As a beer lover, I often find myself selecting out a brew to fit my mood. And as a movie lover, most of the time the two go hand in hand. So I decided to share some pairings of film and beer that I think go great together. Take a look at my pick of the week and hopefully you will enjoy it.
Beer Choice:
Flying Dog Underdog Atlantic Lager
Underdog is one of a few new beers that Flying Dog has releasing recently. First bottled in late spring, Underdog was also made available in cans a short while later. The beer is a malty lager with a crisp, but subtle, citrus hop presence. All of Flying Dog’s labels are designed by Ralph Steadman. Steadman is most noticable for being the artist who worked with Hunter S. Thompson, creating illustrations for Thompson’s novels. Flying Dog is big on the Good Doctor, they named their Imperial Porter after him and run Gonzofest, an upcoming event featuring their beer and Hunter S. Thompson look-a-like contests.
Movie Pairing:
Wet Hot American Summer
Wet Hot American Summer is a film written by The State alum David Wain and Micheal Showalter, and is directed by Wain. It follows a group of camp counselors and a handful of secondary characters played by a majority of The State cast and other comedy stars that have made it big since the cult movie was released just over 11 years ago. Included in the ensemble is Janeane Garofalo, David Hyde Pierce, Paul Rudd, Molly Shannon, Elizabeth Banks, Christopher Meloni, and Wain/Showalter collaborator Michael Ian Black just for starters.
The plot is great. The film takes place in the early 80’s and everyone is trying to find someone to kiss after the talent show that happens the last day of camp. There is also a sub plot involving a group of camper that are trying to prevent a piece of NASA’s Skylab from falling to Earth and destroying the camp. The happenings are clever and fit well with the feel of the film. But the real reason to watch this movie is for the comedy. Wet Hot American Summer is a modern classic when it comes to the humor utilized in the film. If you appreciate off beat comedy, this movie will become one of your favorites.
The film is a text book example of absurdist humor. It’s full of off-the-wall jokes and smart gags that come out of left field. The spirit of the movie is as radical as Flying Dog’s spirit. Their new beer is an easily accessible lager that has enough complexity to satisfy seasoned drinkers. Underdog is a perfect summer beer and Wet Hot American Summer is a perfect summer film. Combine the two inside an air conditioned place and take a break from the summer heat and wind down with a great film and a great beer.