Author: Brett_G

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“Honest Thief”

By Brett_G on

7.9

… and you thought you hated Jai Courtney before. Sheesh, this guy can’t catch a break on exclusively playing unlikeable characters.

Liam Neeson does Liam Neeson things. This time, his girlfriend is taken, blowing up his plans for a normal life. Kate Walsh does a fantastic job as Liam’s accomplice, as does Jeffrey Donovan as his enabler at the Bureau. Strap in, and watch everything go boom in this edge of your seat thriller. Then, get ready to go “awe…” right before the credits roll. It’s a wild ride.

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Comedy Drama

“The War With Grandpa”

By Brett_G on

8.1

Right up there with “The Intern” for me in Robert De Niro’s repertoire. A heartfelt, laugh out loud film with a fantastic cast. Everyone fits their role perfectly, and really pulls at the heart strings at just the right times in between laughs. I wasn’t expecting as much emotional depth as I got from this hour and a half. The subtle love story, the unique play on family dynamics, this film really hit them all.

One hidden blessing of this unprecedented time is finding these usually buried films playing front and center on the big screen. The audience in the theater covered ages 8-80, and we all came out smiling under our masks.

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Horror/Thriller

“Death of Me”

By Brett_G on

6.8

Tempted to recommend this so someone else might be able to explain this one to me. A mix between “The Hangover” and “Fantasy Island.” I was completely confused and uncomfortable for the first two thirds of the runtime. Unfortunately, once things start to come together, it only gets worse. You kind of wish they wouldn’t have explained things. Overall, a solid thriller with terror mixed in. Definitely not what I would consider a traditional horror film. It’s more just an hour and a half of general discomfort with what you’re watching. Possible neck pain from having your head cocked saying “what the f**k?!?!” most of the runtime. Middle of the road. Two thumbs sideways.

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Indie Netflix Rom-Com

“The F**k it List”

By Brett_G on

7.9

They had me at Madison Iseman, but then the main character’s name is Brett?!? I’m in.

Instead of COVID, get ready to catch a case of the fuck-its.

A tale as old as time, a la “The Graduate.” A straight-A student pondering their life choices as they reach a major crossroads in their life. Once they get a taste of freedom, they throw caution to the wind and dive in. A timely update of the premise, with the main character becoming internet famous. Gary Vee would be proud.

For a newfound care-free fellow, he sure is hung up on his longtime crush. This took me out of it for a minute, as I questioned his dedication to his cause. Then I remembered my own falling into that bear trap, and decided to not fault him for having a soft spot for the feisty hot mess who keeps him in check and reminds him of a young naive Brett from two weeks ago. Sometimes, it’s time to make the “crazy” choice, and enjoy the ride.

A well balanced film, heart-laugh ratio wise. The natural beauty of the California coast on full display. A valuable lesson hidden in a fresh presentation. Well done.

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Horror/Thriller

“The Green Inferno”

By Brett_G on

6.9

“What are they going to do with us?” You don’t want to know.

Honestly, my first time seeing this was the hardest I’ve laughed in a theater. Take that as you may. The storytelling is razor sharp, the cinematography gorgeous, and the kills divine. I wouldn’t expect anything less from horror icon and auteur Eli Roth. His ode to the classic “Cannibal Holocaust.” I would say more well done, but that’s partly because it doesn’t push quite as many boundaries as the original. Still, definitely not for the faint of heart or children.

Lesson: Don’t try to save the rainforest, or a tribe of cannibalistic natives will kidnap you and do unspeakable things to you and your party. Al Gore would be proud. *Sarcasm*

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