Drinks and a Movie

This week Matt and I are discussing William Friendkin's 1977 film Sorcerer. This is a must see movie for everyone and I encourage you to make sure you watch it with zero spoilers. Then come back and listen to this episode. 

Watch this episode on YouTubeIn this episode of Drinks and a Movie, I sit down with cinematographer Brandon Cox to talk about his work on the visually striking new film One Spoon of Chocolate, directed by the RZA. We dive into the creative process behind the film’s look, how Brandon approached lighting and camera movement, and what it was like collaborating with RZA to bring this story to life.Pour yourself a drink and join us for a laid-back but in-depth discussion on cinematography, storytelling, and the art of making movies.

This week I'm reviewing Henri-Georges Clouzot's "The Wages of Fear". This is an adaptation of a novel of the same name and is about four men on a mission to drive two trucks filled with nitro glycerin across the south american jungle. This is a must see movie. It would later be remade as "Sorecerer" directed by William Friedkin. I highly recommend both films and must say that the less you know the btter. Go watch this and/or Sorcerer blind and then come back and listen to this podcast.

This week I'm revisiting The Spy Who Loved Me. This time joined by frequent guest Matt.

Watch on YouTubeIn this episode of Drinks and a Movie Podcast, we sit down with filmmaker Brandon Rice to dive into his heartfelt and fascinating new documentary, Behind the Beard: Making Santa Real.We explore the world of professional Santas, the dedication it takes to embody one of the most iconic figures in holiday culture, and the emotional, surprising, and often humorous journey behind the red suit. Brandon shares behind-the-scenes stories from the making of the film, the real people who bring Santa Claus to life, and what it truly means to “be” Santa in today’s world.Whether you’re a film lover, a holiday enthusiast, or just someone who enjoys a great behind-the-scenes story, this conversation is packed with insight into documentary filmmaking, character-driven storytelling, and the magic of believing.🎥 Special Screening Announcement: Catch Behind the Beard: Making Santa Real on the big screen at the Riverside International Film Festival on Friday, April 10th at 7:20 PM—don’t miss your chance to experience this unique and heartwarming film in theaters! 🍹 Pour yourself a drink, settle in, and join us for a conversation about film, passion, and the enduring spirit of Santa Claus.

Posting this recording from a few weeks ago where I disucss 3 Mario Bava films. Black Sabbath, Rabid Dogs aka Kidnapped, and Shock.

This week I'm joined by my friend and first time guest Hector to discuss a film from the legendary Chuck Norris (Rest in Peace). We're reviewing Lone Wolf McQuade. We pair this one with a 131 proof Old Forester Single Barrel Rye and a Tomahawk ribeye steak.

Watch this episode on YouTubeRevisiting Dr. No one year after my first watch and original podcast review. Did my opinion change? Does the first James Bond movie still hold up today? Here’s my honest re-review.

Matt joins me to disucss one of my favorite spaghetti westerns, "The Hellbenders" directed by Sergio Corbucci. We also review tyhe new Nelson's Greenbrier Single Barrel Tennessee Whiskey. This is a wheated bourbon coming out of Nashville and the latest release out of Nelson's Greenbrier Distillery. Cheers!

It's another Friday the 13th this year so we're talking about the 3rd film in the Jason Voorhees saga.

Carissa and I sip some rum and review Scream 7. Is it a hit or miss? Listen to get our thoughts on this next entry in the franchise.

No drink for this one. I'm reviewing a Disney film that I feel may have fallen into obscurity. This is The Rocketeer from 1991. A movie well worth watching if you've never seen it and wel worth re-visiting if you haven't seen it since childhood like me.

Watch this episode HEREWith Scream 7 coming out this Friday, we’re ranking all 6 Scream movies 🔪 From Scream to Scream VI, here’s our franchise ranking going into the next chapter.Where does your favorite rank? And where do you think Scream 7 will end up?

This week Matt joins me to chat about Timothy Daltons first James Bond outing, "The Living Daylights". Now that i've seen all the Bond films and I've had some time apart, I wanted to revisit this one to see if my opinion on it has changed. Is this a top 10 Bond film for me now? I also get matts perspective on it as someone seeing it for the first time, and someone who has never seen any of the Roger Moore films that precede it.Since it was Valentines week when we recorded this I thought it would be nice to try a wine finished whiskey. Enter Nelson Brothers Mouvedre cask.From their site "Nelson Brothers Mourvèdre Cask brings a piece of the Sierra Foothills of California down to Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery in the heart of Nashville, Tennessee. Southern grain meets Northern California grapes thanks to this partnership with Withers Winery out of Sonoma County.  Known to appeal to richer wine drinkers, Mourvedre brings notes of dark plum and cracked peppercorns to every bottle. The bourbon touts notes of cherry cobbler, almond, sweet mint and honey."

Happy Valentines Everybody! Today we have a special episode discussing our love for the 2025 romantic comedy slasher horror film Heart Eyes.

Grab your sleeping bag and pour something cold — today on Drinks and a Movie, we head back to Camp Crystal Lake for Friday the 13th Part 2.Of course, no episode is complete without a perfectly paired cocktail, and this time we’re mixing up a crisp daiquiri featuring Planteray White Rum — bright, punchy, and deceptively smooth.Between sips, we break down standout kills, behind-the-scenes stories, sequel-era filmmaking, and whether Part 2 deserves more love than it gets. 

Step back into early Hollywood with our review of The Broadway Melody, the second film ever to win the Academy Award for Best Picture. We explore this groundbreaking early musical, its impact on the transition to sound films, and whether its Oscar-winning legacy still holds up today. Join us for a fresh look at a classic that helped shape movie history.

In this new series, I’m watching and reviewing every Academy Award Best Picture winner—starting at the very beginning. From silent-era to modern epics, this podcast is part film history, part personal journey, and part honest conversation about what these legendary movies feel like to watch today. The series begins with Wings (1927), the very first Best Picture winner: a silent epic of friendship, rivalry, and aerial combat that helped define Hollywood spectacle. Nearly a century later, does it still soar, or does it feel grounded by its era?Whether you’re a longtime film lover or just Oscar-curious, this series is about revisiting cinema’s biggest titles one movie at a time—thoughtfully, honestly, and without the hype.This is where the marathon begins. 🍿

Wrapping up the Lord of the Rings rewatch with the 11 Oscar Winning The Return of the King. I also break the seal on the 2025 Baker's 13 kentucky straight bourbon whiskey and compare with Knob Creek 12.

The lord of the rings series continue. Shane and I discuss the extended cut of The Two Towers that we both got to see in theaters and I do a quick review of Old Rip Van Winkle 10 year old wheated bournon. Cheers!

It's time for another movie rewatch series. I haven't seen The Lord of the Rings Trilogy since their initial release when I was a kid. In this episode I review 2001's "The Fellowship of the Ring", paired with Little Book Chapter 9: None for Granted. A blend of kentucky whiskeys ranging from 7-11 years old.

Drinks and a Movie podcast is back and Carissa and I are discussing the new 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple. Is this sequel better than the previous film? Join us to find out.

This week on Drinks and a Movie Podcast, Malia joins me as we revisit Disney’s 1994 holiday hit, The Santa Clause. Tim Allen’s unlikely transformation from regular dad to North Pole icon has become a seasonal staple—but does it still hold up decades later? We break down the film’s comedy, heart, and surprisingly dark fairy-tale edges, and talk about why it continues to resonate with holiday audiences.To keep things warm and festive, we’re pairing the movie with a pour of Old Overholt 12 Year Old Cask Strength Rye Whiskey. We dive into the nose, palate, and finish, discuss how the extra proof changes the experience, and decide whether this classic rye’s long-aged, high-octane revival belongs on your winter sipping list. It’s holiday nostalgia, grown-up spirits, and a reminder that sometimes the best way to watch a Christmas movie is with a strong rye in hand.

This week, pour yourself something strong and cue up the underwater jet packs—we’re celebrating 60 years of Thunderball.In this episode of Drinks and a Movie, we dive back into the 1965 Bond spectacle to see how it holds up six decades later, from its lavish action set pieces to its larger-than-life villainy and unmistakable Sean Connery swagger. But the martini isn’t just shaken—we crack open the pages too. Along the way, we compare the film to Ian Fleming’s Thunderball novel, breaking down what the movie keeps, what it changes, and whether the story works better on the page or on the screen.To keep things properly cinematic, we’re also tasting and reviewing all three new Hardin’s Creek Warehouse Series bourbons, exploring how each expression differs and which one deserves a spot on your shelf for your next Bond marathon.It’s classic Bond, thoughtful comparisons, and serious bourbon talk—because some anniversaries deserve both a rewatch and a refill.

This week we're reviewing Michael Mann's debut film, Thief. We break the seal on the 2025 edition of Booker's The Reserves. This is a very unique expression of Booker's bourbon that is finished in ex anejo tequila barrels from El Tesoro. Listen to find out our thoughts on this new Beam expression and the film.

We're back with our Movies that Turn 30 in 1995 series. This time we're discussing Michael Mann's Heat. The crime film classic. We break the seal on the new Midwinter Nights Dram Act 13, a blend of straight rye whiskies finished in Port wine barrels.

Carissa and I break the seal on the new Maker's Mark Lost Recipe Series Edition #2 and discuss the 6th film in the Scream franchise. We also talk about the new Movie Journal that Carissa created. Available now on Amazon. Check it out HERE

We break the seal on some Fortaleza Anejo Tequila and discuss Scream from 2022. Cheers!

Carissa and I break the seal on Frey Ranch 100% Oat Whiskey and discuss Scream 4.

Carissa and I review Scream 3 and I break the seal on an EH Taylor Straight Rye, courtesy of Canyon City Liquor in Azusa. Cheers!

I break the seal on the new Jack Daniels Heritage Barrel and Carissa joins me to discuss Scream 2.

Going solo today to do a quick review of the new horror film, Good Boy, starring Indy the dog. I also break the seal on the brand new Sagamore Spirit 10 year old rye whiskey. Cheers!

FOr the next couple weeks Carissa will be co-hosting to discuss all of th Scream movies. She somehow has never seen them before so this should be a fun rewatch. Of course we're starting with the Wes Craven classic that started it all, Scream from 1996. I'm finally able to drink whiskey again so I'm celebrating with a Four Roses 2024 limited Edition Small Batch.Here's the stats:Proof: 108.2Age: Blend of 12, 15, 16, and 20 year old bourbonsMashbill:Blend of four bourbons, comprised of three different recipes:31% OBSV Recipe: 12 Years, 60% Corn, 35% Rye, 5% Malted Barley23% OESK Recipe: 15 Years, 75% Corn, 20% Rye, 5% Malted Barley39% OESF Recipe: 16 Years, 75% Corn, 20% Rye, 5% Malted Barley7% OBSV Recipe: 20 Years, 60% Corn, 35% Rye, 5% Malted Barley

Carissa and I start off this Halloween season with Event Horizon. This is a childhood favorite of hers but my first time watching. Cheers!

In this episode of Drinks and a Movie, I'm reviewing First Blood (1982), the film that introduced the world to John Rambo, and compare it to David Morrell’s 1972 novel that inspired it. We’ll look at how the movie streamlined and reshaped the source material, why Stallone’s performance became iconic, and how the book’s darker, more complex themes differ from the Hollywood version. Along the way, I’ll talk about the production history, the cultural context of post-Vietnam America, and why First Blood remains one of the most striking action thrillers of its time. Grab a drink and join me for this breakdown of one of cinema’s most famous adaptations.

Set over the course of twelve hours in the Bunker Hill district of Los Angeles, The Exiles follows a group of young Native American men and women who have relocated from reservations to the city as part of mid-20th-century federal relocation programs. The film depicts their lives in bars, pool halls, and streets, exploring themes of alienation, searching for identity, and longing for home. With a cinéma vérité style, The Exiles shows the tension between tradition and modern urban life, capturing both moments of joy and the quiet despair of disconnection.Shot in Los Angeles with non-professional Native American actors, the film captures one long night in the lives of Indigenous men and women who left reservations for the city. Raw and authentic, The Exiles has been called one of the most important depictions of Native American urban life ever put on film. 

Carissa returns to the show to discuss John Carpenters Village of the Damned from 1995. I've been recovering from a long stretch of illness so no drink review on this one unfortunately.

The James Bond talk isn't over yet! I invite my friend and frequent guest Matt Lackey back to the show to discuss Licence to Kill, the 16th film in the Eon Productions Bond series and Timothy Daltons 2nd and Final outing as the 007 character.I love this movie and wanted to chat about it with someone who hasn't seen all the Bond movies. What would their reaction being to seeing Daltons portrayal for the first time in a post Daniel Craig Bond world? And without ever seeing any of the Roger Moore films?We both apparently had a lot to talk about and it made for a fun discussion. We also break the seal on a special bottle I got over the summer when I visited the James Beam Distillery. We're trying Little Book Chapter 8: Path Not Taken. This was the 2024 release of the series and features a blend of rye whiskeys ranging from 5 to 18 years old.Check out my ranking of all 25 Bond films Here.and my ranking of every Opening Bond Song.

This week for the Movies that Turn 30 in 2025 wew're disucssing John Carpenter's In The Mouth Of Madness starring Sam Neil. Before reviewing the movie I break the seal on the new Wild Turkey 101 aged 8 years and even compare it with the Jimmy Russell 70th anniversary release of 8 year old 101.

Watch on YouTubeIn this episode of drinks and a movie podcast I’m ranking every single James Bond opening title song—From Russia with Love to No Time To Die. We’re talking Shirley Bassey, Paul McCartney, Adele, Billie Eilish, and everyone in between.. I’m sipping on a bold Elijah Craig Single Barrel store pick from Canyon City Liquor in Azusa, CA—a rich, spicy bourbon with deep caramel and oak notes as well as a hint of cream of wheat with brown sugar that’s perfect for this iconic franchise. Which themes capture the essence of 007? Which ones fall flat? This is a deep dive into Bond music history, bourbon in hand.

In this week’s episode of Drinks and a Movie, we’re heading into the shadowy, hard-boiled streets of Frank Miller and Robert Rodriguez’s 2005 neo-noir masterpiece, Sin City. We break down the film’s bold visual style, interweaving storylines, and unforgettable characters while sipping on something just as bold—Maker’s Mark newest wood finishing series “The Keepers Release”. 

We’re back with another entry in our Movies That Turn 30 in 2025 series!This time, Matt Lackey and I dive into Pixar’s groundbreaking classic, Toy Story—the film that forever changed animation and launched a franchise (and plenty of tears).To pair with this nostalgic rewatch, we’re trying Hardin’s Creek Golden Origins Corn Whiskey from Jim Beam's experimental Hardin’s Creek line. This limited release features a bold mashbill of 80% corn, 15% rye, and 5% malted barley, offering up notes of caramel corn, toasted oak, and a smooth finish that really surprised us.It's an elevated take on traditional corn whiskey with real Kentucky heritage. Grab a pour and join us for a deep dive into childhood memories, 90s animation breakthroughs, and an intriguing whiskey.🎧 Listen now on your favorite podcast app!📲 Follow @drinks_and_a_movie for more film & whiskey pairings.

Watch on YouTube I’ve officially completed my journey through all 25 Eon-produced James Bond films, and now it’s time to rank them all from worst to best! From Sean Connery’s iconic debut in Dr. No, to Daniel Craig’s emotional finale in No Time To Die, I break down my personal rankings of every official 007 film. This video is a companion piece to my Drinks and a Movie Podcast, where I recently finished a full James Bond series—watching all the Eon films for the first time and discussing them in-depth. Along the way, I paired the experience with some classic spirits, including a pour of Old Grand-Dad 16-Year-Old Bourbon, a nod to the Ian Fleming novels, where Bond occasionally sips this lesser-known American whiskey.Whether you're a lifelong Bond fan or new to the franchise, I invite you to join me as I rank all the James Bond movies, share my thoughts on each Bond actor, and reflect on the franchise’s evolution over six decades. 🎧 Listen to the full James Bond podcast series: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...🥃 Follow Drinks and a Movie on Instagram: https://linktr.ee/drinksandamoviepod?...🔔 Subscribe for more film rankings, reviews, and spirits pairings!Song: 007 James Bond - Eleven Music No Copyright Music provided by Eleven Music. Video Link: • 007 James Bond Theme - Eleven Music No Cop...

This week Malia joins the show once again! We're discussing Jumanji from 1995 and try out one of the newest releases from Nelson's Greenbrier. This is their 8 year old Tennessee Rye whiskey coming in at 90 proof. We try it side by side with Nelson Bros Rye to see which one comes out on top. We also dive into the father son dynamics of Jumanji and more. Listen to hear if this movie holds up for us. Cheers!

It’s the end of the line for Daniel Craig’s Bond — and the final pour in our 007 series. In Episode 25, I’m closing out my James Bond retrospective with a deep dive into No Time to Die (2021) — a bold, emotional, and divisive conclusion to the Daniel Craig era. With high stakes, stunning visuals, and a shocking farewell, this film redefines what it means to be 007.To mark the occasion, I’m pairing the film with a pour of Jack Daniel’s 14-Year-Old Tennessee Whiskey — a limited release with bold character, deep oak, and a long-lasting finish that mirrors Bond’s final chapter.🎧 Available now on all podcast platforms🍸 Subscribe for more drinks & movie pairings — and stay tuned for what’s next after Bond

We've arrived at the penultimate James Bond film! Spectre (2015) — the long-awaited return of Ernst Stavro Blofeld. To match the sleek and brooding energy of Spectre, I’m pouring a glass of Michter’s 10 Year Old Bourbon — a bold, refined whiskey with depth and character that perfectly complements this shadowy Bond adventure.If you're a fan of Bond films, bourbon, or both, this episode is a smooth ride through high-stakes espionage and high-proof flavor. 🎧 Available now on all podcast platformsSubscribe for more whiskey & movie pairings Like and comment your thoughts on Spectre and your favorite Michter’s pour!

This week on Drinks and a Movie, Carissa joins me and we dive into the long-awaited return to the rage virus universe with 28 Years Later! Join us as we break down the next chapter in Danny Boyle and Alex Garland’s post-apocalyptic saga. Does it live up to the legacy of 28 Days Later and 28 Weeks Later? We’re talking new characters, shocking twists, and the state of horror in 2025. Whether you're a longtime fan of the franchise or just curious about the hype, this episode is a must-listen. Grab a drink and let’s rage!

In this episode of Drinks and a Movie, we're diving into the intense, blood-soaked world of 28 Weeks Later — the terrifying sequel to 28 Days Later that cranks up the chaos, suspense, and infected rage. Directed by Juan Carlos Fresnadillo, this 2007 horror-thriller expands the universe of the Rage Virus outbreak with brutal efficiency, nerve-wracking action, and unforgettable imagery. We break down the film’s opening sequence (one of the best in horror history), its haunting tone, and how it compares to the original.🎧 Now streaming on all podcast platforms!👍 Like, share, and subscribe for more movie and drink pairings📲 Follow @drinks_and_a_movie for updates and behind-the-scenes content.

Bond is back — and better than ever. In Episode 23 of my ongoing 007 series, I dive into one of the most celebrated entries in the franchise: Skyfall (2012). Directed by Sam Mendes with Cinematography by Roger Deakins, and starring Daniel Craig in peak form, Skyfall delivers emotional depth, high-stakes espionage, and stunning visuals — all while celebrating the 50th anniversary of James Bond on screen.To pair with this sleek, stylish Bond adventure, I’m pouring a glass of the 2024 release of Bomberger’s Declaration Bourbon — a bold, complex whiskey that’s as refined and powerful as 007 himself. I share tasting notes, my thoughts on the latest batch, and how it complements the themes and tone of Skyfall.🎧 Now streaming on all podcast platforms👍 Like, share, and subscribe to catch every Bond review and whiskey pour!

This week we're continuing the journey through the Daniel Craig James Bond era with a review of Quantum of Solace (2008) — the fast-paced, emotionally charged follow-up to Casino Royale. Often seen as one of the more divisive entries in the Bond franchise, We revisit the film with a fresh perspective to break down its action, themes, and connection to the ongoing story of Bond’s revenge and grief.To pair with this high-octane Bond chapter, We're tasting two premium bourbon releases: Russell’s Reserve Single Rickhouse Camp Nelson F & Camp Nelson C. We share notes on flavor, contrast the two batches, and talk about what makes these rickhouse-specific Wild Turkey bourbons so special. Whether you're a bourbon lover, a Bond fan, or both, this episode hits hard and drinks smooth.🎧 Stream now on all podcast platforms🥃 Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more movie & whiskey pairings