Netflix Instant TV and Movie Picks: The Good, The Bad (in an awesome way), and the Ugly

Now that the craziness of part one of the holidays is over, it's time to drag out your dusty decorations of tinsel and lights. If you need some background films as you decorate your house and chug your eggnog, here a couple titles for you.

A Couple of PACIFIC RIM Teasers to Get You Ready for Summer 2013

I think I might have a most anticipated movie already for next summer. If the buzz out of Comic Con was any indication, PACIFIC RIM will be THE movie of next summer. I feel almost bad for putting that kind of pressure on the film because like with many summer films in the past, I could be setting myself up for major disappointment.

PACIFIC RIM is Guillermo De Toro's newest directing endeavor. The film features 25-story tall machines (Jaegars) and evil sea monsters (Kaijus). Giant Kaijus have started rising from the sea that begins a war that starts taking millions of lives. Jaegars are created to combat these monsters, which are controlled by two operators. Del Toro said at Comic Con that he as set out not to make a war movie, but to make more of an adventure film.

Check the teasers after the break.

High End Drinking: Sam Adams Utopias

If you follow us on the Twittersphere, you know that Jonesy and I love beer as much as we love movies. I truly believe that there's a great symbiotic relationship between movies and beer, or I'm just making excuses to make beer posts in a movie blog. Yesterday, we had the pleasure of being able to try out a 1oz. pour of the Sam Adams Utopias 2012 "strong ale" at our favorite bar, the Common Table. To call this a strong ale was an understatement. This beer is borderline a fine scotch or brandy that you can sip for hours while smoking a cigar. 

I wanted to showcase a few of our brief thoughts, but for those that aren't familiar with the Utopias, it is one of Sam Adam's most sought-after brews with the initial costs starting at $199, and then sky-rocketing on eBay. What makes this beer so special? It's so strong that it's recommended to be sipped in 2oz. pours. It's always released in very limited quantities. It's a uniquely non-carbonated beer, and to quote Sam Adams found Jim Koch, here's how they created this 29% ABV monstrosity:

"The traditional brewing techniques we use in all of our beers shines through in this extremebrew. We begin with a blend of malts that impart the rich, ruby-black color. Distinct hopcharacter from the Noble hops imparts complexity and balance. During fermentation, we alsouse a yeast strain normally reserved for champagne. The 2012 Utopias brew was aged in hand selected, single-use bourbon casks from the award winning Buffalo Trace Distillery to enhance the beer’s distinct vanilla and maple notes. Our 10th Anniversary batch also spent time in a variety of finishing casks: Tawny Port casks and Vintage Ruby Port casks from Portugal, which contribute slightly more elegant, dark fruit aromas, and Rum barrels from Nicaragua, which add flavors of fig, chocolate, raisin, vanilla, and a slight spice."

So what did we think? Hit the jump to find out:

A Spoilerific SKYFALL Discussion

Happy Cyber Monday everyone! If you're still feeling the effects of your carb overload from this past week, and need a place to forget about Black Friday or arguing politics while passing the dressing, then take yourself out to see SKYFALL. What follows is a SUPER SPOILERIFIC discussion about all things SKYFALL and CASINO ROYALE because let's face it, we all want to forgot the money we wasted on QUANTUM OF SOLACE. 

If you've seen the films, read on. If not, go treat yourself and then come back!

Recap of the First Alamo Drafthouse DFW Event: Rolling Roadshow of THE BURBS

Even though the opening for the new DFW Alamo Drafthouse won't happen until May 2013, the owners are taking no time in building up the excitement. Located at the corner of Beltline and 75, a forgettable, mid-century modern strip mall is soon to be taken over by movie lovers. As its first official event, the guys brought a Rolling Roadshow event to the parking lot across from where the new theatre will be built. The Drafthouse Rolling Roadshow is an arm of the theatre that brings movies to the outdoors to famous locations. Here we were treated to a 35mm screening of THE BURBS.

Netflix Instant TV and Movie Picks: Film Festival Edition!

I know it's crazy, but I actually found a theme for this week! Netflix just dumped some films that I personally saw at film festivals, and coincidentally were some of my favorites. Now, the films are eclectic, but I enjoyed all of them and have linked the reviews as well.

KARATE-ROBO ZABORGAR

A midnight film I saw at the Asian Film Festival of Dallas last year that I cried I was laughing so hard. It's full of cheesy acting and graphics but absolute ridiculous fun. 

FIRST POSITION

This was one of my favorites from the 2012 Dallas International Film Festival. I'm a sucker for anything related to dance, but this documentary has such heart as it follows young dancers on their quest to win at the annual Youth America Grand Prix. 

THE AMERICAN SCREAM

I think we've applauded this film enough on this site, but here we go again! Even though we've moved on from Halloween, this film will still get you ready for next year. Here's our review from Fantastic Fest. 

I'm not promising another themed column in a couple weeks. I might leave that to my cohort from now on.

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OZ: THE GREAT AND POWERFUL Full Trailer Drops a House on Your Head

Ever since the first trailer for OZ: THE GREAT AND POWERFUL, I've been on the fence. The teaser looked too cheesy, and it gave off too much of an ALICE IN WONDERLAND vibe. However, my thoughts kept going back and forth because of the director, Sam Raimi, and the pretty solid cast. I'm still not completely sold on the film, but with the full trailer now online, I have a bit more faith than before.

Check it out after the break.