Brett_G

“The Sure Thing”

By Brett_G on October 30, 2022

8.2

Shout-out to a Twitter mutual for this recommendation! She must have known I have a soft spot for “type A meets an endearing, yet maddening type B, and they learn balance from each other while hurtling towards a happily ever after” films.

John Cusack at the height of his charm and powers. Daphne Zuniga playing the perfect better half that is charmed just enough by his shenanigans that she overlooks the annoyance while an unlikely bond forms. Thank your deity of choice she didn’t fall for the total square. Walter’s heeding of John Keating’s advice from “Dead Poet’s Society” pays off in the end… Carpe diem, indeed!

The advice, delivered as only the legendary Robin Williams could: “Language was invented for one reason, boys – to woo women – and, in that endeavor, laziness will not do.”

Well worth hunting down a DVD copy on Amazon!

Drama Romance

“Tár”

By Brett_G on October 30, 2022

7.1

What you expect to be a film about classical music and hustle and bustle of the inner workings of a professional symphony turns into a study of power, connection, and the people behind the music.

As a big fan of Mahler, especially his 5th symphony thanks to “Somewhere in Time,” I was sold on this in the first 10 minutes. Surprisingly, this film only drags for about 20 minutes of its two and a half hour runtime. The rest has Aaron Sorkin-esque tension that keeps you waiting to see what’s around the next corner.

Is it for everyone? Probably not. Is it Oscar bait? Oh yeah. Was I impressed when the credits rolled? Definitely.

Horror/Thriller Indie

“Terrifier 2”

By Brett_G on October 29, 2022

7.3

An absolute masterclass in practical effects!

The most unabashedly brutal film this side of “Cannibal Holocaust.”

Possibly the most blood I’ve ever witnessed painted across the big screen.

Art the clown cements himself as a horror icon, in my opinion.

Definitely not for the faint of heart. If you enjoy the classic slashers of old, and don’t mind a loose storyline, this is the film for you this spooky season! What feels like a guerrilla film that no studio in its right mind would green light. One of my favorite scores of the past year. This fall has been phenomenal for original horror films!

Horror/Thriller

“Prey for the Devil“

By Brett_G on October 28, 2022October 28, 2022

7.1

I see what the did there… touché on the word play.

Anywho… a really solid exorcism film, “Exorcist” homage streetlight establishing shot and all!

The story got a little clunky in the bridge and could have benefitted from maybe 5 more minutes in the middle, but overall I really enjoyed this one. The characters were all well done, the Catholicism touched on just enough to establish the story but not Bible thump, and just enough originality on the formula. The jump scares definitely aren’t for the faint of heart, but aside from the cardiovascular risk, you’ll have a spooky good time with this one!

Horror/Thriller

“Halloween Ends”

By Brett_G on October 14, 2022

8.2

… or does it? Dun dun dun!

They finally nailed the theme of “Halloween 3: Season of the Witch!” After all, Michael Myers is ultimately “the shape.” Evil incarnate. What happens when that evil spreads beyond its original vessel? One of the essential overarching questions of the franchise, especially with this newest trilogy.

Carrying on the themes of the first two installments, this film dives into the psychological aspect behind the classic slasher much more than one would expect. Man in a mask stabs people – the end. Not for this film. We examine emotions spanning the entire spectrum of possibilities, from grief to violent eroticism, and everything in between.

That being said, we still get some of the best kills in the series by the time the credits roll to “Don’t Fear The Reaper.” Hilarious and surprising cameos by the original “Shape” Nick Castle and infamous Darcy the Mail Girl from Shudder’s “The Last Drive In” Diana Prince. Taking the trilogy in totality – a well done reboot and re-invigoration of the franchise!