Documentary – Page 9 – Brett Garten, Movie Extraordinare

“Nuclear Now”

By Brett_G on June 16, 2023June 11, 2023

7.2

What “An Inconvenient Truth” should have been. I suppose that’s what happens when you trust the messaging to an actual filmmaker. Alas, Oliver Stone nails it. A well balanced tone and narrative leads to a much more palatable presentation. The infographics especially helped illustrate the data in a way that seemed particularly impactful.

In short, it’s the story of how humans stumbled upon a discovery that could have either saved or destroyed us. Of course, we first used it to try and destroy ourselves, because that’s what we do. Then, we fumbled the bag when it came to using the positive possibilities presented by nuclear generation technology.

Apple Tv+ Documentary

“Still”

By Brett_G on June 11, 2023June 5, 2023

8.8

Just… AMAZING. There aren’t words I can put here that will do this one justice. Not only is the documentary side well crafted, but the current day conversation is devastatingly deep and impactful, giving “Ted Lasso” a run for it’s money in the inspiration department.

Documentary Drama

“Blackberry”

By Brett_G on June 8, 2023June 5, 2023

6.8

If you enjoyed “The Social Network” and “The Wolf of Wall Street,” you’ll enjoy this one. Why we need so many corporate biopics, I’ll never know, but they keep being good so here we are. The casting was one of the stronger points of this film, along with the screenwriting. What could have very easily been the most boring film of the year only worked because of the souls of the people involved. Comedic timing, nuanced performances, and the perfect dash of nerdiness made this click like the signature keyboard of the film’s namesake.

Comedy Documentary

“Paint”

By Brett_G on April 18, 2023April 18, 2023

6.9

Two words – unnecessarily horny.

Turns out Bob Ross needed a stash of brushes to keep the babes at bay.

An absolutely ridiculous what I’m going to consider a mockumentary for the ages. Owen Wilson kills it, and somehow keeps a straight face the entire runtime. If (insert vehicle here) is a rocking, don’t come a knocking. And probably don’t take your new vegan girlfriend to the fondue place for veal. Pro tip from a single gentleman about town.

Documentary Drama Sports

“Air”

By Brett_G on April 9, 2023April 9, 2023

8.5

“You’re remembered for the rules you break.”

The measure of a good “based on a true story” film is how well it can keep the attention of the audience. Did we all know the ship was going to meet its untimely demise at the hands of an iceberg? Yes. Did we all still put butts in seats and make it one of the highest grossing films of all time? You bet your ass we did.

This film keep you engaged from the opening note of “Money for Nothin’” until the credits roll.

Every single member of this cast brings their A game and keep the narrative firing on all cylinders at all times. The ability to make the mundane magnificent is something magical about this film. Whether it’s our taste for nostalgia, love for characters overcoming adversity, or love for this cast and this story, it all works.

Side note – the soundtrack is AMAZING!