7.2
A really well done project out of Pure Flix. Timely, if nothing else. The advice here of “stop overcomplicating everything, dumbass” was refreshing. Professor Cronin out here doing the Lord’s work.
Category: Documentary
8.5
This one hurts, but is also one of the most inspirational documentaries I’ve seen in a LONG time. It was a beautifully told story that solidifies the legacy of Superman of the screen and of the mortal world in many ways. So much impact and such valuable perspective. The family being brave enough to go back through this and to not shy away from the tough spots along the way was extremely admirable and valuable in the final product on-screen. A definite must watch!
8.2
With Aaron Sorkin level dialogue and walk and talks, this one won me over almost immediately. Then, you get into the fantastically realistic representations of the cast and the chaos of live TV, and I was on the edge of my seat the entire runtime. I knew it would be good, but I didn’t expect it to be great. Every member of the cast is perfectly paired with their role and every single frame of film is used to its fullest potential. There’s a beautiful chaos alongside the razor sharp writing that balance each other out much better than expected. Highly recommend, and look forward to this cast making their way into more projects in Hollywood!
6.5
How did no one know this was Matt Walsh?!? The man bun wasn’t THAT convincing… Clark Kent was more incognito.
Is it going to change anyone’s mind? No.
Does watching the “they don’t want you to see this movie” angle and theaters falling into the trap and pulling it from showtimes and this marketing merry-go-round from hell happening again ever get old? Every time, yes.
Did I have conservatives becoming Michael Moore after all these years of railing against his movies and his beliefs on my bingo card? No freaking way, but here we are.
It’s a Michael Moore/Borat type of approach to looking at the institution fighting to change institutional issues, and the inherent irony that arises with any movement that gains power while fighting power.
7.5
Pretty much exactly what I expected… which wasn’t necessarily a bad thing.
I feel like I forgot how good of an actor Dennis Quaid is. John Voight as a Russian spy was an interesting choice, but Quaid turns out to be a perfect pick.
What I was afraid was going to fall into the trap of being pure “Boomer Bait” in the first half actually lets some punches fly in the second half. I figured they would shy away from the skeletons in the closet of one of the more conflicting legacies in American politics, but they actually went there. From calling in the National Guard as Governor, to losing his jelly beans (Alzheimer’s) likely before departing the White House, to running guns and destabilizing Central America, South America, and the Middle East in just 2 terms… I figured “Narcos” and “Sicario” were going to be the only projects willing to admit we created our own enemies for the last 50 years trying to “fix” things.
The framing device of an old Russian recounting his life’s work was a weird choice, but fades more into the background as things take off, and you’re left with a mildly entertaining, albeit long biopic.
Brett Garten, Movie Extraordinare 