Brett_G

“The Ugly Truth”

By Brett_G on January 10, 2023

7.5

The classic “straight laced character learns from the goofball character and they end up proving the opposites attract theory” rom-com. A tale as old as time. A film so old it’s before Gerard Butler decided to drop the American accent. Also, a strong entry into the Katherine Heigl renaissance.

These two play these parts perfectly, and as I’ve said here before, mail the most important part of the rom-com formula: the heart. Without anchoring itself to true human romantic connection, the comedy falls flat. The laughs are only as strong as the “awe” factor at the other end of the spectrum, and this film has both for days. There’s also a lesson in there about opposites attracting, game theory, and the player just being a broken nice guy protecting his heart… but I digress.

Classic Comedy

“Old School”

By Brett_G on January 9, 2023

7.7

A new generation’s “Animal House.” Double secret probation and all.

After making the “old man killed by a nice rack” reference a few reviews ago, I had to revisit this classic and pay respects to our boy blue. 🙏🏻

This movie is lightning in a bottle. The cast, including Ellen Pompeo (Meredith Grey) out of nowhere, is perfect. The jokes are as offensive as ever, and Jeremy Piven is warming up for his role as Ari Gold most of the runtime. So fill up your kiddie pool with the KY jelly and safely store your tranquilizer darts. This one’s a wild ride.

Horror/Thriller Science Fiction

“M3GAN”

By Brett_G on January 6, 2023

7.9

Far better than expected, and I had high hopes. Another Blumhouse homerun.

The beauty of the horror genre is its ability to serve as a conversational vessel, presenting subject matter that we typically cannot stomach in a palatable manner to help spur further conversation. This film dive into child psychology, grief, love, loss, attachment theory, and the ethics of artificial intelligence in much more depth than any hour and a half academic lecture could ever dream of.

The storytelling is razor-sharp, and the actresses Jenna Davis and Amie Donald deserve Oscars for their portrayal of our favorite animatronic adolescent. Violet McGraw is also an amazing talent with a hopefully bright future in Hollywood. There were moments of terrorized laughter throughout the runtime with this one. It was either laughing at the absurdity or being terrified by how closely it resembles recent/current events. Similar to the “Terminator” franchise, this film forces the audience to question “should we really chase convenience at all costs?” and “should we really trust machines programmed by imperfect humans?” Ponder those existential questions while enjoying this excellent horror film.

P.S. This is my 500th review! It’s been one hell of a ride. I can’t wait to see where we go in the years to come! Thank you to everyone who entertains my ramblings.

HBO Science Fiction Suspense/Thriller

“Westworld”

By Brett_G on January 5, 2023January 2, 2023

8.2

This score excludes everything after season 2. The first 2 seasons of this show are nothing short of brilliant, and the other Nolan brother at the height of his complex storytelling powers. The second two seasons made me sad, and left me not sad that they cancelled the show and took it off HBO Max. The premise, acting, and the twists of the first 2 seasons are amazing. The first season finale being one of my all-time favorite HBO episodes.

Comedy Netflix

“Community”

By Brett_G on January 4, 2023

9.1

For a group of community college kids sitting around a table a majority of the runtime, this show is nothing short of brilliant. The variety of how its funny, the chemistry between the cast, and the overall high quality of the show is off the charts. Endless wit from beginning to end in a showing generational talents – Lightning in a bottle. It even made me like Joel McHale, and I thought that was impossible.