Blockbuster – Page 25 – Brett Garten, Movie Extraordinare

“Little Women”

By Brett_G on January 7, 2020

8.5

In the wise words of Owen Wilson, “wow.” This one caught me a little off guard. May or may not have gotten a little dusty in the theater a couple of times. Bucking the trend of numerous news outlets lecturing everyone on “men aren’t going to see ‘little women’,” I thought I’d check this one out. Definitely glad I did.

A tale of elegance and humanity, love and independence. A character study in how we love and whether we have a choice in who we love or when it hits us. Heavy stuff handled deftly in this well-crafted film. Beautiful set pieces and cinematography, brilliant acting, and a razor sharp story tie it all together. Bravo!

Also, apparently the perfect revenge on the girl you fall in unrequited love with who strings you along under the guise of friendship with potential for something more but really doesn’t know who she is or how to love, leaving her with a void she is perpetually unable to fill and her pining after what you once had and trying to find it in other people or making a grand gesture in “too little, too late” fashion, destroys your heart and will to love again… is to become a hard partying playboy for a few years, regain your confidence, and marry her attractive sister.

“The Hurt Locker”

By Brett_G on December 25, 2019

8.2

Definitely can see why this cleaned house at the Oscars back in the day… what a wild ride! Jeremy Renner and Anthony Mackie team up pre-Marvel Universe to bring the same chemistry to this pulse pounding thrill ride of a film. Director Kathryn Bigelow at the height of her powers, directing actions scenes with unmatched intensity and thrill. Overall, a classic war film, and a great Christmas movie.

Blockbuster

“Cats”

By Brett_G on December 22, 2019

3.0

Well, the title doesn’t lie… there are cats… and that’s about it. 3 points, one for each good thing about this film.

1. Taylor Swift graces the screen for one song.

2. The lead actress, Francesca Hayward, does her best to save this dumpster fire.

3. Jennifer Hudson sings her ass off and rocks “memory.”

Aside from these moments, spend 2 hours (way too long) trying to figure out why they couldn’t decide on the scale of sets and props. Causing even more mental anguish than the CGI cats that bend the mind like AI deep-fakes. It’s no “Jersey Boys” or “Phantom of the Opera.”

Blockbuster

“Star Wars: Episode IX”

By Brett_G on December 20, 2019

9.4

After “Avengers: Endgame,” I didn’t know if anyone would ever land the plane as well as the Russo brothers when it came to a mega franchise believed by millions… until JJ Abrams delivered one of the greatest third acts not only of a trilogy, but a saga, that I have ever enjoyed on the big screen. Expertly executed callbacks and homages to classic Star Wars moments. The redemption of the perfect characters at the perfect times. The best case scenario endings for almost all involved… and enough nostalgia to make “Ready Player One” blush. To see everything come to fruition and come full circle left such a strong sense of closure that I felt completely satisfied when the credits rolled. There will be division, yes, but we can all say that we have witnessed cinematic history this year, and have shared some cherished memories with our fellow Star Wars fans over these past 4 years. Bravo to all involved… now onto a much deserved rest for the near future for this legendary franchise. We’ll see you on Disney+.

Blockbuster Comedy

“Jumanji: The Next Level”

By Brett_G on December 14, 2019

8.1

As far as sequels go… damn. That was a fun 2 hour ride! The cast returns with just the right amount of differentiation from the first, just the right amount of laughs to heart. There’s a needle to thread with follow-up films, and this one nails it! Possibly my favorite performances from The Rock and Jack Black. Really the entire cast takes it up a notch for this one. (Still get a tad bit distracted by Karen Gillian) Really a return to the magic of the first.