Brett Garten, Movie Extraordinare
Cinematic Sommelier
7.9
Ari Gold selling cars. Supported by an all-star cast. Too many high profile comedy actors to count. A solid script that feels like it was lit on fire very early on to make way for “just roll the camera and let the improv fly.” Short, sweet, and to the point. Just like this movie.
And… since they play it to roll the credits, it gives me an excuse to play one of my favorite 38 Special songs. Rock on.
7.1
Very “Bridge of Spies” or “The Post” for me. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a solid film. But this is the movie that gets nominated for Oscars galore because Tom Hanks is in it. There have been better war movies put out, but this will certainly kill 2 hours of your time, and is an addition to the growing collection of content on AppleTV+. Just seemed pretty safe bet all the way down the checklist.
8.2
Aside Marty McFly, this is a role that Michael J. Fox was born to play…
A newbie doctor on his way to live a live full of glitz and glamour in Hollywood is instead seduced by the charm of life in small town America. Doesn’t hurt that he (of course) falls in love along the way. A surprisingly strong supporting cast really shines in this one, elevating what could have disappeared into the ether as a simple popcorn flick into a cinematic classic. Woody Harrelson and Julie Warner in particular really play well off of Fox as the film rolls on.
8.1
A pleasantly surprising, delightfully funny, ravishingly raunchy film.
Definitely one of those deep cuts in the iTunes store that I used to stumble upon during my trips to the cinema during Oscar season or trying to escape the summer heat in the comfort of multiplex A/C. The “oh, that sounds interesting” that turns out to be amazing.
A film that really fires on all cylinders, with perfect comedic timing and a genuine chemistry between cast members. Lucy Hale knocks it out of the park as the lead, in search of personal discover and growth. A lot of genuine laughs and moments that make you go “awe…”
6.9
Brett’s Movie Reviews After Dark… (cue funky bass line)
Is this brilliance? Is this lunacy? One thing’s for sure – Boobs. And… boobs. This is one wild ride, darlin’.
The wholesome story of a small town girl turned Vegas legend? A razor sharp wit filled tale of the dark side of fame and fortune. A movie that almost takes itself so serious that it comes full circle to become parody? All of the above.
For sure, one of the strangest films you will ever see this side of “The Room.” Also a warning that “Saved by the Bell” will never be the same.
DEFINITELY NOT for children, or for the faint of heart. Here’s to my first post that gets taken down on social media. Cheers!
Brett Garten, Movie Extraordinare 