Author: Brett_G

Horror/Thriller

“Immaculate”

By Brett_G on

6.9

Spoiler Alert – There is no Glen Powell.

Now, on to the film… I’ll be damned, they turned the old pregnant nun jokes into a well crafted, tight hour and a half religious horror-thriller. Having heard some of the behind the scenes history on this one, a huge kudos to Sweeney for sticking with a story she believed in and playing the long game to get this project made on onto the big screen… just in time to play against the Christian fare for Easter.

The tension and jump scares were really well executed. The scenery was surprisingly well done. The acting was far better than expected for a movie of this genre at in this current day and age. Aside from the ending, which felt a little abrupt and stomach churning (which could have been a matter of taste on my part) I really enjoyed the film! Sydney Sweeney has more range than I think most give her credit for.

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Action Blockbuster Science Fiction

“Ghost Busters: Frozen Empire”

By Brett_G on

7.4

So… it’s not as bad as everyone keeps whining about. Thank God. I couldn’t handle another “Madame Web” this soon after.

My biggest gripes were the pacing in some spots and Phoebe Spangler being a complete dumbass for 5 minutes. It went against everything else her character is supposed to be and had strongly established. It just felt forced. But other than those two things, it’s a solid modern blockbuster. Complete with the triumphant return of the third act sky beam!

The villain was pretty cool, and the nostalgia was laid on as thick as humanly possible – a perfect combination for a self-aware franchise that knows not to take itself too seriously. Was it absolutely necessary? No. But it was an enjoyable popcorn flick, and that’s what we all need from time to time. Not everything has to contend for an Oscar.

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Comedy Rom-Com

“Snack Shack”

By Brett_G on

8.2

You all know I’m a sucker for summer coming of age films, so I had high hopes for this one… that it blew out of the water! It’s on par with “Everybody Wants Some” and “The Way Way Back” for me. Particularly because of the summer love triangle and theme of personal growth by way of a gauntlet of awkwardness the film puts the characters and its audience through. Our dynamic duo, entrepreneurial as they may be, broke the cardinal rule of the bro code and put a ho before their bro. I almost gave them a pass though, because I mean, Mika Abdalla comes out of nowhere as a force of nature as the girl next door AND lifeguard AND photographer. That’s a film vixen triple threat if I’ve ever seen one. She absolutely nails the part, as does the rest of the cast in their slotted roles. I especially enjoyed Nick Robinson in the cool older kid/mentor role.

A throwback to a comedy niche of old, and a nice (albeit awkward as hell) trip down memory lane.

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Horror/Thriller

“The Ward”

By Brett_G on

6.7

Kind of “Shutter Island,” kind of “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.” I was digging it in the first half. It just missed sticking the landing in the second half for me. For a John Carpenter film, it was missing his signature strange. The ominous originality he’s known for. It was unexpectedly typical, which meant it was a letdown in this case. I’d recommend one of the aforementioned films instead. And not just because Amber Heard is playing lead in this one.

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Comedy Drama Throwback

“Bringing Out The Dead”

By Brett_G on

7.4

Nic Cage as a paramedic? Sign me up!

In what could be a sequel to “Taxi Driver,” we join Cage and his carousel of rig partners in trying to wrangle the chaos of New York City, as well as the chaos within themselves.

Oddly comforting was the portrayal of the Emergency Room waiting area. Some things never change…

The film itself was a cross between the ambiance and inner monologue of “Taxi Driver” and the cinematography of “Seven.” It was an interesting mix. Ving Rhames and John Goodman turn in fantastic supporting performances opposite Cage. As does Tom Sizemore, of all people. An unexpected reflection on healthcare ethics and coping mechanisms in the face of insurmountable stressors.

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