Brett Garten, Movie Extraordinare
Cinematic Sommelier
6.9
Before “Blackfish,” you had this film to convince you not to go to Sea World, for fear of being trapped in an underwater walkway with strangers while you wait to be devoured by a killer shark. The underwater restaurant looks pretty badass, though.
It’s in 3D, like every other horror movie around this time, and has one of the most laughable finales in cinematic history. However, still an entertaining watch, if you’ve never seen it before.
8.1
Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water…
The first one was just too good… they had to make a second one, right?
In one of Hollywood’s better sequels, Universal made the accidentally genius decision to switch to an action oriented director, who took this film in a different enough direction from the first that it actually works really well. The helicopter scene is a thing of beauty, cheesy as it may be. Chief Brody comes back for another round with his finned foe. The action gets cranked up to an 11, and you see A LOT of the shark in this one. A well executed follow-up to a legend, that stands the test of time.
9.9
All time favorite. As close to a perfect movie as they get in my career as a cinephile.
All time great score, all time perfect cast. Paradigm shifting cinematic craft exhibited by all involved converged by happy accident to create one of the most storied summer blockbusters of all time. What should have been a cheesy, forgettable tale of a goofy mechanical shark turned out to be a juggernaut that would launch many legendary careers and inspire generations to come.
With just two notes and a shark that couldn’t swim… history was made.
7.5
If you leave
I won’t cry
I won’t waste one single day
But if you leave, don’t look back… I’ll be running the other way…
Oh, sorry. I didn’t see you there. Anyways. Classic 80’s rom-com from the maestro John Hughes. James Spader’s lustrous locks always come as a shock, as he stars alongside his “Mannequin” co-star Andrew McCarthy in this all star lineup. Almost felt bad for Duckie… almost. That blonde he ends up with at the end?!? Molly Ringwald in another perfectly adorkable lead role. Really fires on all cylinders. Not quite “Sixteen Candles” or “The Breakfast Club,” but close.
8.2
The infamous tale of the rise and fall of Dirk Diggler. From the heights of the adult film industry to the lows of unspeakable acts in the shopping center parking lot… a tale as old as time. More legendary Hollywood stars than any Oceans film, and a rocking soundtrack, this classic film really fires on all cylinders… unlike Dirk’s Little Dirk after he develops a drug problem and goes off the rails. Lace up your roller skates, and get ready for a wild 2 hour ride…
Brett Garten, Movie Extraordinare 