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

“The Descendants”

By Brett_G on

8.2

Gorgeous scenery, complicated life subject matters, deep characters, acoustic soundtrack…the Alexander Payne (Director) formula at the height of its powers.

Similar to “The Holdovers” and “Sideways” from his catalog, this one doesn’t shy away from the awkward or the difficult. Flawed people taking care of each other in the face of adversity is a film premise that will never tire.

George Clooney delivers one of his strongest dramatic performances, but it’s Shailene Woodley that steals the show. Her transition and development of character throughout the film is one of the greatest strengths of the story. As with most of Payne’s works, it’s the subtlety and attention to the smallest details in every frame that sets this apart from other films. Even the dumbass boyfriend becomes a redeeming character by the end, it’s truly a sight to see. Really well done.

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