Category: Comedy

Comedy Rom-Com

“Snack Shack”

By Brett_G on

8.2

You all know I’m a sucker for summer coming of age films, so I had high hopes for this one… that it blew out of the water! It’s on par with “Everybody Wants Some” and “The Way Way Back” for me. Particularly because of the summer love triangle and theme of personal growth by way of a gauntlet of awkwardness the film puts the characters and its audience through. Our dynamic duo, entrepreneurial as they may be, broke the cardinal rule of the bro code and put a ho before their bro. I almost gave them a pass though, because I mean, Mika Abdalla comes out of nowhere as a force of nature as the girl next door AND lifeguard AND photographer. That’s a film vixen triple threat if I’ve ever seen one. She absolutely nails the part, as does the rest of the cast in their slotted roles. I especially enjoyed Nick Robinson in the cool older kid/mentor role.

A throwback to a comedy niche of old, and a nice (albeit awkward as hell) trip down memory lane.

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Comedy Drama Throwback

“Bringing Out The Dead”

By Brett_G on

7.4

Nic Cage as a paramedic? Sign me up!

In what could be a sequel to “Taxi Driver,” we join Cage and his carousel of rig partners in trying to wrangle the chaos of New York City, as well as the chaos within themselves.

Oddly comforting was the portrayal of the Emergency Room waiting area. Some things never change…

The film itself was a cross between the ambiance and inner monologue of “Taxi Driver” and the cinematography of “Seven.” It was an interesting mix. Ving Rhames and John Goodman turn in fantastic supporting performances opposite Cage. As does Tom Sizemore, of all people. An unexpected reflection on healthcare ethics and coping mechanisms in the face of insurmountable stressors.

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Comedy Drama Throwback

“The Descendants”

By Brett_G on

8.2

Gorgeous scenery, complicated life subject matters, deep characters, acoustic soundtrack…the Alexander Payne (Director) formula at the height of its powers.

Similar to “The Holdovers” and “Sideways” from his catalog, this one doesn’t shy away from the awkward or the difficult. Flawed people taking care of each other in the face of adversity is a film premise that will never tire.

George Clooney delivers one of his strongest dramatic performances, but it’s Shailene Woodley that steals the show. Her transition and development of character throughout the film is one of the greatest strengths of the story. As with most of Payne’s works, it’s the subtlety and attention to the smallest details in every frame that sets this apart from other films. Even the dumbass boyfriend becomes a redeeming character by the end, it’s truly a sight to see. Really well done.

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Comedy

“Mean Girls”

By Brett_G on

7.1

A movie… based on a broadway play… based on a movie. What can go wrong? I’m pretty sure this is the definition of “snake eating its own tail.”

If you enjoyed the original and don’t mind some surprisingly well-fitting musical numbers (it is a musical in disguise), you’ll like this one. After HBO’s “The Sex Lives of College Girls” I’ll watch anything with Renee Rap in it. She’s joining Anna Kendrick in that hallowed territory. And she kills it as Regina George. That being said, Angourie Rice, Avantika Vandanapu, and Bebe Wood all fill the big shoes they were left by the original cast. Is it as “lightning in a bottle” as the original? No. But it does a great job of honoring the original while updating a few things along the way enough to make it feel fresh. Maybe in the third installment, “fetch” will finally happen…

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Comedy Drama Indie

“Scrambled”

By Brett_G on

7.7

An eggcelent film.

Reminiscent of “The Pod Generation” from last year, this one delves into the complicated, beautiful, messy dynamics of reproductive health in modern society. Leah McKendrick absolutely kills it here. Her performance, especially a tender moment in the third act alongside Vee Kumari had me on the edge of my seat and bought in from the first frame. Never have I ever expected myself to actually laugh out loud during a scene set in a miscarriage support group, but here we are… only to mere minutes later be inspired and a little misty eyed by the ensuing speech. Movie didn’t play it safe, and I appreciated that. The exploration of this territory with the necessary nuance and levity to counter the natural weight has been a renaissance of sorts.

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