Classic – Brett Garten, Movie Extraordinare

“Field of Dreams”

By Brett_G on September 17, 2024September 14, 2024

One of those movies that definitely hasn’t lost any of its magic. Walking the outfield of the actual field of dreams and swinging on the porch swing, it was palpable even all these years later. In the wise words of James Earl Jones, “America has rolled by like an army of steamrollers. It’s been erased like a blackboard, rebuilt, and erased again. But baseball has marked the time.”

The film itself is wacky when you strip away the veneer and shouldn’t work as well as it does, but is one of those serendipitous moments of lightning captured in a bottle… captured on film. A story of human connection, parenting, and Americana.. it’s hard to beat. James Earl Jones and Kevin Costner in a sports movie is a cheat code.

And if you’re ever driving through Iowa… I highly recommend taking a turn up the seemingly random driveway, toward the lights in the cornfield.

https://www.fieldofdreamsmoviesite.com

Classic Comedy Throwback

“Slap Shot”

By Brett_G on January 15, 2024January 15, 2024

6.9

The hockey version of “Major League”… about a decade before “Major League.” A lot less polished, but just as much ridiculousness, charm, and laughs. I had forgotten just how off the rails this movie gets, but for those who love the game of hockey there’s an undeniable charm about it… in between cringe moments that remind you that the movie was made almost 50 years ago.

A fun classic film night at the theater with this one!

Classic Comedy Drama

“Thelma & Louise”

By Brett_G on December 6, 2023November 27, 2023

8.4

Ridley Scott – Director of “Alien,” “Blade Runner,” “Gladiator”… and “Thelma & Louise.” AND a Hans Zimmer score!

Now that I have my film geeking out of the way – holy crap was this a fun movie! For such dark subject matter, Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis make such loveable, fun characters and an approachable story that keeps you on the edge of your seat until the very end! The premise of the film is so simple, but the story milks so much adventure out of this road trip that it’s truly mind-blowing, yet completely believable. I never once questioned whether hitchhikers really look like Brad Pitt or the reality of these two becoming national criminals over the course of a long weekend and outrunning the FBI and multiple state law enforcement agencies.

Buck up, and enjoy the ride!

Classic Comedy

“Old School”

By Brett_G on January 9, 2023

7.7

A new generation’s “Animal House.” Double secret probation and all.

After making the “old man killed by a nice rack” reference a few reviews ago, I had to revisit this classic and pay respects to our boy blue. 🙏🏻

This movie is lightning in a bottle. The cast, including Ellen Pompeo (Meredith Grey) out of nowhere, is perfect. The jokes are as offensive as ever, and Jeremy Piven is warming up for his role as Ari Gold most of the runtime. So fill up your kiddie pool with the KY jelly and safely store your tranquilizer darts. This one’s a wild ride.

Classic Drama Suspense/Thriller

“Don’t Bother to Knock”

By Brett_G on February 28, 2022February 20, 2022

7.2

Be careful who you flirt with at the hotel bar… Or from across the courtyard. Or who you hire as your babysitter.

This was far closer to “Psycho” than I expected. Marilyn Monroe had quite the acting chops to pull off this premise. At first, I thought I was watching a romance novel projected onto the silver screen but ended up engulfed in an enigma. Despite the short run time, there is an unexpected depth to this classic, and it alone justified my purchase of a 10-film Marilyn Monroe film bundle.