I Want to Believe (I Need Another Drink): Disclosure Day

Dissecting Steven Spielberg's sci-fi epic, one strong cocktail at a time. Is the truth really out there? Maybe. But more importantly: is there another round coming? This week on the Adult Beverage Film Podcast, the crew is cracking open a cold one—and a few cosmic secrets—to dive deep into Steven Spielberg's blockbuster, Disclosure Day. Spielberg returns to his legendary roots in extraterrestrial cinema, trading nostalgic wonder for high-stakes spectacle and existential tension. But does Disclosure Day capture the ground-breaking magic of Close Encounters of the Third Kind, or does it leave us needing a double shot just to get through the third act? Grab a glass, pull up a chair, and join us as we break down the direction, the script, and the spectacle while sipping this week's custom cocktail. In This Episode: First Pour & Initial Thoughts: First impressions of Disclosure Day and the reveal of this week's episode drink pairing. Spielberg's Alien Canon: How Disclosure Day measures up to Close Encounters, E.T., and War of the Worlds. Craft Breakdown: The cinematography, visual scale, performance highlights, and whether the climax actually lands the mothership. The Final Sip: Ratings, favorite sequence shout-outs, and our final verdict.

Grab your lab coats and pour something stiff, because Kent Smith, Laura Truman, and Patrick G. Keenan are blasting off into deep space. This week, the crew is joined by the multi-hyphenate film critic, festival director, and filmmaker Thomas Manning to dissect the cinematic adaptation of Andy Weir's Project Hail Mary. Thomas is a card-carrying member of the Critics Choice Association and a regular on NPR's WNCW, which means he's perfectly equipped to judge whether this sci-fi epic sticks the landing. But more importantly, as a former 1st AD (The Dancin' Bulldogs), Thomas knows exactly how much behind-the-scenes engineering it takes to make a movie look this effortlessly massive. Together, the gang dives headfirst into the Eridian atmosphere to figure out if the film captures the pure, isolated magic of the book—or if it gets lost in the science-heavy weeds. The Flight Plan: Amnesia and Astrophage: Breaking down how the film handles Ryland Grace's frantic, memory-recovering race to save humanity. The Ultimate Bromance: Discussing the execution of the internet's absolute favorite interstellar duo. (Did they get the jazz-speak right? Fist bump.) The Critic's Verdict: Thomas gives his high-level analytical breakdown on how the scale, the science, and the visual effects hold up under a critical microscope.  Survival Drinks: What adult beverage pairs best with trying to solve global extinction while suffering from severe space-grade memory loss? Whether you're a die-hard fan of the book or just here for the movie magic, this episode is a masterclass in sci-fi storytelling. Settle in, raise a glass, and remember: Aaaaaand science!   Visit our website:  www.adultbeverage.net

🎬🍹 NEW EPISODE: The Big Lebowski: Careful Man, There's a Beverage Here! 🎳🥛 Put on your favorite stained bathrobe, pour a dangerously heavy-handed White Russian, and try not to step on the rug—it really ties the studio together. This week, the Adult Beverage Film Podcast crew is rolling a perfect game (or guttering spectacularly, depending on how many drinks deep we are) as we dive into the Coen Brothers' ultimate stoner noir masterpiece. Here is what went down while we were abiding: The Caucasian Conundrum: We break down the technical cinematography of the Dude's dream sequences, while simultaneously debating how many ounces of Kahlúa is "too much" for a Tuesday afternoon recording session. The "Am I Wrong?" Industry Breakdown: Kent and Patrick pull back the curtain on Hollywood typecasting, because let's face it—no one plays a beautifully unhinged, bowling-obsessed Vietnam vet quite like John Goodman. Meanwhile, Laura tries to keep the peace before "Squeaker" gets pushed over the line and screams, "This is what happens when you find a stranger in the Alps!" The Ultimate Verdict: Is Jeffrey Lebowski a modern-day philosopher king, or just a lazy guy who got caught in a comedy of errors because he wanted his rug replaced? (Spoiler: It's both, and we have the empty glasses to prove it). Whether you're a hardcore nihilist, a pacifist (not in Nam, of course), or just someone who really appreciates a well-mixed drink, this episode is a strike.  👉 Grab your beverage and listen now: 🌐 Website: www.adultbeverage.net 🎧 Catch us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your audio fix! #AdultBeverageFilmPodcast #TheBigLebowski #TheDudeAbides #WhiteRussian #CoenBrothers #MovieReview #FilmPodcast #CarefulManTheresABeverageHere #CinemaLovers

Deep Dive: The Nostromo's Final Toast When Ridley Scott released Alien in 1979, he didn't just make a "haunted house in space" movie; he created a masterpiece of blue-collar sci-fi. Unlike the gleaming, hopeful corridors of Star Trek or the heroic mythos of Star Wars, the world of Alien is sweaty, leaky, and exhausted. The Story The crew of the Nostromo—a commercial tugboat towing 20 million tons of mineral ore—is woken from stasis not by their destination, but by a mysterious signal from a desolate moon, LV-426. They aren't soldiers or explorers; they're space-truckers worried about their "shares" and getting home.The horror begins with a violation of biology: the Facehugger. It bypasses the crew's technology and safety protocols, using executive officer Kane as a living incubator. What follows is the most famous dinner party in cinema history—the Chestburster scene—which transforms the film from a slow-burn mystery into a visceral slasher.The Hidden VillainThe true horror of Alien isn't just the Xenomorph; it's The Company (Weyland-Yutani). The revelation that the science officer, Ash, is an android programmed to ensure the creature's survival at the expense of the crew ("Special Order 937") shifts the theme from "monster movie" to "corporate nightmare." The crew is "expendable," a grim reflection of 1970s labor anxieties.Why it Pairs Well with a PodcastAtmosphere: The film is dripping with "used future" aesthetics—perfect for a "moody" drink.Pacing: It's a slow-burn that builds tension, much like the first half of a cocktail hour before the conversation really heats up.Legacy: It gave us Ellen Ripley, the ultimate "Final Girl" who survived through competence and grit, not just luck. Summary & Description Title: Alien (1979) – In Space, No One Can Hear You Pop a CorkPodcast: Adult Beverage Film PodcastCategory: TV & Film / Arts / Comedy Description:"Bring back the lifeform. Priority One. All other priorities rescinded."This week on the Adult Beverage Film Podcast, we're boarding the Nostromo to dissect Ridley Scott's 1979 masterpiece, Alien. We're trading our "shares" for a stiff drink as we discuss the biomechanical nightmares of H.R. Giger, the grit of blue-collar space travel, and why Ellen Ripley remains the gold standard for survival.Whether you're sipping on an "Acid Blood" cocktail or a cold "Aspen Beer," join us for a deep dive into the film that proved space is the loneliest place to have a bad roommate. We break down the legendary chestburster scene, the cold-blooded betrayal of Ash, and the corporate greed that makes the Xenomorph look like a saint.Remember: In space, no one can hear you pop a cork... but they can definitely smell the gin. Connect With Us Listen to more episodes:  Adult Beverage Film Podcast on Spotify/Apple Website: www.AdultBeverage.net

Welcome to the podcast where we're dissecting Paul Thomas Anderson's $175 million "action-chase-revolutionary" fever dream one drink at a time. Join us as we try to figure out if Leo's Bob Ferguson is a hero or just the world's most stressed-out stoner dad. We're pairing top-shelf bourbon with VistaVision cinematography and trying to count how many bottles it takes to fully understand a Thomas Pynchon plot. It's a breakdown of the "French 75" revolutionaries where the only thing more explosive than the pipe bombs is our take on the ending.

The Film: Bugonia From the mind of Yorgos Lanthimos, Bugonia is a darkly comedic sci-fi reimagining of the South Korean cult classic Save the Green Planet! The story follows two obsession-fueled conspiracy theorists who kidnap a high-powered corporate CEO, convinced she is actually an intergalactic alien planning to destroy Earth. Starring Emma Stone and Jesse Plemons, the film weaves a tense, surreal tapestry of paranoia, power dynamics, and the blurry line between madness and hidden truth. The Podcast: Adult Beverage Film Podcast Where high-brow cinema meets bottom-shelf honesty. Hosted by Kent Smith, Patrick G. Keenan, Laura Truman and Carlisle "Squeaker" Hamrick this podcast pairs deep-dive film analysis with the perfect drink to survive the credits. Whether dissecting the latest indie darling or a bizarre genre-bender, the crew offers a mix of professional insight and casual banter that feels like sitting at your favorite bar with friends who happen to know way too much about cinematography.

On this frosty episode of the Adult Beverage Film Podcast, we crack open our survival rations (a.k.a. adult beverages) and thaw out one of cinema's chilliest horror masterpieces — John Carpenter's The Thing. Joining us in the frozen tundra of our recording session is the legendary Bo Shurling — unit publicist, award-winner, celebrity wrangler, and the only man we know who can set up a Samuel L. Jackson press tour in the morning, bowl with Cameron Diaz in the afternoon, and still have enough energy to discuss alien shape-shifters over a beer. We dig into the paranoia, the practical effects that still ooze, and the eternal question: who really had the whiskey in the last scene? Bo shares wild Hollywood set stories, the fine art of keeping A-listers happy in freezing weather, and why Antarctic researchers apparently never have enough flamethrowers. So grab your parka, pour something strong (preferably not from an unmarked bottle next to a blood test), and join Kent, Laura, Patrick, Squeeker, and Bo as we dissect The Thing in the only way we know how — with laughter, libations, and just enough suspicion to side-eye your co-hosts. AdultBeverageFilmPodcast #TheThing #JohnCarpenter #BoShurling #MovieTalkWithADrink Visit our website www.adultbeverage.net

Get ready to uncork some serious conversation (and maybe pop a few questionable champagne corks), because this episode of the Adult Beverage Film Podcast is hopping on a private jet straight into Sean Baker's wild, heartfelt, and occasionally vodka-soaked Anora. Helping us navigate this whirlwind of love, chaos, and Russian family drama is special guest Nicholas Brown — camera assistant extraordinaire with credits on The Righteous Gemstones, Halloween Ends, Outer Banks, and Mr. Mercedes. He's also the mastermind behind The Second Sticks Podcast and co-host of Focus Puller At Work Podcast, meaning he's got both the insider scoop on what happens behind the camera… and the gossip about what happens after a few too many wrap-party drinks. Joining Nicholas are your favorite cinematic drinking buddies: Kent Smith (our award-winning producer, director, and camera guru), Patrick G. Keenan (actor in 61+ films and counting), Laura Truman (film critic and vintage film hoarder), and Carlisle "Squeaker" Hamrick (audio wizard and full-time movie curmudgeon). We're clinking glasses while diving into Ani's fairy-tale-meets-trainwreck romance with Vanya, the rich, too-young son of a Russian oligarch. Imagine Pretty Woman—but swap the limo for a Gulfstream jet, the glass slipper for a mink coat, and add a high-speed, vodka-fueled chase through Brooklyn. We'll be breaking down Baker's signature mix of screwball comedy, gut-punch emotion, and razor-sharp social commentary, all while asking the important questions: How many martinis does it take to make an oligarch's son look like Prince Charming? What cocktail pairs best with a hasty international annulment? And is there enough tequila in Brooklyn to erase the memory of marrying into a family that makes Succession look tame? So pour yourself something strong (but maybe not Russian Standard unless you're feeling brave), and join us for an episode full of laughs, filmmaking insights, and the kind of relationship advice you definitely shouldn't take seriously. 🎙 Listen now and explore more episodes at https://adultbeverage.net

This week on the Adult Beverage Film Podcast, we're sharpening our fangs, pouring something strong, and sinking our teeth into Ryan Coogler's electrifying vampire thriller Sinners. Helping us navigate this dark, soulful ride is none other than Steve Saxon — Director of Photography, camera operator, and all-around visual wizard whose credits range from feature films like Cold Storage, 40 Fears, The Ultimate Life, Redneck Roots, and The Last Passport to short film gems like Mike, Little Package, and Chief Tendoy. Basically, if it's got a lens, Steve's pointed it at something cool. Joining Steve are your favorite cinematic drinking buddies: Kent Smith (our award-winning producer/director), Patrick G. Keenan (actor in 61+ films and counting), Laura Truman (film critic and reel collector), and Carlisle "Squeaker" Hamrick (audio genius and professional movie curmudgeon). Together, we break down: Behind-the-lens magic – Steve spills on how the Sinners crew captured that perfect blend of Southern Gothic dread and sultry, blood-soaked atmosphere. Soundtrack soul – Why the film's gospel, blues, and roots-inspired score deserves its own record deal. Sin, blood & salvation – How vampirism becomes a metaphor for addiction, trauma, and the high price of fame. The perfect drink pairing – Think smooth bourbon with a sharp bite (and maybe a dash of holy water). It's a gritty, genre-blending deep dive full of laughs, craft talk, and the kind of exclusive on-set insights you can only get when your guest has filmed everything from indie darlings to vampire showdowns. So grab your favorite drink, pull up a chair, and let's talk blood, bourbon, and badass cinematography. 🎙 Listen now and explore more episodes at https://adultbeverage.net

This week on the Adult Beverage Film Podcast, we're shaking up our cocktails and our genres with Jacques Audiard's bold, bonkers, and beautiful Emilia Pérez. Part musical, part crime thriller, and part "wait, did they just break into song during a cartel shootout?", this Cannes sensation tells the story of Rita — a burned-out lawyer who's roped into helping a ruthless drug lord disappear… only to discover he doesn't want to dodge the law, he wants to become the woman he's always dreamed of being. Enter Emilia Pérez: diva, dreamer, and living proof that Scarface and La La Land had a baby with a Latin pop soundtrack. Kent, Laura, Patrick, and Squeeker pop the cork and dive into gender identity, redemption arcs, cartel politics, and whether choreographed musical numbers can survive in a world of AK-47s. We tackle the big questions: How do you cast a drug lord turned pop diva and make us believe it? What cocktail pairs best with a power ballad about smuggling routes? And is it possible to two-step your way out of a federal indictment? Pour yourself something strong, turn up the volume, and join us for the most tuneful crime story you'll hear this year. 🎙 More episodes at: https://adultbeverage.net