Brett Garten, Movie Extraordinare
Cinematic Sommelier
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.
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.”
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+.
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.
8.3
Ready to cry to a football movie? Look no further. This cast of mostly b-list stars and up and coming actors rises to the occasion of telling the tale of one of the most legendary sports franchises and records in history… the De La Salle high school football winning streak, fall from grace, and resurgence. An inspiring story of perseverance, integrity, and character… all set against the backdrop of the gridiron. One of the few movies I’ve watched more than once in the theater when it was released.
Brett Garten, Movie Extraordinare 