Brett_G

“The King’s Man”

By Brett_G on January 5, 2022January 3, 2022

8.5

The prequel no one asked for, but looking back, should have been asking for.

The origin story of the Kingsman, an eloquently told family drama intertwined with global geopolitics affected by international family drama, wrapped in one of the slickest action films of the year. The directing, cinematography, and choreography are off the chart and exceed the already high bar of the Kingsman franchise. Prepare to be thoroughly entertained for two hours by a political drama. I’m as surprised as you are I just said that. However, if you drench it in scotch, high tea, and high octane adrenaline, you have a hit on your hands. Rasputin is the least interesting part of this, and that’s saying something. Well worth the wait through multiple delays to finally see this action-packed masterpiece on the big screen. Too bad that D-Box motion seats are no longer a fad. This movie would have been INSANE in one of those!

“Red Rocket”

By Brett_G on January 4, 2022January 3, 2022

8.1

Not your typical A24 film… Although, it is horrifying in its own way.

A cross between “Shameless” and “Boogie Nights.” Twisted love stories seem to be the official theme of the 2021-2022 Oscar season. Bookending the film with an NSYNC song was a bold move but is oddly fitting in this oddball of a movie. Still not sure if I’m rooting for or against Mikey…

“Going to hell for laughing at this” filmmaking at its finest. Much better than last year’s “Zola.” Definitely not suitable for children. (It’s right there in the title.) And yes, you get to see his red rocket. Or is it in reference to the redhead, Strawberry? I’m confused again about what I just witnessed. If you’re looking to feel like you have your life together, this is the film for you!

Drama Indie

“Lamb”

By Brett_G on January 3, 2022January 4, 2022

6.2

Half-human, half-lamb. There you go. Then there’s a centaur at the end. No idea what the Beach Boys song is there for.

It’s all in Icelandic. I just saved you two hours of your life. To think, this was one of my most anticipated watches of last year… yikes.

Drama Indie

“Licorice Pizza”

By Brett_G on January 3, 2022January 3, 2022

8.1

This film makes about as much sense as the title. Be warned.

That being said, all involved deliver brilliant performances in this twisted tale of fame, romance, adolescence, entrepreneurship, showbusiness, and politics. This struck me as a cross between “Fast Times at Ridgemont High” and “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.” More running than any film this side of a Tom Cruise flick, this film’s soundtrack will make you want to dance in the aisles. Fascinating, inventive camera shots. A fun, inspiring original plot. A marvelous addition to Oscar season.

Year In Review

“Year In Review – 2021”

By Brett_G on December 31, 2021December 31, 2023

Well, we’ve almost made it! 2020 2.0 couldn’t stop us from enjoying another year of movies. They may change our theatrical release dates, but they will never take our streaming! Thankfully, I was able to see more movies in a theater instead of at home on the couch. There’s still a sense of magic there for me. Unfortunately, I’ve found myself slacking more this year than last, which I feel bad about. I have a list of 20 or so movies I need to catch up on. With school, travel (seeing a movie on Mackinac Island!), and other life curveballs, I have often found escape in a darkened theater only to have words for a review find escapism from me. As part of a process improvement class, I devised a rapid improvement initiative to keep myself more on track here. My New Year’s resolution is to stick to a more regular schedule of programming here by implementing that plan.

Again, I thank all of you for stopping by and allowing me to be a small part of your lives. Here’s to a great 2022! Without further adieu, here are my top movies of 2021 in no particular order… (No, “Wonder Woman 1984” did not make the cut, and I almost put “Barb and Star go to Vista Del Mar” on here)

Pig

Finding You

Four Good Days

A Mouthful of Air

Ghostbusters: Afterlife

Last Night in Soho

Halloween Kills

Free Guy

Schulz Saves America

Jared Freid: Socially Distanced, Of Course

Nobody

Censor

The Fear Street Trilogy

A Quiet Place 2

James Bond: No Time To Die

May be an image of 1 person — A snow-draped Vogue Theater to see “Julia” this past week.

May be an image of one or more people, screen and indoor — “Somewhere in Time” at Mission Point Resort on Mackinac Island, sitting close to Christopher Reeve’s seat during a pivotal scene of the movie filmed in the theater.