Brett_G

“The Watchers”

By Brett_G on July 7, 2024July 4, 2024

6.7

Well, it’s definitely M. Night Shyamalan’s daughter at the helm. Ishana Night Shyamalan does her best to stick the landing of the patented twist ending that is her family legacy, and mostly nails it. I was pleasantly surprised at the depth of the lore that we delved into as an audience as this movie progressed. Some of the film seemed to be a pretty blatant ripoff of other films of late, such as “A Quiet Place” or “10 Cloverfield Lane.” That being said, it’s in the depth of storytelling that this one really finds its legs. In an attempt to be overly clever, the story falls into clunky territory, but overall, it wasn’t half bad.

Indie Suspense/Thriller

“The Last Stop in Yuma”

By Brett_G on July 6, 2024July 6, 2024

7.5

In the wise words of Karl from “Sling Blade”… “it ain’t got no gas in it.” The gas station may not have any gas, but the diner has rhubarb pie!

Somewhere between “Bad Times at the El Royale,” “Pulp Fiction,” and “The Hateful Eight”… (it was recommended as a comp to The Hateful Eight)

A fun whodunnit of sorts, that unfurls in an increasingly wacky manner as the runtime progresses. Really keeps you on your toes. I got a little worried about the third act, given our bridge into it (trying not to spoil the surprises)… but I’ll be damned if they didn’t stick the landing with 2 of the best needle drops I’ve heard in a long while. Both made me laugh at likely inappropriate, but intentional situations. A fun sleeper hit!

Action Comedy

“Thelma”

By Brett_G on July 6, 2024July 4, 2024

8.2

This movie is INSANE! But it’s also insanely good.

In a sneak attack out of nowhere, this followed the likes of “Book Club” and “Last Vegas” to add a legendary chapter to the Elderly shenanigans cinematic universe. I laughed, I cried, I was on the edge of my seat… this one never missed! At a tight hour and a half, it was firing on all cylinders the entire time and had the sellout crowd cheering by the time the credits rolled. You can’t ask for a better popcorn flick with heart!

Horror/Thriller

“Maxxxine”

By Brett_G on July 5, 2024July 5, 2024

7.9

Better than “Pearl,” but doesn’t quite recapture the magic of “X.” It’s still one hell of a horror trilogy by Ti West and another powerhouse performance by Mia Goth.

The atmosphere is electric, as the performances of the entire cast fire on all cylinders. There isn’t quite as much gore as the first 2 installments, but the impact and purposefulness of the violence gets tighter as the films have progressed to this grisly climax. Ms. Minx holds her own with the unsettling poise we’ve come to know and love.

With a soundtrack drenched in neon charm, we’re transported to what “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” would have looked like in the 80’s. There was a kinship between those two films that grew as the runtime unfurled. There’s an undeniable magic about Tinseltown. Even if it’s been haunted by some of the most notorious evil-doers in the nation’s history. Whether it be Manson in Tarantino’s love letter or the Night Stalker in this ode to a lost era. The use of the Universal lot, especially the “Psycho” house alongside the winking nod to the classic “Hitchcock Blonde”… *chef’s kiss. 2024 is shaping up to be a continuation of the modern horror renaissance and I am HERE FOR IT!

Documentary Drama

“The Bikeriders”

By Brett_G on July 5, 2024July 4, 2024

7.2

I’ll watch anything with Jodie Comer in it… so count me in.

THEN I discover that Austin Butler may have finally lost his Elvis accent?!?! Winner, winner, chicken dinner!

I’d file this one under “PG Sons of Anarchy.” There’s still violence, but it’s much more subdued and the overall feel of the film is much lighter. There’s a thoughtfulness here that really ties in to the fact that it’s the result of a photojournalist’s work. The cultural factors at play, lurking under the surface, really shined and elevated a tale as old as time. The backdrop of war and its effect on the youth, the ever-present search for purpose and evolution of these as we age was on full display and well handled by all involved. There are many heralding Tom Hardy as some sort of genius in this one, but I feel like he plays mostly variations of a similar character lately. There’s nothing wrong with that – it works. However, I’m left lost by the level of the fawning. It was a surprisingly good film, albeit a tad long in the tooth by the time the credits rolled.