Comedy – Page 15 – Brett Garten, Movie Extraordinare

“Fool’s Paradise”

By Brett_G on June 6, 2023June 5, 2023

7.2

Similar to “Showgirls,” I think this film is brilliant, but there’s a lot to dig through to get to that genius. It’s an expertly executed satire of showbusiness and Hollywood, and surprisingly funny. A true case of “less is more” in practice. The cast is fantastic. There’s not a weak link in anyone’s screen time. I was especially surprised by the non-verbal performance by Charlie Day, who typically relies on over the top vocals to sell his craft. it’d be like Jim Carrey not having any lines. A big leap, but also a big payoff here. Definitely different, but well worth the runtime and experimentation.

Action Comedy

“The Machine”

By Brett_G on June 5, 2023June 5, 2023

6.5

Just watch the bit (linked below).

It may have been that I was forced to watch the red carpet for a half hour prior to watching this opening night, but I just found it okay… Which was unfortunate, because I was excited for this one. All the funniest moments were in the trailer, which I always hate. And it just seemed to drag by the end. An hour special – solid. A two hour movie? Too much Machine. Mark Hamill is just as out of place as you’d think.

Comedy Drama Indie

“Somewhere in Queens”

By Brett_G on April 25, 2023

7.8

A surprisingly, incredibly powerful family drama. A film that also made me and the couple sitting behind me laugh uncontrollably through most of the runtime. The heart woven within this story is some of the best of the year!

The cast absolutely kills it. From main characters down to the valets who are only in one or two scenes.

At the heart of this one is the process of having one’s heart broken. Whether it’s losing your first love or almost losing your one and only love, the laughs are countered by some Rocky-like punches to the gut. Learning to overcome such adversity to live a fuller, more deeply experienced life on the other side is one of life’s great triumphs, and on full display here. Wonderfully done!

Comedy Throwback

“The Secret of My Success”

By Brett_G on April 23, 2023April 23, 2023

7.1

A really charming comedy about corporate calamity. In the vein of “Office Space,” if you’ve ever worked hidden within the origami of an org chart, you’ll love this one.

Michael J. Fox brings his trademark charm, helping to lighten the mood of what could have been a much more questionable movie had it been anyone else. Between the personal and professional infidelity, there’s a lot of moral ambiguity going on. But with Marty McFly in the frame, there’s a lovable levity to it all.

Also a lesson to be gleaned… as Newman in “Seinfeld” once said, “when you control the mail, you control INFORMATION!”

Comedy Documentary

“Paint”

By Brett_G on April 18, 2023April 18, 2023

6.9

Two words – unnecessarily horny.

Turns out Bob Ross needed a stash of brushes to keep the babes at bay.

An absolutely ridiculous what I’m going to consider a mockumentary for the ages. Owen Wilson kills it, and somehow keeps a straight face the entire runtime. If (insert vehicle here) is a rocking, don’t come a knocking. And probably don’t take your new vegan girlfriend to the fondue place for veal. Pro tip from a single gentleman about town.