The Big Sick
You would expect a movie centered on a new girlfriend falling into a coma to be morbid and dejected. Somehow “The Big Sick” manages to address morality, arranged marriage and a quarter-life crisis with grace, ease and refreshing humor. Kumail Nanjiani is a jack of all trades, acting as the film’s co-writer and main character. (His real-life wife, Emily V. Gordon, served as executive producer.) He and actress Zoe Kazan have such relatable, engaging onscreen chemistry you can’t help rooting for them throughout. “The Big Sick” is an honest reflection on modern romance.
Meet Cute
2 ounces Sailor Jerry rum
½ ounce Amaro dell’Etna
1 ounce tart cherry juice
2 ounces Orangina
Combine all ingredients together in mixing glass over ice. Stir gently and strain into a chilled cocktail coupe.
Garnish with an edible flower.
Snack pairing: UTZ Premium White Cheddar Popcorn
Blade Runner 2049
Director Denis Villeneuve’s artistic vision is undeniable. “Blade Runner 2049” seamlessly honors the innovative brilliance of the original while expanding its narrative. Ryan Gosling carries his role thoughtfully and with purpose through a stark future-scape that offers minimal dialogue. While Harrison Ford is closer to a cameo than a star, he picks up right where he left off in “Blade Runner” and steals the show. Every scene of the film is a gallery-worthy screenshot complemented by high art costume design.
Who knew a dystopia could be so mesmerizingly beautiful? Here’s hoping we don’t have to wait another 36 years for the next installment of this masterful cinematic series.
There is so much whiskey in this franchise that you will find a well-placed joke about it in “Blade Runner 2049.” Bastille Hand-Crafted 1789 Rare Whisky is exceptionally balanced and thoughtfully distilled, making it a perfect partner to this film.
Whiskey and Water
Equal parts Bastille Hand Crafted 1789 Rare Whisky and spring water over ice.
Movie snack pairing: Divine Milk Chocolate Bar with toffee and sea salt
Logan Lucky
Magic Mike, Kylo Ren and James Bond walk into a bar: While it sounds like the setup of a very
perplexing joke, it is instead the punchline to one of the cleverest heist films in many years. Centered on a large haul taken at the Charlotte Motor Speedway during the Coca-Cola 600 NASCAR race,
this star-studded cast delivers a quick-witted and cunning tale of persuasion, deception and illusion.
Joe Bang
1½ ounces Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin
¾ ounce Belle Isle Honey Habanero Moonshine
Premium tonic water
Fresh grapefruit
Fill a cocktail glass with ice. Add Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin and Belle Isle Honey
Habanero Moonshine. Top with your choice of premium tonic water and stir gently. Garnish with a large grapefruit slice.
Movie snack pairing: Haribo Gold Bears
Get Out
Easily the most relevant and important film of 2017, Jordan Peele’s “Get Out” is a thought-provoking, innovative use of the horror genre to examine social issues. Updating “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner” with a Hitchcock tone and “Funny Games” pacing, Peele has redefined a category. Daniel Kaluuya delivers a knockout performance outshining industry veterans Catherine Keener and Bradley Whitford. One part dark comedy, three parts psychological thriller, “Get Out” stays with you long after it ends.
Sunken Place
One part Hendrick’s Gin
Two parts Drambuie Whisky Liqueur
Three parts Earl Grey tea
Lemon, simple syrup and allspice
Steep the Earl Grey tea in water that is below-boiling temperature. Strain tea, then add Hendrick’s gin and Drambuie whisky liqueur. Stir gently, adding simple syrup to taste. Garnish with lemon and allspice.
Movie snack pairing: Kinderhook Snacks Triple Ginger Cookies
Mother!
Love him or lump him, there is no denying Darren Aronofsky’s impact in Hollywood. His latest release, “Mother!,” is a polarizing, allegory-laden tale of love, loss and idol worship as only Aronofsky can tell. Jennifer Lawrence is so strong and graceful as she claws through every agonizing chapter of this saga, there should have been an Oscar waiting for her on set. Javier Bardem has never been so handsomely
infuriating as he is in this bold embodiment of self-obsession.
The Muse
1½ ounces RÅVO vodka
½ ounce Royal Combier Grande liqueur
Organic Honey
Fever-Tree Bitter Lemon soda
Rosemary
Fill a tall cocktail glass with ice. Add RÅVO vodka, Royal Combier Grande liqueur, bitters and two drops of honey and stir well. Top with Fever Tree Bitter Lemon soda and stir gently. Garnish with fresh rosemary.
Movie snack pairing: Back to Nature Organic Rosemary & Olive Oil Stoneground Wheat Crackers
