Tag: movie

Action/Adventure/Heist · Comedies

The Princess Bride

LizLockeLeave a comment
Image: The Princess Bride, 1987

One movie has been requested more than any other in the decade-plus that I’ve been writing Cinema Sips, and with Valentine’s Day approaching, it seems like a great time to watch what is apparently everybody’s favorite storybook romance: The Princess Bride (Disc/Download).

Directed by the late, great Rob Reiner, this is a movie with a little bit of everything: swashbuckling action, comedy, kissing (gross), and even a tender friendship between a Spanish swordsman and his Giant friend. Told as a story from a grandfather to his grandson, this construct helps the viewer understand that the medieval tale we’re about to see is actually coming from the imagination of a child. The production design alternates between cheesy backdrops and actual locations, and the plot seems to have a million different things going on because this is what it is to be a child—everything seems big and scary and important and exciting, all at once! Romance viewers will connect with Buttercup, the farm girl-turned-fiancé of the villainous Prince Humperdinck, and her true love Westley, who has become the Dread Pirate Roberts in the years since they parted. Westley must now rescue Buttercup from Humperdinck, but first he has to rescue her from a ragtag group of kidnappers, each with their own motivations and grievances.

In terms of alcohol, there’s a great scene involving poisoned wine, and while you’re welcome to open a bottle of your favorite red, I’m incorporating it into this frothy sour. While you’re watching The Princess Bride, I recommend drinking an “As You Wish”-key Sour!

“As You Wish”-key Sour

2 oz rye whiskey

1 oz lemon juice

¾ oz simple syrup

1 egg white

½ oz red wine

Pour the rye, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white into a shaker. Shake for thirty seconds, then add ice. Shake for another thirty seconds until chilled and frothy. Strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice. Slowly pour the red wine over the back of the bar spoon, to float on top of the drink.

Although this is admittedly not my all-time favorite movie, I can appreciate how much other people love it. I think it’s fantastic when any story connects with fans on such a deep level that they’re tattooing “Have fun storming the castle!” on themselves, or standing at the altar as a clergyman or friend proclaims, “Mawwwage is what brings us together.” Ultimately, it’s movies that bring us together, no matter what kind of fan you are. Cheers!

*NOTE: I highly recommend the Criterion edition of The Princess Bride, which contains special features I enjoyed even more than the film itself!

Classic Films · Musicals

A Star is Born

LizLockeLeave a comment
Image: A Star is Born, 1954

Because I’m in the middle of an editing project right now (fiction, not film), I thought it might be fun to look at a movie that’s had its share of editing drama. George Cukor’s 1954 version of A Star is Born (Disc/Download) was famously trimmed down by Warner Bros. to accommodate additional screenings, then later restored with some of the missing footage, plus audio and film stills. The resulting three-hour epic is certainly iconic, but it makes me wonder: was it worth it?

This cautionary Hollywood tale has been produced four times so far (the most recent being the Bradley Cooper/Lady Gaga version), and by now, we’re all familiar with the general plot of A Star is Born. In this version, a talented but undiscovered singer/actress named Esther Blodgett (Judy Garland) gets plucked out of obscurity by movie star Norman Maine (James Mason), resulting in a doomed love affair as her career takes off and his gradually recedes due to uncontrolled alcoholism. Cukor takes his time telling this story, adding musical numbers that don’t do much to advance the plot, though they definitely showcase the star power of Garland. Her best moments are when she’s stripped down, not in costume, singing in a tiny jazz club, or in her own Malibu living room, with no orchestra or soundstage in sight. It makes me wonder if Warner’s wasn’t onto something when they cut a couple of those splashy numbers. Just because you can add more razzle-dazzle doesn’t mean you should. The quiet scenes between Garland and Mason are what make me fall in love with this movie—everything else feels like a distraction.

Sadly, alcohol is the main villain of this story, no matter the era or version. Norman is so charming and wonderful when he’s sober, but when he’s drinking… look out. However, if you’re inclined to moderation, there’s no reason you can’t enjoy a tipple with this. While watching A Star is Born (1954), I recommend drinking this Maine Squeeze cocktail.

Maine Squeeze

2 oz gin

1 oz Cointreau

1 oz fresh orange juice

½ oz lemon juice

Orange twist or dried orange slice

Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice, and shake to chill. Strain into a coupe glass, and garnish with a twist of orange or dried orange slice.

Although I love the music and pacing of the 2018 A Star is Born the most, this 1954 version is miles ahead when it comes to style. The gowns are incredible, the CinemaScope colors burst off the screen, and it’s fun to watch my favorite era of the Hollywood studio system come alive, with all its glamour and backstage machinations. Maybe, if you’re a supreme Judy Garland fan, you’ll love the restored musical numbers. As for me, however, I think a little editing can make even the biggest stars shine brighter. Cheers!

Dramas

Gosford Park

LizLocke3 Comments
Image: Gosford Park, 2001

As autumn finally starts to creep into my neck of the woods, I’m inspired to watch a film that celebrates rainy weather, tweed, and strong cocktails. If you’re a Downton Abbey fan, then you’ll be particularly interested in this week’s pick: Gosford Park (Disc/Download). One of the late-career masterpieces from Robert Altman, this Julian Fellowes-penned film predates the popular television show and kickstarted my love of Maggie Smith as the sassy Dowager Countess.

The 1930s British class system might seem like an unusual topic for an iconic American director to tackle, but when you watch Gosford Park, it makes total sense. Like most of Altman’s other films, it’s got a large ensemble, with scenes unfolding naturally as though the camera is just a lucky observer. What is happening in the background is just as important as whatever’s happening in the foreground, and watching the intersection of Upstairs, Downstairs, and Interloper is like a crash course in British society. Add to that an Agatha Christie-style murder mystery, and you’ve got what is probably my favorite Robert Altman film of all time.

If you’ve seen Downton Abbey, then you know what Gosford Park looks like. Women in beautiful 1930s gowns seated around a candlelit dinner table. Men in tweed suits toting their hunting rifles out into the English countryside. Cocktails and revelry among visiting American film producers and nervous social climbers. Maggie Smith yelling at a servant from the back of her Rolls Royce. It’s in ode to the beginning shots of her car traveling down a rainy country road, soft piano music playing in the background, that I selected this week’s tipple. While watching Gosford Park, I recommend drinking a classic cocktail from the Prohibition era, the Rolls Royce.

Rolls Royce

1 ½ oz London Dry gin

½ oz dry vermouth

½ oz sweet vermouth

¼ oz Bénédictine

Stir all ingredients with ice, and strain into a Nick & Nora glass.

I’m not usually a fan of Agatha Christie mysteries, however this film offers something a little different than the typical whodonit. The first half is entirely devoted to understanding the specific societal roles these characters inhabit, and how their paths intersect. By the time someone turns up with a knife in their back, you’re less interested in who than why. Gosford Park is the perfect film for a cozy night in, as you picture yourself sitting in the parlor of an English country estate, watching the drama unfold. Cheers!

Dramas

Sweet November

LizLockeLeave a comment

Sweet November
Image credit: Sweet November, 2001.

Is there honestly a better month than November?  Finally, the heat of the summer has broken, the fire pit gets used again, and as Americans, we get several days off to do nothing but eat, drink, and watch movies. This week’s film Sweet November (DVD/Download) couldn’t take place at any other time because the rest of our months aren’t nearly as perfect. Sweet January? I don’t think so.

Sweet November is the Lifetime-movie-with-actual-celebrities that made a star of Charlize Theron and fueled my decades-long crush on Keanu Reeves. So, points for that.  In this, Charlize takes in loser men as a 30-day pet project, sleeps with them, turns them into reasonably dateable human beings, then sends them on their way. Currently occupying her love nest is Keanu. Brash ad exec (it’s a HOT. DOG.) turned dreamy boyfriend who rescues puppies and croons “Time After Time” (badly), Keanu is proof that the love of a good woman can fix anyone. Without it, he could end up like super-villain Frank Langella. Frank kinda makes me cry here, along with the waitress. Damn he’s good.

To celebrate November and the sweetness of Keanu, I’ll be mixing up a drink with all the fall flavors. While watching Sweet November, I recommend drinking an Autumn Leaf.

Autumn Leaf

6 oz Austin Eastciders Spiced Cider

1.5 oz Pumpkin liqueur

Cinnamon stick for garnish

Build drink over crushed ice, stirring well to combine. Garnish with a cinnamon stick.

Autumn Leaf

For those looking for a rom-com with a happy ending, you may be disappointed with Sweet November. But to me, a tragic ending seems appropriate for a film heavily scored by Enya and featuring a plethora of knit shawls. It just… works. Like November, perfection never lasts. My advice: drink it up while you can! Cheers!