Action – Brett Garten, Movie Extraordinare

“Spider-Man: Brand New Day”

By Brett_G on September 23, 2026September 20, 2026

8.9

Forget being a comic book movie – this is a great FILM!

A much more personal story than we’re used to in the MCU, Tom Holland suits up and knocks it out of the park, really digging into the depths of his character and shining alongside Zendaya and Jon Bernthal especially. If you’re anything like me, you’ll find yourself a little misty-eyed at this one. Sadie Sink’s portrayal of the Phoenix saga has to be the best one yet, as it’s the most grounded and personal retellings to date. I really enjoyed how much care came through the screen during this one. It’s refreshing to be reminded why we all fell in love with the MCU to begin with. Here’s to them continuing this newfound winning streak into the future for a good long time!

“The Odyssey”

By Brett_G on September 22, 2026September 20, 2026

9.2

… It’s still in IMAX!

One of, if not the most beautiful film you’ll see all year. The cinematography, casting, and overall storytelling is firing on all cylinders from beginning to end. Doing what Christopher Nolan does best, he takes an incredibly heady story and makes it approachable and palatable for the masses, and ENTERTAINING. In a 3 hour film that doesn’t feel anywhere near 3 hours long, sit down, strap in, and get ready for an epic retelling of an epic tale… meant to be seen on the biggest screen you can find. Just when you think Christopher Nolan can’t top himself, you get this… This is what going to the movies is all about!

Action Blockbuster

“The Super Mario Galaxy Movie”

By Brett_G on June 17, 2026June 16, 2026

7.5

Honestly, I don’t know what I was expecting… they have to rescue a princess. Pretty colors. Cheap laughs. No more, no less. Quick in and out 90 minute runtime. Intellectual property mining at its finest.

Action Blockbuster Science Fiction

“Project Hail Mary”

By Brett_G on March 26, 2026March 22, 2026

9.1

Bravo!

The best space movie since “Interstellar” and “The Martian.” The best sci-fi blockbuster this side of “Ready Player One.” Above all, a film by lovers of film – it shows in every single frame. This is why we go to the movie theater. Ryan Gosling absolutely ROCKS IT as science teacher Ryland Grace lost in space with his buddy Rocky. I never thought I’d be getting teary eyed over a rock person, but here we are… Not since TARS has a sidekick brought this much hear to the sidecar and stolen so many scenes. The depth of the heart and storytelling and impactful messages about love, friendship, society, and the bravery of scientific exploration were so much more than I expected. On a technical level, the film is also GORGEOUS and incredibly well constructed from the first frame to the last. The music, the scenery, the storytelling – all firing on all cylinders. A movie so good it’s inspired me to read the book!

Action Drama Indie

“Dead Man’s Wire”

By Brett_G on March 24, 2026March 22, 2026

7.4

This one was a very pleasant surprise! The world building was really well done, and Bill Skarsgård’s signature menacing does this character justice, as he straddles the line between understandable grievance and “yeah man, you took this way too far.” The fact that this is based on a true story made it even more intriguing. A really solid historical drama!