Brett Garten, Movie Extraordinare
Cinematic Sommelier
6.6
A fascinating little documentary. I had no idea what time and expertise went into pre-digital movie projection. Before it went the way of the dinosaurs, the profession of the projectionist was indeed a work of art blended with science. Chemistry expertise mixed with an artist’s touch, all in the name of bringing to life the big-screen movie experience. Now reduced to the push of a few buttons.
6.7
Yep, I got this bored. After what seemed like years on my watchlist, it was finally time. At least it explains where the “This Smells Like My Vagina” candle comes from. Goop Lab makes a lot more sense now. So get in touch with yourself, and get ready to cock your head and go “Hmm…” at least twice each episode. Who knew that Tony Stark’s wife had such a side hustle outside of running Stark Industries?
7.8
Oh… megachurches. Doing the Lord’s work.
Also, what is the lead singer of Midland doing here?!
This movie was much hornier than I anticipated… You’ll see what I mean if you brave this one. Unfortunately, you’ll need to go to church after the credits roll.
The story itself is biopic gold and cements Jessica Chastain as one of the best in the Biz for these roles, after also knocking “Molly’s Game” out of the park. Girl meets boy, falls in love, amass an immense fortune based on fraud, fights the law, and the law wins. But, unfortunately, in a shocking twist, Jerry Falwell turns out to not be holier than thou.
Overall, this film was incredibly entertaining, engaging, and enlightening. It was a fun roller coaster ride through one of American history’s great rise and fall stories. Poor Tammy just wanted to play with her puppets and sing…
8.7
Get ready to cry…
The dark side of fame, the darkness within ourselves, the darkness of society. Juxtaposed with the beauty of being able to touch so many lives, the light within us all, and the beauty in the imperfection of a world made of imperfect people. Dive in, and immerse yourself in a brutally honest tale of a vagabond who allowed us all to live vicariously through him.
6.2
He’s not actually a projectionist, he just owns the theaters. Come on, movie!
Also, apparently, every movie theater in Times Square used to be a burlesque show that would drop a curtain and show skin flicks. Pee-Wee Herman’s paradise. Think “The Deuce” on HBO. Then, the big theater chains came in to buy all of the little guys out, but this guy held out… kind of. He turned one of his beloved movie houses into an apartment building with a bar. Overall, a very odd tale of an immigrant having his Tony Montana moment, triumphant over the AMCs of the world to maintain a hometown theater experience in the least “small town” locale on earth.
Brett Garten, Movie Extraordinare 