Brett Garten, Movie Extraordinare
Cinematic Sommelier
7.1
So… it’s female “John Wick”… Jane Wick?
I hit play because of Katie Holmes. I was left speechless as the credits rolled at the conclusion of this hellacious curveball from the depths of Amazon Prime Video.
The acting may be cheesy, but the story is razor sharp and the action is divine. This movie had no right to be this good, but here we are. Don’t let the Sunday school teacher attire fool you…
7.1
Gotta be careful of those hometown bar run-ins… all sorts of trouble.
I was of course all-in, as I am with any project that includes Alison Brie. For obvious reasons. 😍
The film itself was pretty par for a course. A cute love story, some hilarious hijinks. Golf course streaking. A surprise “Community” cast reunion between Abed and Annie. Everything you could want from a rom-com most couples probably won’t finish this February holiday season. Ending on “Semi Charmed Life” was a great touch, director… Dave Franco?!? Wow. Did not see that coming.
Here’s to hoping your Valentine’s Day isn’t as awkward as this movie. ❤️
7.2
Not too much, not too little. Just right.
In the spirit of “no good deed goes unpunished,” this poor guy saves an asshat’s life, only to have said action cause a ripple effect resulting in his proposal being thwarted. Only to then be wooed by the baking prowess of Zoey Deutch. (Is there anything she can’t do?) She dumps the zero, and gets with the hero in the end. Both learn that someone you met yesterday can be better for you than someone you’ve known for years. Well done, Amazon! Netflix better look out, they’re gunning for the rom-com kingdom.
8.1
It’s British “Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” and I am here for ever second of it!
A quick wit and dry sense of humor that emanates such effortlessness from the main character that you can’t help but root for them, no matter the circumstances. Complicated characters that more accurately depict everyday acquaintances than any sitcom character could ever dream to. Fourth wall breaks that would make Deadpool flush with envy. The wildest storylines that keep one guessing until the very end, until the story and the main character wander into the night, clever as a fox as to their next move. Weird, but we’ll worth the weekend binge.
7.8
Oh my god! They fell in love WITH EACH OTHER after trying to force their failed relationships?!?!? NO WAY!!!
Cynicism aside, I thoroughly enjoyed this one. Not only because I loved the cast, but because it was a well-told story with heart. Heartful people committing heartless acts with good intentions. That tension leads to some great chemistry and humor. Prime Video gunning for Netflix’s domination of the romantic comedy genre with this one.
I think we’ve all been there and can all see where and how this one ends, but it’s still a fun ride. Unless you’re currently in the “I’m going to win them back” stage of a breakup. In which case, I feel for you. (Not that I’ve ever done it *wink*) You will get through this and be able to laugh at the complete ass you are about to make of yourself. It’s all in the name of character growth. The key is to buy chocolate or ice cream you can later eat yourself to drown the humiliation. Then you can watch this movie and laugh instead of cry.
Brett Garten, Movie Extraordinare 