Brett Garten, Movie Extraordinare
Cinematic Sommelier
7.8
This movie was surprisingly sweet! I knew it would be good with Mika Kunis and Michael Keaton, but not THIS good. It really packed an emotional punch at times, but also had these laugh out loud, gut busting moments mixed it. It effortlessly traveled the full spectrum of emotion and character exploration. I was thoroughly impressed! May we all gain this type of perspective and wisdom with age…
6.8
Been a hot second since a movie gave me blue balls…
Can we please leave the non-linear storytelling to Christopher Nolan from now on? This thing is all over the place. And not in an intriguing way. In a “does that hairstyle mean we’re in a flashback?” way.
Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh have amazing chemistry, and there are some fun sequences… but it just left SO MUCH just… I don’t even know where. I had so much hope, movie!
7.9
Part of my initial beef with this movie was the number of times I had to watch the same trailer for it at my local AMC. I had to work not to hold that against it.
Working past that, I really enjoyed this one! It adequately expanded on the lore without losing the magic that made the original standout in a year of great horror flicks. Great jump scares, some legitimately terrifying twisting of reality (what’s real and what’s not), and a fair amount more gore than expected (the “Terrifier” effect on modern horror). Naomi Scott really makes the movie with her strong performance in the lead position. Without her, I’m not sure this one works and am not sure we would get the impending third installment. She really kills it (no pun intended) from beginning to end here.
Studio horror continuing its comeback, and I’m here for it!
7.2
Considering it’s the “South Park” guys, this is a surprisingly sweet look into nostalgia and childhood rose colored glasses meets adulthood reality. Have to applaud the dedication to a passion project. Next time I’m on my way through Colorado, I know one of the stops I need to make…
7.9
When the third act twist hits in this one, it’s a gut punch for the ages. I really didn’t expect the depth that I got from this one. I expected funny moments interlaced with some heartfelt moments, but I didn’t expect this to be one of the most insightful and inspirational movies I’ve seen this fall. Aubrey Plaza and Maisy Stella play off of each other perfectly, and I can’t imagine anyone else in these roles. Hug your loved ones, gang… and don’t be afraid to take a leap of faith just because it might have an ending or hurt along the way.
