Author: Brett_G

Indie

“A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood”

By Brett_G on

8.2

Hits just as hard in the feels as you would expect… definitely bring the tissues! Tom Hanks shines as the only living person who could possibly pull this one off. Given that going to the movies is one of the few remaining communal experiences and entertainment mediums in our modern society… It was very fitting that this film is a moving tale of faith in the beauty of humanity.

The framing device of “this is a Mr. Rogers Neighborhood” episode was a bit clunky, but made perfect sense by the end of the film. The power of imagery and the subtle act of hitting all of the lowest keys on a piano will leave you truly moved. The subtlety and comfort in silence is what really struck me about this film.

Amazing work by all involved to truly capture the essence of the man and legend that was Mr. Rogers. I also highly recommend “Won’t You Be My Neighbor” for further delving into the story of a truly great man with a powerful message.

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Blockbuster

“Ford v. Ferrari”

By Brett_G on

9.1

I’ll start by saying that it was incredibly difficult not speeding on the drive home after this two and a half hour thrill ride! An absolute work of cinematic art… a beautifully crafted film. The ultimate mix of adrenaline, brotherhood, and heart… I never expected I’d been misty-eyed following a movie about cars, but here we are. I thought it’d be good, but damn. Strap in, and you’re off to the races!

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Uncategorized

“JoJo Rabbit”

By Brett_G on

8.1

Really didn’t know what I was walking into… still not sure what the hell that was walking out. A touching, yet gruesome, and occasionally laugh out loud coming of age story… about a Hitler youth. Whose imaginary friend is the fuhrer himself. Can’t make this shit up. All together, a surprisingly good film. Definitely out in left field, but that’s what director Taika Waititi does best.

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Rom-Com

“Last Christmas”

By Brett_G on

7.9

What if… a Hallmark Channel movie script accidentally got forwarded to the wrong office on the studio lot, cast two leads out of the story’s league, and set everything to a legendary soundtrack? You’d get this film. Henry Golding was destined to play the dashing lead in romantic comedies. Guy even has my vote for the next James Bond. The best of all of the rom-com tropes are on display, and just the right amount of Christmas is sprinkled on top. The twist at the end caught me almost more off-guard than “Avengers: Endgame.” Definitely a heartfelt kick-off to the holiday season.

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Blockbuster

“Midway”

By Brett_G on

8.7

Fully went into this expecting a b-movie on par with “Pearl Harbor.” What I got was a masterclass in directing, perfection in the cinematography department, and a truly moving story. Pretty much everything you could want out of a war film. The battle scenes were graphic, grand-scale, and captured the perfect balance of chaos and focus. The cast couldn’t have been more perfect if they tried. And the montage of “where they went after the events of the film” didn’t leave a dry eye in the house. Very well done, and well worth the longer than usual runtime.

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