Comedy – Page 2 – Brett Garten, Movie Extraordinare

“The Ugly Truth”

By Brett_G on January 10, 2023

7.5

The classic “straight laced character learns from the goofball character and they end up proving the opposites attract theory” rom-com. A tale as old as time. A film so old it’s before Gerard Butler decided to drop the American accent. Also, a strong entry into the Katherine Heigl renaissance.

These two play these parts perfectly, and as I’ve said here before, mail the most important part of the rom-com formula: the heart. Without anchoring itself to true human romantic connection, the comedy falls flat. The laughs are only as strong as the “awe” factor at the other end of the spectrum, and this film has both for days. There’s also a lesson in there about opposites attracting, game theory, and the player just being a broken nice guy protecting his heart… but I digress.

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.

Comedy Netflix

“Community”

By Brett_G on January 4, 2023

9.1

For a group of community college kids sitting around a table a majority of the runtime, this show is nothing short of brilliant. The variety of how its funny, the chemistry between the cast, and the overall high quality of the show is off the charts. Endless wit from beginning to end in a showing generational talents – Lightning in a bottle. It even made me like Joel McHale, and I thought that was impossible.

Comedy HBO

“Hung”

By Brett_G on January 3, 2023

7.3

It’s basically “Breaking Bad,” but instead of making meth, this teacher/coach decides to sell himself to rebuild his life. A great cast, a lot of great laughs. The only complaint I have is the clunky ending. It ends like hitting a brick wall. Very strange, and unfortunate. But then again, this kept it from overstaying its welcome. Solid B-tier HBO television.

Action Comedy

“Malibu High”

By Brett_G on January 1, 2023January 1, 2023

6.1

In a story arch as unlikely as the “50 shades” trilogy, our main character Kim goes from nymphomaniac to professional assassin in the blink of an eye, with little to no explanation. This may also be the only film I’ve ever seen other than “Old School” (you’re my boy, blue!) where an elderly man is killed simply by the power of a nice pair.

The soundtrack had me in stitches as it never matched what was going on on screen. The acting was laughable. But it was an entertaining hour and a half, I’ll give it that. A thank you to “Cinema Speculation” for this odd rabbit hole to travel down.