Cinemantics: A Podcast about Film, TV and Beer.

In this month's Patreon Picks episode, listeners selected a timeless classic, Cool Hand Luke (1967) for the film. They also select new beers from Troeg's Brewing and one from Founders Brewing. Tony & Eddie are no strangers for this film, having both watched it before - but does it stand up to the test of time? How does it fair under the 2020 lens? There's a lot of social commentary to unpack here. There's a lot of weight to this film. Even when you consider Paul Newman's big beautiful smile.

In episode 178, Tony & Eddie sit down to talk about a classic, a fan favorite, a cult level film loved by many, Groundhog Day (1993). There's so much to talk about here. A film that's stood up against time (mostly) and was so blindingly clever in it's day must still be great right? The boys unpack what they can here, in between raving about the movie's excellence. It's got heavy lows and miraculous highs. Laughs. And even some cringe worthy exploits.

While the boys talked through this weeks film they sampled two new beers of course. Eddie had an IPS from Fat Head's Brewery and Tony had a lactose infused IPA from Brewdog.

In episode 177, Tony & Eddie review a title many of you may have missed last year. 2019's Vivarium is a creepy but shallow look into the world of domestic normalcy. Have you ever felt trapped in your own home? Isolated even though you're with your spouse or child almost 24 hours a day? Like every day is the same as the one that preceded it? Vivarium is all of that, and hints at more. This slow-burn sci-fi thriller will take those questions to the extreme.

The boys also sampled two new beers of course. This week Tony tried another sour (is he becoming a fan?), this one from DuClaw. Eddie had a Baltic Porter from New Trail Brewing. Opposite ends of the spectrum here, but both these beers have something special to offer. Don't miss the reviews at the end of the episode.

In episode 176, Tony & Eddie talk about the critically acclaimed space epic, Ad Astra. In this film, Brad Pitt and Tommy Lee Jones are a father and son separated by years, many millions of miles and lots of strife. The movie is about a journey. A long one, but ultimately does it seem silly to have to travel to Neptune in order to figure out that things back home are really what matters most? Perhaps. More thoughts, complaints and praises in this week's episode.

The beers this week were odd for the boys. Eddie samples a Malt Beverage from Corona, called a Refresca. Tony has a lactose infused IPA from Southern Tier brewing. If you're looking for something summery - we've got it this week.

In episode 175, Tony & Eddie review two new beers, they talk about a movie/recent episode that they lost due to tech issues, and of course some video games along the way. The movie talk is a bit of a postmortem here so you'll get the gist.

Eddie also makes a statement in this episode about the recent NFL's response to kneeling protests. As Cinemantics has typically avoided these topics, we know it's not the content you'd typically come for but Tony & Eddie think it's incredibly important to no longer stay silent and we hope people are open to listen. We'd ask that all listeners do just that - listen. Reflect. Review your own thoughts and feelings on these issues.

The beer choices we're far lighter than the previous topic, however. Eddie sampled a new floral sour from a Dogfish Head + Rodenbach collaboration and Tony had a Stone salt and lime lager. If you're into fresh, light flavors - these may be just right for you.

In episode 174, Tony & Eddie sit back and check out their first Amazon Prime Video Original film. The Vast of Night is a creepy, mildly suspenseful period piece from the debut director, Andrew Patterson. There's a lot to unpack here - but there's also not a ton to this movie. On the plot level, it's exactly what you think it is - a quirky sci-fi flick about visitation of the extraterrestrial variety. However, that's not what makes this movie shine. The cinematography here is wonderful. The tone is spot on. The pacing is perfect. It's just an excellently made film. But is that enough?

The boys also try two new beers this week, of course. An imperial IPA from Founders and a nice light Kolsch from Ellicotville.

For this week's episode we honor the memory of the Black American citizens that have been murdered at the hands of our police force. We stand in solidarity with other Americans who are also hurting and angry. Our episode tonight is eight minutes and forty six seconds long. It's silence. It's the same amount of time that a Minneapolis police officer knelt on the neck of George Floyd as he begged for his life, for air, and for his mother. George Floyd was murdered on May 25th, 2020.

In episode 172, Tony & Eddie tried their best to forge the river of emotions brought on by Sonic the Hedgehog (2020). We're just kidding - it was hard to get through this one. On many levels. From internet outrage leading to CGI rework, to what could very well be categorized as a critical flop - there's a lot of controversy swirling around Sonic. However, the film was an overwhelming financial success and there's already confirmation of a sequel - but who will watch it? Find out more in this week's episode.

This week the boys tried two new beers as well. Eddie had one from Empire Brewing. A Scotch Ale with coffee. Tony sampled a new one from Zip Line Brewing Company simply called, Nut Brown. If you like darker beers on the sweater side of the house - these might be for you!

In episode 171, Tony & Eddie talk through the latest Bad Boy film to be added to the iconic action franchise. Nostalgia is here. But what about everything else that you need to make a great film? Does Bad Boys for Life work? How did the franchise age? Does it stand up against other more current action comedies like the Fast series? The answers to all these questions and more are waiting for you in this newest episode of the Cinemantics.

The boys also tried new brews from Founders and Dogfish Head breweries. If you were around for the 2019 year-end favorites episode you'll want to hear about Eddie's beer choice this month. And if you like a heavy on the fruit, light on the brew flavors of a shandy or fruit beer, Tony's choice might be one for you.

In episode 170, Tony and Eddie sit down to review another tabletop board game in this new 2020 series. This one is a big one. That's right, it's, Gloomhaven. If you're in-the-know of tabletop games, you've surely heard of Gloomhaven. If you're a die-hard fan of games, you've likely played it. If you've got a lot of cash, you probably own it. But for everyone else - if it worth it? There's so much to talk about in this brute of a title, but for the most part, the boys end up excitedly praising the fantasy epic. If you're teetering on buying the game or have always wanted to try it on Tabletop Simulator - check out the episode and find out if they think it's right for you.

As per usual, the fellas bring two new beers to the show as well. This time we've got the 2020 edition of Erie Ale Works' Nexus of the Universe, and a lighter side of things, IPS from Empire Brewing called, Seshsquatch. Stick around until the end of the episode to hear reviews of these beers and to find out how they got scored on the Untappd mobile app.