Action – Page 10 – Brett Garten, Movie Extraordinare

“Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning, Part 1”

By Brett_G on September 27, 2023September 16, 2023

8.1

For a three-hour runtime, this adrenaline soaked fever dream flies by. It may be much of the same, cranked up another notch to top the last film, but it’s executed to perfection. Cruise may in fact perish in pursuit of his next blockbuster, but there’s no one better in the business of popcorn selling, theater packing summer blockbusters that anyone can enjoy. The panache of Christopher Nolan without the headache from overworking your frontal cortex to keep a grip on the unfolding narrative. Like “Oppenheimer,” this was born for IMAX.

Important Note – I greatly appreciated the structure of this film, especially as a Part 1 of 2. It completed the arc, while also setting up the finale in the next chapter. It didn’t leave me feeling let down and immediately needing the part 2 in order to not feel cheated like the “Hobbit” franchise or “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1.”

Action Blockbuster

“Expendables 4”

By Brett_G on September 26, 2023September 26, 2023

5.7

Megan Fox is the best actor involved here… I never thought I’d say that. Especially regarding an ensemble cast. There’s a first time for everything. And it’s not just because of the translucent tank top and attractive anger throughout. She carries this thing for a lot of the run time.

Jason Statham does Jason Statham things. Randy Couture explains at least 4 separate times what cauliflower ear is… why? No clue. But he does. And 50 Cent’s here. Again… why? Your guess is as good as mine.

They should have stopped at 3, but what’s a good thing if you don’t indulge in too much of it to confirm the limit? This one’s dialogue makes the first 3 look Oscar worthy. It’s rough. There are far better action flicks to bide your time with.

Action Comedy

“Bottoms”

By Brett_G on September 25, 2023September 16, 2023

7.3

Very similar to “Shiva Baby.” Rachel Sennott is the master of the awkward comedy. “Fight Club” meets “Not Another Teen Movie.” There’s a lot of social commentary going on here, and I loved the caricatures here. Marshawn Lynch definitely had a second career in education if the whole football thing didn’t work out. Between this and his cameos in “The League,” can we please get more of him and less of Vin Diesel?

Action Comedy Indie

“Quicksand”

By Brett_G on September 16, 2023September 16, 2023

7.4

A surprisingly great buddy comedy/adventure, a la “The Hangover!”

Similar to “Deer Camp ’86” and “Terrifier,” I loved the authenticity of this film. Especially the easily recognizable landmarks as the dynamic duo made their way across the mitten state to track down the ring. The hijinks were much more creative and packed a much bigger punch than I expected. As described in the Q & A with the director afterwards, this crew was mostly learning as they went when it came to feature filmmaking. Had I not been told that, I would have never guessed it. There’s a finesse here that reflects a much more seasoned operation. Bravo to the filmmakers for pulling off a truly fun, funny, and impactful film! It’s festival accolades are well earned, and we’re lucky to have such a bustling movie scene in West Michigan.

Although not yet on streaming, you can find this one on Amazon/iTunes at the moment. The Vogue Theater and Celebration! Cinema spoil us here in West Michigan when it comes to limited releases and special events.

Action Blockbuster Documentary Romance

“Oppenheimer”

By Brett_G on July 22, 2023July 22, 2023

8.9

In one word – haunting.

It was everything and nothing I expected at the same time. After listening to the source material, “American Prometheus,” (which I highly recommend) every second of this three hour runtime had an amplified impact for me. The message, the nuance, the attention to detail. All incredible.

The film is perfectly cast, and everyone turns in a career best performance. No matter how small the part, everyone brought their A-game.

The beauty contained in each frame was awe inspiring. Of course, I saw this in IMAX, on film. It’s a true blessing to have Celebration! Cinema in your backyard here in West Michigan. For this, and many other reasons. The place was packed, and I don’t think most were ready for what they were about to experience. Nolan at the height of his powers, and everyone glued to the edge of their seat.

Strap in, and enjoy the complex tale of brilliance, guilt, politics, and scientific discovery. They went a lot of places I didn’t expect them to, and ended on a much more powerful note than I anticipated. Well worth the hype!