chicago International Film Festival</a>, we sat down with Chomko for a roundtable discussion (along with Pat McDonald of <a href="http://www.hollywoodchicago.com" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">HollywoodChicago.com</a> and Al and Linda Lerner of <a href="http://www.moviesandshakers.com" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">MoviesandShakers.com</a>) - with Forster popping in as a late-interview surprise. Check out our roundtable, along with that wonderful cameo, in our podcast below. Thanks to our sponsor <a href="http://www.overcast.fm/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Overcast</a> as part of the <a href="http://www.chicagopodcastcoop.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Chicago Podcast Coop</a>!)

Interview with What They Had Writer/Director Elizabeth Chomko and Actor Robert Forster

Nathaniel Kahn

The world of contemporary art is a wild, wild thing - millionaires bidding incredible amounts of money to collect works from modern artists based on reputation, potential future valuation, or even (on occasion) the actual aesthetic value of the piece. In his upcoming HBO documentary The Price of Everything, filmmaker Nathaniel Kahn (My Architect) takes an in-depth look at this strange mix of art and commerce, getting unfettered access to art collectors and the artists who themselves toe a precarious line between artistic statement and financial solvency.  We were lucky enough to sit down with Kahn himself to talk about the film, these issues, and the value of artistic merit in an increasingly commodified art world. Check out our podcast minisode featuring the interview here, and read the edited transcript below.  Thanks to our sponsor Overcast as part of the Chicago Podcast Coop!)

The world of contemporary art is a wild, wild thing - millionaires bidding incredible amounts of money to collect works from modern artists based on reputation, potential future valuation, or even (on occasion) the actual aesthetic value of the piece. In his upcoming HBO documentary The Price of Everything, filmmaker <a href="https://www.alcohollywood.com/tag/nathaniel-kahn" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Nathaniel Kahn</a> (My Architect) takes an in-depth look at this strange mix of art and commerce, getting unfettered access to art collectors and the artists who themselves toe a precarious line between artistic statement and financial solvency.  We were lucky enough to sit down with Kahn himself to talk about the film, these issues, and the value of artistic merit in an increasingly commodified art world. Check out our podcast minisode featuring the interview here, and read the edited transcript below.  Thanks to our sponsor <a href="http://www.overcast.fm" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Overcast</a> as part of the <a href="http://www.chicagopodcastcoop.com" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Chicago Podcast Coop</a>!)

Interview w/The Price of Everything's Nathaniel Kahn

Horror Octorbor keeps a-chuggin' along this month, as we continue to break down the seven deadly sins! This week, we take a look at Envy in the context of 1992's erotic psychological thriller Single White Female! In the vein of other 90s domestic horror films like The Hand that Rocks the Cradle and Unlawful Entry, Single White Female explores the kind of dangers that could happen even in the safety of your home. Here, that's manifested in Hedy (Jennifer Jason Leigh), the mousy new roommate of recently-separated fashion designer Allie (Bridget Fonda). The more time Hedy spends with Allie, though, the more she affects Allie's speech, mannerisms and appearance - right down to making moves on her estranged husband Sam (Steven Weber).  Does she want to be like Allie? Does she want to become Allie? The answers are surprisingly grotesque, and more than a little complicated - rooted in some clumsy, but well-intentioned, queer subtexts and a couple of deliciously arch performances from Fonda and Leigh, directed with a certain lurid sensibility by Barbet Schroeder. Check out what we thought about this ominous tale of female sexuality and psychological desire, along with our custom drinking game! (Thanks to our sponsor Overcast as part of the Chicago Podcast Coop!)  DRINKING RULES FOR SINGLE WHITE FEMALE:  Any time you see a red flag (Hedy adopts another Allie-ism) Every time you see a scene outside the apartment Whenever you see nudity (this is an *erotic* thriller, after all)  FINISH YOUR DRINK WHEN: Hedy looks into a mirror and says, "I love myself like this." Join us next week as we conclude our Seven Deadly Sins edition of Horror Octorbor with Greed - best personified by Michael Mann's bat-nuts crazy 1983 film The Keep!

Horror Octorbor keeps a-chuggin' along this month, as we continue to break down the seven deadly sins! This week, we take a look at Envy in the context of 1992's erotic psychological thriller Single White Female! In the vein of other 90s domestic horror films like <a href="http://www.alcohollywood.com/2015/06/04/hand-that-rocks-the-cradle-1992/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">The Hand that Rocks the Cradle</a> and <a href="http://www.alcohollywood.com/2017/06/30/unlawful-entry-1992/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Unlawful Entry</a>, Single White Female explores the kind of dangers that could happen even in the safety of your home. Here, that's manifested in Hedy (<a href="https://www.alcohollywood.com/tag/jennifer-jason-leigh" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Jennifer Jason Leigh</a>), the mousy new roommate of recently-separated fashion designer Allie (<a href="https://www.alcohollywood.com/tag/bridget-fonda" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Bridget Fonda</a>). The more time Hedy spends with Allie, though, the more she affects Allie's speech, mannerisms and appearance - right down to making moves on her estranged husband Sam (<a href="https://www.alcohollywood.com/tag/steven-weber" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Steven Weber</a>).  Does she want to be like Allie? Does she want to become Allie? The answers are surprisingly grotesque, and more than a little complicated - rooted in some clumsy, but well-intentioned, queer subtexts and a couple of deliciously arch performances from Fonda and Leigh, directed with a certain lurid sensibility by <a href="https://www.alcohollywood.com/tag/barbet-schroeder" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Barbet Schroeder</a>. Check out what we thought about this ominous tale of female sexuality and psychological desire, along with our custom drinking game! (Thanks to our sponsor <a href="http://www.overcast.fm/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Overcast</a> as part of the <a href="http://www.chicagopodcastcoop.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Chicago Podcast Coop</a>!)  DRINKING RULES FOR SINGLE WHITE FEMALE: <ol> <li>Any time you see a red flag (Hedy adopts another Allie-ism)</li> <li>Every time you see a scene outside the apartment</li> <li>Whenever you see nudity (this is an *erotic* thriller, after all)</li> </ol> FINISH YOUR DRINK WHEN: Hedy looks into a mirror and says, "I love myself like this." Join us next week as we conclude our Seven Deadly Sins edition of Horror Octorbor with Greed - best personified by Michael Mann's bat-nuts crazy 1983 film The Keep!

HORROR OCTORBOR: Single White Female (1992)

Every week, join Clint and Jared (and selected guest panelists) as they discuss, disseminate and make drinking rules for films both good and bad. Sit down with each film's signature cocktail and enjoy!

A simple but great concept, well executed.

Cheers

Good times!

Alcohollywood

This week on Alcohollywood, we revisit the Coen brothers for the first time since our Big Lebowski episode, watching and drinking to the 2000 joyride O Brother, Where Art Thou? with our buddy Grant (of Chip and Ironicus and  Let's Play Dungeons and Dragons)! A mythic melange of The Odyssey, Southern folklore, the Great Depression, and your standard road movie, the film follows a trio of escaped convicts (George Clooney, John Turturro and Tim Blake Nelson) who embark on a journey across 1937 Mississippi to find treasure and bring Clooney back to his lady love (Holly Hunter). Along with the crew of Coen Brothers characters along the way (a one-eyed John Goodman, a blind Stephen Root, Michael Badalucco, and others), O Brother also features fantastic color-corrected cinematography by Roger Deakins, a killer soundtrack by T-Bone Burnett, and the wonderfully offbeat script from the Coens themselves. If you haven't seen this film, you owe it to yourself to check it out, along with our custom cocktail and drinking game!

This week on Alcohollywood, we revisit the Coen brothers for the first time since our Big Lebowski episode, watching and drinking to the 2000 joyride O Brother, Where Art Thou? with our buddy Grant (of <a href="http://chipandironicus.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Chip and Ironicus</a> and <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/lets-play-dungeons-dragons/id514488252" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Let's Play Dungeons and Dragons</a>)! A mythic melange of The Odyssey, Southern folklore, the Great Depression, and your standard road movie, the film follows a trio of escaped convicts (George Clooney, John Turturro and Tim Blake Nelson) who embark on a journey across 1937 Mississippi to find treasure and bring Clooney back to his lady love (Holly Hunter). Along with the crew of Coen Brothers characters along the way (a one-eyed John Goodman, a blind Stephen Root, Michael Badalucco, and others), O Brother also features fantastic color-corrected cinematography by Roger Deakins, a killer soundtrack by T-Bone Burnett, and the wonderfully offbeat script from the Coens themselves. If you haven't seen this film, you owe it to yourself to check it out, along with our custom cocktail and drinking game!

O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000)

This week, we strap on our guitars and talk about the forgotten 1980s musical drama Eddie and the Cruisers! Telling the fictional story of a one-hit wonder band in 1960s New Jersey, Eddie and the Cruisers follows the remaining members of the band (including Tom Berenger) trying to piece together their lives after the untimely death of frontman/visionary Eddie Wilson (Michael Pare). Equal parts The Day the Music Died, Bruce Springsteen and Jim Morrison, Eddie and the Cruisers is a bafflingly dull music biopic with a few glimmers of inspiration (and an ambitiously soundalike soundtrack courtesy of Springsteen knockoff John Cafferty). Listen to us break down this cult favorite, along with our custom cocktail and drinking game! (Thanks to our sponsor Overcast as part of the Chicago Podcast Coop!)

This week, we strap on our guitars and talk about the forgotten 1980s musical drama Eddie and the Cruisers! Telling the fictional story of a one-hit wonder band in 1960s New Jersey, Eddie and the Cruisers follows the remaining members of the band (including Tom Berenger) trying to piece together their lives after the untimely death of frontman/visionary Eddie Wilson (Michael Pare). Equal parts The Day the Music Died, Bruce Springsteen and Jim Morrison, Eddie and the Cruisers is a bafflingly dull music biopic with a few glimmers of inspiration (and an ambitiously soundalike soundtrack courtesy of Springsteen knockoff John Cafferty). Listen to us break down this cult favorite, along with our custom cocktail and drinking game! (Thanks to our sponsor <a href="https://overcast.fm/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Overcast</a> as part of the <a href="http://www.chicagopodcastcoop.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Chicago Podcast Coop</a>!)

Eddie and the Cruisers (1983)

This week on Alcohollywood, Clint and Jared (along with our friend Mark of Our Fair City and Blastropodcast) take on the Steven Spielberg classic Jurassic Park, just in time for its release in 3D this weekend! The tale of a group of paleontologists, scientists and children who visit an island based attraction inhabited by newly cloned dinosaurs has captured imaginations for generations, and it's hard to argue against how fun and awe-inspiring the film's visuals are. It's quintessential Spielberg adventure of the finest caliber, bolstered by a great cast that includes Sam Neill, Laura Dern, Jeff Goldblum, Wayne Knight and Sir Richard Attenborough. Check out our drinking rules and cocktail before you head out to the theater!

This week on Alcohollywood, Clint and Jared (along with our friend Mark of <a href="http://ourfaircity.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Our Fair City</a> and <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/blastropodcast/id564572487" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Blastropodcast</a>) take on the Steven Spielberg classic Jurassic Park, just in time for its release in 3D this weekend! The tale of a group of paleontologists, scientists and children who visit an island based attraction inhabited by newly cloned dinosaurs has captured imaginations for generations, and it's hard to argue against how fun and awe-inspiring the film's visuals are. It's quintessential Spielberg adventure of the finest caliber, bolstered by a great cast that includes Sam Neill, Laura Dern, Jeff Goldblum, Wayne Knight and Sir Richard Attenborough. Check out our drinking rules and cocktail before you head out to the theater!

Jurassic Park (1993)

This week on Alcohollywood, we check out the 1980s Danny Devito-directed comedy Throw Momma from the Train, starring DeVito as a schlubby mama's boy who, wishing the death of his mother (Anne Ramsey, The Goonies) gets mixed up in a Strangers on a Train-like bargain with his struggling writing teacher (Billy Crystal) to kill his mom in exchange for her lamprey-like ex-wife. The result is a surprisingly hilarious and darkly comic buddy piece, with Crystal and Devito giving career-high performances bolstered by a strong, genuinely witty script and nuggets of magical realism in the strange world of the film (one of Devito's hallmarks as a filmmaker). Throw yourself off the wagon with our custom cocktail and drinking rules!

This week on Alcohollywood, we check out the 1980s Danny Devito-directed comedy Throw Momma from the Train, starring DeVito as a schlubby mama's boy who, wishing the death of his mother (Anne Ramsey, The Goonies) gets mixed up in a Strangers on a Train-like bargain with his struggling writing teacher (Billy Crystal) to kill his mom in exchange for her lamprey-like ex-wife. The result is a surprisingly hilarious and darkly comic buddy piece, with Crystal and Devito giving career-high performances bolstered by a strong, genuinely witty script and nuggets of magical realism in the strange world of the film (one of Devito's hallmarks as a filmmaker). Throw yourself off the wagon with our custom cocktail and drinking rules!

Throw Momma from the Train (1987)

This week on Alcohollywood, we get in touch with our primitive side with returning guest Theo as we check out the stark prehistoric film Quest for Fire! A strange blend of speculative historical documentary and hero’s journey, the film follows a small group of Neanderthals (including  Silver Bullet’s Everett McGill and  Bunraku’s Ron Perlman) who must travel to find a new source for fire after it is lost. Along the way, they encounter apelike homo erectus, advanced homo sapiens (including a mesmerizing Rae Dawn Chong) and prehistoric animals of varying levels of terror. The film itself is a fascinating watch that’s difficult to quantify, but we certainly give it our shot. Also be sure to check out our drinking rules and custom cocktail below!

This week on Alcohollywood, we get in touch with our primitive side with returning guest Theo as we check out the stark prehistoric film Quest for Fire! A strange blend of speculative historical documentary and hero’s journey, the film follows a small group of Neanderthals (including <a href="http://www.alcohollywood.com/horror-octorbor-silver-bullet-1985/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Silver Bullet</a>’s Everett McGill and <a href="http://www.alcohollywood.com/bunraku-2011-wnathan-rabin-of-the-dissolve/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Bunraku</a>’s Ron Perlman) who must travel to find a new source for fire after it is lost. Along the way, they encounter apelike homo erectus, advanced homo sapiens (including a mesmerizing Rae Dawn Chong) and prehistoric animals of varying levels of terror. The film itself is a fascinating watch that’s difficult to quantify, but we certainly give it our shot. Also be sure to check out our drinking rules and custom cocktail below!

Quest for Fire (1981)

For the month of May, we’re kicking off Video Game Movie Month, where every week we take on a new film adaptation of a video game! To get us started, Chris from the Nerd Outcast Podcast joins us for Paul WS Anderson’s debut feature, Mortal Kombat, based on the bloody fighting game of the same name! Telling the tale of three warriors forced to enter a martial arts tournament that will decide the fate of the world, this film is cheesy as hell. However, it goes about its business in a recklessly charming way that allows it to overcome its many faults. Throw in some wonderfully campy performances and some competent fight choreography, and you have a surprisingly solid video game movie. Test your liver’s might with our custom cocktail and drinking rules!

For the month of May, we’re kicking off Video Game Movie Month, where every week we take on a new film adaptation of a video game! To get us started, Chris from the <a href="http://nerdoutcast.podbean.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Nerd Outcast Podcast</a> joins us for Paul WS Anderson’s debut feature, Mortal Kombat, based on the bloody fighting game of the same name! Telling the tale of three warriors forced to enter a martial arts tournament that will decide the fate of the world, this film is cheesy as hell. However, it goes about its business in a recklessly charming way that allows it to overcome its many faults. Throw in some wonderfully campy performances and some competent fight choreography, and you have a surprisingly solid video game movie. Test your liver’s might with our custom cocktail and drinking rules!

VIDEO GAME MOVIE MONTH: Mortal Kombat (1995) w/Nerd Outcast Podcast

Harry Connickuh everybody! This week on Alcohollywood, it’s our favorite time of the year, where we (along with Jeff Award-winning composer Trevor Watkin) celebrate the life and career of everyone’s favorite slack-jawed crooner, Harry Connick Jr.! This time, we’re heading into the drink with the 3D family event of 2011, Dolphin Tale. This film tells the true story of Winter (herself), a dolphin who lost its tail in a crab cage and must be given a robot tail by master inventor Lucius Fox (Morgan Freeman). Along the way, a pair of kids learn to bond with the animal while some surrounding adults (Connick Jr., Ashley Judd, Kris Kristofferson) nod approvingly. Dolphin Tale has all the hallmarks of mom-friendly theatrical fare: inspirational stories about ARE TROOPS, cute animals, and precocious kids. Luckily, we’ve got our custom cocktail and drinking rules to help get your ire up. Like, subscribe and share!

Harry Connickuh everybody! This week on Alcohollywood, it’s our favorite time of the year, where we (along with Jeff Award-winning composer Trevor Watkin) celebrate the life and career of everyone’s favorite slack-jawed crooner, Harry Connick Jr.! This time, we’re heading into the drink with the 3D family event of 2011, Dolphin Tale. This film tells the true story of Winter (herself), a dolphin who lost its tail in a crab cage and must be given a robot tail by master inventor Lucius Fox (Morgan Freeman). Along the way, a pair of kids learn to bond with the animal while some surrounding adults (Connick Jr., Ashley Judd, Kris Kristofferson) nod approvingly. Dolphin Tale has all the hallmarks of mom-friendly theatrical fare: inspirational stories about ARE TROOPS, cute animals, and precocious kids. Luckily, we’ve got our custom cocktail and drinking rules to help get your ire up. Like, subscribe and share!

CONNICKUH SPECIAL: Dolphin Tale (2011)

It’s our 150th episode, and Alcohollywood is bringing back Chicago-geek power couple Clayton Faits (of Our Fair City) and Lauren Faits (aka Geek Girl Chicago) to talk about Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade! In honor of our very first episode, where we covered Crystal Skull, we decided to look back on the third Indy film! Here, the titular adventurer (Harrison Ford) must beat the Nazis to an historical religious artifact with great power – sound familiar? Along the way, though, he learns a few lessons about family from his bookish, stern dad (a wonderful Sean Connery) and gives a lesson in arithmetic to his friend Sallah (John Rhys-Davies). Crusade leans a bit much on the stuff people liked about Raiders of the Lost Ark, but its greater comedic edge, and the impeccable comic chemistry between Ford and Connery, help to make this one a classic. TO OUR FANS: Thanks so much to everyone who listens to Alcohollywood, whether it’s in your car, at the gym, or just sitting on your ass reading the Internet (as we are most likely to do). Each and every one of you who listens, gives us feedback, comments, talks to us on Facebook or Twitter, etc., is a star, and we raise our glasses to you. If you haven’t already, be sure to share the love by subscribing on iTunes or Stitcher, rating and reviewing us there, following us wherever we may be (even our Instagram, where we have videos of the punishment shots!), and just talking about us. If you’re feeling generous, you can even  donate or  buy our book – another one’s coming next year! We wouldn’t keep doing this if you weren’t still listening and reading, so please keep it up. It means the world to us.

It’s our 150th episode, and Alcohollywood is bringing back Chicago-geek power couple Clayton Faits (of <a href="http://www.ourfaircity.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Our Fair City</a>) and Lauren Faits (aka <a href="http://www.chicagonow.com/geek-girl-chicago/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Geek Girl Chicago</a>) to talk about Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade! In honor of our very first episode, where we covered <a href="http://www.alcohollywood.com/test-post-1/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Crystal Skull</a>, we decided to look back on the third Indy film! Here, the titular adventurer (Harrison Ford) must beat the Nazis to an historical religious artifact with great power – sound familiar? Along the way, though, he learns a few lessons about family from his bookish, stern dad (a wonderful Sean Connery) and gives a lesson in arithmetic to his friend Sallah (John Rhys-Davies). Crusade leans a bit much on the stuff people liked about Raiders of the Lost Ark, but its greater comedic edge, and the impeccable comic chemistry between Ford and Connery, help to make this one a classic. TO OUR FANS: Thanks so much to everyone who listens to Alcohollywood, whether it’s in your car, at the gym, or just sitting on your ass reading the Internet (as we are most likely to do). Each and every one of you who listens, gives us feedback, comments, talks to us on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/alcohollywoodpodcast" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook</a> or <a href="http://www.twitter.com/alcohollywood" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, etc., is a star, and we raise our glasses to you. If you haven’t already, be sure to share the love by subscribing on <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/alcohollywood/id474274532" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">iTunes</a> or <a href="http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/alcohollywood" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stitcher</a>, rating and reviewing us there, following us wherever we may be (even our <a href="http://instagram.com/alcohollywood" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, where we have videos of the punishment shots!), and just talking about us. If you’re feeling generous, you can even <a href="https://www.paypal.com/us/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_flow&amp;SESSION=Oct6WS2p-CCw8LkslREx8VormnyGdRKa6fJ884m19H8vlPiqxLFq-OwTFui&amp;dispatch=5885d80a13c0db1f8e263663d3faee8d69a70501aadbc2ff6a1e7e8cc0df6b0b" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> donate</a> or <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Alcohollywood-Our-Year-Movies-2013/dp/1304731286/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1407426209&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=alcohollywood" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> buy our book</a> – another one’s coming next year! We wouldn’t keep doing this if you weren’t still listening and reading, so please keep it up. It means the world to us.

150TH EPISODE SPECIAL: Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989) w/Our Fair City and Geek Girl Chicago

Erin go bragh, listeners! For Saint Patrick's Day this year, we found our own Saint Patrick - acclaimed Chicago film critic Patrick McDonald - and brought him on to help us talk about 2014's animated Song of the Sea! Tomm Moore's followup to his 2009 masterpiece The Secret of Kells, Song of the Sea draws upon the Celtic myth of the 'selkie,' a mischievous seal-like nymph, to tell the story of a lost boy looking for his mute selkie sister. From its incredible animation style to its mythic storytelling, it's one to check out (especially if you've got Amazon Prime). Take a listen and scope out our custom cocktail and drinking game! (Thanks to our sponsor Cards Against Humanity as part of the Chicago Podcast Coop!)

Erin go bragh, listeners! For Saint Patrick's Day this year, we found our own Saint Patrick - acclaimed Chicago film critic <a href="http://www.hollywoodchicago.com/news/patrick-mcdonald" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Patrick McDonald</a> - and brought him on to help us talk about 2014's animated Song of the Sea! Tomm Moore's followup to his 2009 masterpiece <a href="http://www.alcohollywood.com/st-patricks-day-special-the-secret-of-kells-2009-wour-fair-city/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Secret of Kells</a>, Song of the Sea draws upon the Celtic myth of the 'selkie,' a mischievous seal-like nymph, to tell the story of a lost boy looking for his mute selkie sister. From its incredible animation style to its mythic storytelling, it's one to check out (especially if you've got <a href="http://a.co/9nM4fPC" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Amazon Prime</a>). Take a listen and scope out our custom cocktail and drinking game! (Thanks to our sponsor <a href="http://www.cardsagainsthumanity.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cards Against Humanity</a> as part of the <a href="http://www.chicagopodcastcoop.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Chicago Podcast Coop</a>!)

ST. PATRICK'S DAY SPECIAL: Song of the Sea (2014) w/Pat 'Uber-Critic' McDonald

This week, we continue Mystery Month with the 2010 wire-fu historical action flick Detective Dee and the Mystery of the Phantom Flame! In 7th century China, in the wake of a series of mysterious spontaneous combustions, Detective Dee (Andy Lau) is brought in to stop an assassination attempt of Empress Wu on the eve of her coronation. Director Tsui Hark and fight director Sammo Hung provide some great wire-fu action sequences among the convoluted plot that is typical of these kinds of Chinese epic modern films. Despite the sometimes-confusing nature of the plot and the dry characters, there’s plenty of great action choreography and some insane images (watch for some deer-on-man kung fu action) to make it worth a watch.  It’s available on Netflix, so be sure to watch with our review and drinking game below!

This week, we continue Mystery Month with the 2010 wire-fu historical action flick Detective Dee and the Mystery of the Phantom Flame! In 7th century China, in the wake of a series of mysterious spontaneous combustions, Detective Dee (Andy Lau) is brought in to stop an assassination attempt of Empress Wu on the eve of her coronation. Director Tsui Hark and fight director Sammo Hung provide some great wire-fu action sequences among the convoluted plot that is typical of these kinds of Chinese epic modern films. Despite the sometimes-confusing nature of the plot and the dry characters, there’s plenty of great action choreography and some insane images (watch for some deer-on-man kung fu action) to make it worth a watch. <a href="http://movies.netflix.com/WiMovie/Detective_Dee_and_the_Mystery_of_the_Phantom_Flame/70153561?trkid=2361637" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> It’s available on Netflix</a>, so be sure to watch with our review and drinking game below!

Detective Dee and the Mystery of the Phantom Flame (2010)

This week on Alcohollywood, Jared and Clint (with guest Theo) take a peek at the 1985 ensemble board-game comedy Clue! Decades before Battleship, this board game adaptation sees the classic murder mystery game adapted into an Agatha Christie-esque murder-in-a-house whodunit. Headed by an ensemble of fantastic comedic actors from the 80s (Michael McKean, Christopher Lloyd, Madeline Kahn, Tim Curry, Leslie Ann Warren, Martin Mull and others), Clue is a hilarious and surprisingly bawdy caper with quite a bit of surprising Red Scare subtext. Join us as we discuss the sexual politics of McCarthy-era America, the alternate names of Clue around the globe, who could have played Miss Scarlet, and what movies we think would be fun with multiple endings. Check out our multiple custom cocktails, tailored for each of the characters, grab your favorite turn-of-the-century weapon, and take a listen!

This week on Alcohollywood, Jared and Clint (with guest Theo) take a peek at the 1985 ensemble board-game comedy Clue! Decades before Battleship, this board game adaptation sees the classic murder mystery game adapted into an Agatha Christie-esque murder-in-a-house whodunit. Headed by an ensemble of fantastic comedic actors from the 80s (Michael McKean, Christopher Lloyd, Madeline Kahn, Tim Curry, Leslie Ann Warren, Martin Mull and others), Clue is a hilarious and surprisingly bawdy caper with quite a bit of surprising Red Scare subtext. Join us as we discuss the sexual politics of McCarthy-era America, the alternate names of Clue around the globe, who could have played Miss Scarlet, and what movies we think would be fun with multiple endings. Check out our multiple custom cocktails, tailored for each of the characters, grab your favorite turn-of-the-century weapon, and take a listen!

Clue (1985)

This week the two of us round out Mystery Month with Nick of the music blog Consequence of Sound as we roll up for the 1967 TV special Magical Mystery Tour, written/directed by and starring The Beatles! One of the most misguided moves I've ever seen in my life, this day tripper is 52 minutes long, long, long of complete and utter nonsense; I've got a feeling the Fab Four just bedazzled a bus, gave a bunch of extras a ticket to ride and went on the long and winding road hoping the movie would start getting better. The results are helter-skelter, as the movie goes here, there and everywhere without a paperback writer to help organize the chaos. For the script, they just said to themselves, "Why don't we do it in the road?" You can't do that. It really goes nowhere, man, I should have known better than to watch this film. It's such a rarity I had to find it with a little help from my friends, but we've got help! for you in the form of our custom cocktail and drinking rules!

This week the two of us round out Mystery Month with Nick of the music blog <a href="http://consequenceofsound.net/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Consequence of Sound</a> as we roll up for the 1967 TV special Magical Mystery Tour, written/directed by and starring The Beatles! One of the most misguided moves I've ever seen in my life, this day tripper is 52 minutes long, long, long of complete and utter nonsense; I've got a feeling the Fab Four just bedazzled a bus, gave a bunch of extras a ticket to ride and went on the long and winding road hoping the movie would start getting better. The results are helter-skelter, as the movie goes here, there and everywhere without a paperback writer to help organize the chaos. For the script, they just said to themselves, "Why don't we do it in the road?" You can't do that. It really goes nowhere, man, I should have known better than to watch this film. It's such a rarity I had to find it with a little help from my friends, but we've got help! for you in the form of our custom cocktail and drinking rules!

Magical Mystery Tour (1967)

This week on Alcohollywood, we're watching the 1997 disaster flick Dante's Peak, starring Pierce Brosnan and The Terminator's Linda Hamilton as a rockstar volcanologist and a small-town mayor, respectively, who attempt to escape a rampaging volcano terrorizing the small town of Dante's Peak. Basically Jaws with a volcano, the film is a cheesy rollercoaster ride, but not nearly as obnoxious as its volcano-film partner, Volcano. The effects hold up well, the stakes are clear, and the filmmakers actually go for the gut with some of the deaths. With that in mind, it's certainly an interesting artifact to explore: a perfect encapsulation of a time when coffee was ubiquitous, everyone dressed like Blossom, and science robots were still a fascinating gimmick. Check out our rules and custom cocktail, as well as our review below!

This week on Alcohollywood, we're watching the 1997 disaster flick Dante's Peak, starring Pierce Brosnan and The Terminator's Linda Hamilton as a rockstar volcanologist and a small-town mayor, respectively, who attempt to escape a rampaging volcano terrorizing the small town of Dante's Peak. Basically Jaws with a volcano, the film is a cheesy rollercoaster ride, but not nearly as obnoxious as its volcano-film partner, Volcano. The effects hold up well, the stakes are clear, and the filmmakers actually go for the gut with some of the deaths. With that in mind, it's certainly an interesting artifact to explore: a perfect encapsulation of a time when coffee was ubiquitous, everyone dressed like Blossom, and science robots were still a fascinating gimmick. Check out our rules and custom cocktail, as well as our review below!

Dante's Peak (1997)

This week, we see into the future with Ryan Bond of Our Fair City and Geek Bar Chicago as we dive into the convoluted world of David Lynch’s 1984 flick Dune! Because our listeners demanded, Jared and I watched the three-hour-long Alan Smithee cut of this adaptation of the classic sci-fi novel by Frank Herbert – somehow, this complex tale of political intrigue and religious prophecy 10,000 years in the future was both too complex and too over-explained. Still, we get into some great discussion of the ins and outs of this fairly divisive and ambitious cult film, so check out the episode, drinking game and custom cocktail below! *Episode rule: Drink every time Clint says the word 'skinny.' (Forgive the coughing; Clint was a little under the weather during this recording.)

This week, we see into the future with Ryan Bond of <a href="http://www.ourfaircity.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Our Fair City</a> and <a href="http://www.geekbarchicago.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Geek Bar Chicago</a> as we dive into the convoluted world of David Lynch’s 1984 flick Dune! Because our listeners demanded, Jared and I watched the three-hour-long Alan Smithee cut of this adaptation of the classic sci-fi novel by Frank Herbert – somehow, this complex tale of political intrigue and religious prophecy 10,000 years in the future was both too complex and too over-explained. Still, we get into some great discussion of the ins and outs of this fairly divisive and ambitious cult film, so check out the episode, drinking game and custom cocktail below! *Episode rule: Drink every time Clint says the word 'skinny.' (Forgive the coughing; Clint was a little under the weather during this recording.)

Dune (1984) w/Our Fair City

This week on Alcohollywood, playwright Dusty Wilson joins us to talk 1995’s Leaving Las Vegas, starring Academy Award-winning Nicolas Cage (in a role that gives his craziness some context and pathos) and Oscar-nominated Elizabeth Shue in one of her finest, most sensitive roles, as a drunkard and a prostitute who spend several weeks together in Vegas while the former drinks himself to death. It’s not the lightest material a drinking games/alcohol-based podcast can cover, but the complex psychology of its characters and dreamlike narrative give us plenty to chew on (much like our Lost Weekend episode, linked below!). Be sure to sit back and enjoy this deviously melancholy drama with our custom cocktail and drinking game! Related Links: LAMBCast #265 – Clint’s Guest Spot on the Furious 7 Episode  Alcohollywood’s Live from NMX Vegas Episode on Diamonds Are Forever, with special guest John Campea Our Episode on The Lost Weekend (another serious film about alcoholism)

This week on Alcohollywood, playwright Dusty Wilson joins us to talk 1995’s Leaving Las Vegas, starring Academy Award-winning Nicolas Cage (in a role that gives his craziness some context and pathos) and Oscar-nominated Elizabeth Shue in one of her finest, most sensitive roles, as a drunkard and a prostitute who spend several weeks together in Vegas while the former drinks himself to death. It’s not the lightest material a drinking games/alcohol-based podcast can cover, but the complex psychology of its characters and dreamlike narrative give us plenty to chew on (much like our Lost Weekend episode, linked below!). Be sure to sit back and enjoy this deviously melancholy drama with our custom cocktail and drinking game! Related Links: <a href="http://lambcast.podomatic.com/entry/2015-04-16T12_49_34-07_00" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">LAMBCast #265 – Clint’s Guest Spot on the Furious 7 Episode</a> <a href="http://www.alcohollywood.com/diamonds-are-forever-1971-wjohn-campea-of-amc-movie-talk-live-from-nmx-vegas/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Alcohollywood’s Live from NMX Vegas Episode on Diamonds Are Forever, with special guest John Campea</a> <a href="http://www.alcohollywood.com/the-lost-weekend-1945/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Our Episode on The Lost Weekend (another serious film about alcoholism)</a>

Leaving Las Vegas (1995)

This week, it's Christmas in August as Grant of Chip &amp; Ironicus (and the new history podcast History Honeys) joins us once again to talk about another anime - Satoshi Kon's Tokyo Godfathers! This hard-to-find holiday masterpiece follows a trio of charismatic hobos who stumble across a baby in the garbage, and the antics that ensue as they figure out what to do with it. The result is a fantastic blend of Kon's wry, dark humor and stunning animation, with a great big beating heart in the middle. Get in the holiday spirit a little early this year as we give you our custom cocktail and drinking rules! Related Links: Tickets to I Am No Bird, directed by Scout Tafoya, at 8pm on 8/20 at Chicago Filmmakers (Thanks to our sponsor Iron Galaxy as part of the Chicago Podcast Coop!)

This week, it's Christmas in August as Grant of <a href="http://www.chipandironicus.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Chip &amp; Ironicus</a> (and the new history podcast <a href="http://historyhoneys.podbean.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">History Honeys</a>) joins us once again to talk about another anime - Satoshi Kon's Tokyo Godfathers! This hard-to-find holiday masterpiece follows a trio of charismatic hobos who stumble across a baby in the garbage, and the antics that ensue as they figure out what to do with it. The result is a fantastic blend of Kon's wry, dark humor and stunning animation, with a great big beating heart in the middle. Get in the holiday spirit a little early this year as we give you our custom cocktail and drinking rules! Related Links: <a href="http://chicagofilmmakers.tix.com/Event.aspx?EventCode=881796" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tickets to I Am No Bird, directed by Scout Tafoya, at 8pm on 8/20 at Chicago Filmmakers</a> (Thanks to our sponsor <a href="http://www.videoball.net" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Iron Galaxy</a> as part of the <a href="http://www.chicagopodcastcoop.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Chicago Podcast Coop</a>!)

Tokyo Godfathers (2003) w/Grant of Chip & Ironicus and History Honeys

Alcohollywood is back for 2017, and we've brought Consequence of Sound's Blake Goble out to sea to talk about Kathryn Bigelow's 2002 sub drama K-19: The Widowmaker, starring a wery Russian Harrison Ford and a not-so-wery Russian Liam Neeson as competing captains on a radioactive Russian sub at the height of the Cold War. Take a listen and enjoy our custom cocktail and drinking rules! (Thanks to our sponsor Cards Against Humanity as part of the Chicago Podcast Coop!)

Alcohollywood is back for 2017, and we've brought <a href="http://www.consequenceofsound.net" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Consequence of Sound</a>'s Blake Goble out to sea to talk about Kathryn Bigelow's 2002 sub drama K-19: The Widowmaker, starring a wery Russian Harrison Ford and a not-so-wery Russian Liam Neeson as competing captains on a radioactive Russian sub at the height of the Cold War. Take a listen and enjoy our custom cocktail and drinking rules! (Thanks to our sponsor <a href="http://www.cardsagainsthumanity.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cards Against Humanity</a> as part of the <a href="http://www.chicagopodcastcoop.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Chicago Podcast Coop</a>!)

K-19: The Widowmaker (2002) w/Blake Goble of Consequence of Sound

Erin go bragh from Alcohollywood! To celebrate everyone's favorite drinking holiday, we invoke the luck of the Irish with the Hallmark TV special The Magical Legend of the Leprechauns, a three-hour epic slog starring Whoopi Goldberg and Randy Quaid! The movie follows a dumpy American visiting Ireland, falling in love, and interfering with the class warfare of magical Irish creatures. Along the way, we see a bevy of beloved Irish and Scottish actors shaming themselves, while terrible special effects and school-play production design assaults the eyes. Luckily, we've got just the drink and game to endure the magical legend in time for St. Patty's Day!

Erin go bragh from Alcohollywood! To celebrate everyone's favorite drinking holiday, we invoke the luck of the Irish with the Hallmark TV special The Magical Legend of the Leprechauns, a three-hour epic slog starring Whoopi Goldberg and Randy Quaid! The movie follows a dumpy American visiting Ireland, falling in love, and interfering with the class warfare of magical Irish creatures. Along the way, we see a bevy of beloved Irish and Scottish actors shaming themselves, while terrible special effects and school-play production design assaults the eyes. Luckily, we've got just the drink and game to endure the magical legend in time for St. Patty's Day!

ST. PATRICK'S DAY SPECIAL: The Magical Legend of the Leprechauns (1999)

Kelly Richmond Pope

(This review and interview originally ran as part of  On Tap's previous run as its own separate feed. We're re-running it here in conjunction with All the Queen's Horses' release on Netflix.) This week for our On Tap minisode, Clint discusses the new indie doc from Kartemquin, All the Queen's Horses. Plus an in-studio interview with All the Queen's Horses director/producer Kelly Richmond Pope!

(This review and interview originally ran as part of <a href="http://alcohollywoodontap.libsyn.com/episode-37-lady-bird-daddys-home-2-all-the-queens-horses-feat-interview-wkelly-richmond-pope" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> On Tap's previous run</a> as its own separate feed. We're re-running it here in conjunction with All the Queen's Horses' release on Netflix.) This week for our On Tap minisode, Clint discusses the new indie doc from Kartemquin, All the Queen's Horses. Plus an in-studio interview with All the Queen's Horses director/producer Kelly Richmond Pope!

All the Queen's Horses (feat. interview with Kelly Richmond Pope)

All month, we're celebrating our fifth Horror Octorbor by taking on a slew of 'Vs.' horror movies! To start off, actor Andrew Saenz (of the upcoming indie film El Algun Lugar) joins us to talk about Ronny Yu's 2003 sloppy horror mash-up Freddy vs. Jason. (Thanks to our sponsor Field Notes as part of the Chicago Podcast Coop!)

All month, we're celebrating our fifth Horror Octorbor by taking on a slew of 'Vs.' horror movies! To start off, actor Andrew Saenz (of the upcoming indie film <a href="http://www.enalgunlugarmovie.com/trailer" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">El Algun Lugar</a>) joins us to talk about Ronny Yu's 2003 sloppy horror mash-up Freddy vs. Jason. (Thanks to our sponsor <a href="https://fieldnotesbrand.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Field Notes</a> as part of the <a href="http://www.chicagopodcastcoop.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Chicago Podcast Coop</a>!)

HORROR V. OCTORBOR: Freddy vs. Jason (2003)

The best episodes for anyone looking to learn more about topics such as happiness, fulfillment, depression and psychology/mental health in general. With interviews with industry experts, personal stories of individuals, this topic has lessons applicable to everyone. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!

Best Episodes on Mental Health, Emotions & Thoughts

The best podcast episodes on physical health. Episodes talk about your diet, sleep, exercise and all the things that people do to improve their physical health and live a healthier life. This topic is for everyone, with applications in all of our everyday lives. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!