Brett_G

“Somebody I Used to Know”

By Brett_G on February 12, 2023February 12, 2023

7.1

Gotta be careful of those hometown bar run-ins… all sorts of trouble.

I was of course all-in, as I am with any project that includes Alison Brie. For obvious reasons. 😍

The film itself was pretty par for a course. A cute love story, some hilarious hijinks. Golf course streaking. A surprise “Community” cast reunion between Abed and Annie. Everything you could want from a rom-com most couples probably won’t finish this February holiday season. Ending on “Semi Charmed Life” was a great touch, director… Dave Franco?!? Wow. Did not see that coming.

Here’s to hoping your Valentine’s Day isn’t as awkward as this movie. ❤️

Drama Romance

“Magic Mike’s Last Dance”

By Brett_G on February 12, 2023February 11, 2023

7.7

I slipped in a puddle on my way out of the theater, but the movie was surprisingly great…

Dare I say, this was the best of the trilogy, AND has more heat in the first 5 minutes than the entirety of the “Fifty Shades” trilogy. The stripper-verse ends up having character arcs and everything! AND, Salma Hayek and Channing Tatum… both still got it!

Well directed, well written, well executed. I’m as shocked as you are. Almost as shocked as the theater of all women who commended me for braving an opening night showing.

Drama Indie Suspense/Thriller

“Knock at the Cabin”

By Brett_G on February 11, 2023

7.9

Holy crap was this a surprise! A good one, too boot! Unlike “old,” Shyamalan lands the plane with the help of a fantastic cast and tight narrative in this one! Dave Bautista separates from the pack of WWE stars turned actors as my current favorite. The breadth and depth of roles he’s willing to take on is promising compared to The Rock’s one size fits all persona and whatever we want to call John Cena’s trajectory at the moment.

Kristen Cui nails it as Wen, and really gives a nice dose of innocence to the screen amongst all of the malevolence and chaos. The supporting cast also does a great job of carrying their weight, but not being overbearing. It’s really well executed, and not trying to be anything it’s not, which I greatly appreciated.

Comedy

“80 for Brady”

By Brett_G on February 11, 2023

7.2

Deep in the vein of “Book Club” and “Last Vegas”… sprinkle in some Gronk and Brady… you get this movie. Not bad, not phenomenal. Good laughs and a good time at the theater with your gal pals.

Adding the twist of the 28-3 comeback in the story and way more Guy Fieri than anticipated… I was pleasantly surprised.

Drama Indie Romance

“Empire of Light”

By Brett_G on February 8, 2023February 8, 2023

6.7

It’s been quite a while since I’ve seen a movie this calculated to win Oscar’s. There’s typically one every year that crosses the line into being ham-handed with its intent.

While there may not be much in the way of story here, the cinematography is absolutely gorgeous, along with perfectly cast set pieces. Past that, it’s a movie about loving movies, race relations, feminism, and mental illness… checking off all the boxes on a “let’s win some awards” bingo card more so than treating any of the subjects with much care, unfortunately.