Brett_G

“Last Full Measure”

By Brett_G on January 25, 2020March 23, 2020

7.9

Fantastic political drama/war flick. The “based on a true story” genre film that always comes out of nowhere to kick ass and take names at the box office this time of year.

The casting of this film was truly over the top, with great performances all around, from Peter Fonda’s curtain call to Bradley Whitford returning to D.C. to play a Washington insider/political game player. The story of William Pisenbarger’s heroism during operation Abilene, and the journey of his fellow servicemen’s quest to get him awarded the medal of honor was truly inspiring. Definitely a tear-jerker. Strap in, and get ready for a wild ride of a film.

Blockbuster Suspense/Thriller

“Underwater”

By Brett_G on January 25, 2020March 23, 2020

6.7

Well, the title isn’t a lie… it does happen underwater. Somewhat copying the themes of “The Meg,” the film follows a doomed crew of explorers who drilled too deep and unleashed something unintended. Calamity ensues. Kristen Stewart is in her underwear 79.8% of the run-time. TJ Miller provides much needed comic relief to a group of total Debbie Downers. Meh…

Part of me was thinking “did Fox just green-light every crazy project 2 years out from the merger with Disney? Just for laughs?”

Documentary HBO

“Something The Lord Made”

By Brett_G on January 15, 2020

8.4

Get the tissues ready…

In the vein of “Patch Adams” and “Gifted Hands,” join the revolutionaries that ushered in the advent of cardiothoracic surgery as a profession, by challenging the age old medical wisdom of the time: “don’t touch the heart!” A tale of race, academia, character, and courage. One of Alan Rickman’s finest performances as the “too smart to interact with fellow humans fluently” surgeon Dr. Alfred Blalock. A wonderful job by Mos Def (now Yasiin Bey) as jack of all trades mechanic handyman, eventual Johns Hopkins surgical professor Dr. Vivien Thomas. This movie tackles a lot, and does it with such grace! Great story, great film. Highly recommend!

Blockbuster

“Just Mercy”

By Brett_G on January 13, 2020

9.3

Looking for an early front-runner for film of the year? Here it is. In the third week of January. Hauntingly beautiful. Uncomfortable in just the right way. Emotionally moving like almost nothing else in theaters nowadays. Michael B. Jordan, Brie Larson, and Jamie Foxx firing on all cylinders, with some of the greatest performances of their careers. Don’t let this one get away without seeing this powerful film on the big screen. Rooting for this to win all the awards, and to be seen by all who are looking for the best and the worst of humanity on full display for two hours. Not since “The Judge” have I seen such a slick courtroom drama. The fact that this all happened in reality, and continues to happen today just adds to this story’s impact. Shows just how much one person who believes can do to change so many lives… and how far we have yet to go in the journey of human progress. Don’t forget your tissues for this one. By the end, the profoundness of the title will tie everything together perfectly.

Blockbuster

“1917”

By Brett_G on January 13, 2020

8.9

Wow.

First off, an absolute technical marvel. You’ll be hard pressed to see a film this beautiful in theaters. The cinematography and editing to appear as one continuous shot from start to finish are exquisite. Ballsy, but a move executed with gusto and grace. The story is razor sharp, the action is break-neck, and the acting is perfection. Deserving of every award it wins.