Category: Comedy

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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Comedy Drama Indie

“American Fiction”

By Brett_G on

8.6

“At least he’d be rejecting the real me.” – This line, in the context of the scene it comes from, was a gut punch for the ages.

Eccentric, esoteric, and in the end, exceptional.

I’ve been intrigued as hell about this one since I first came across the trailer. Jeffrey Wright, Sterling Brown, and Issa Rae never miss, however, this takes things to a whole other level of cerebral subtext. I’m happy to report that not only does it give “South Park” a run for its money in holding a mirror up to the occasional absurdity of our human culture, but it’s also a fabulously crafted family drama under the hood. I didn’t expect the deep emotional impact of that plot to really round out and ground a wild main plot as it did. From the first to the very last frame, I can honestly say I was in disbelief. Absolutely brilliant!

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