Drama – Brett Garten, Movie Extraordinare

“Ella McKay”

By Brett_G on February 12, 2026January 16, 2026

7.9

A feel-good political drama/comedy? As insane as that sounds – yes. A great one, at that!

Get ready to hate this husband with every fiber of your being. Punchable doesn’t even begin to describe him by the time the third act rolls around. The messiness of the family was relatable and I was able to find a great comfort in the imperfection of almost everyone on the screen. There was a realness here that really made me feel at home for an hour and a half, and left me a bit bummed out that the credits were already rolling. We all need a good scream from time to time… I’m with you, Jamie Lee Curtis!

Comedy Drama Indie

“Twinless”

By Brett_G on February 9, 2026January 16, 2026

7.1

I guess this is one way to deal with your grief…

I genuinely did not see the third act coming! The two lead actors killed it in this tale of friendship and family, whether chosen or born into. A deeply personal study of relationships and psychology, and the complexity of dark humor within grief processing. Much deeper than I expected at the onset.

Drama Indie

“Sunfish (and other stories on Green Lake)”

By Brett_G on February 8, 2026January 16, 2026

7.7

Summertime in Northern Michigan… there’s nothing like it!

Every story a different angle looking at the same beautiful canvas and complicated humanity that fills it every year in between the snow falling in the great mitten state. An incredibly well done independent film project that does end on a weirdly abrupt note… but kept me 100% in it until then. Enjoy the ambiance of the reasons I love calling Northern Michigan home.

Action Drama

“The Accountant 2”

By Brett_G on February 4, 2026January 16, 2026

9.1

It’s not often that a sequel is better than the original… here is one of those rarities. I was genuinely surprised, then blown away by how well this film builds on the original, how well the brothers play off each other, how well comedy and violence blend, and how well they land the plane in the end. I was on the edge of my seat the entire runtime and left wanting to recommend it to everyone in the lobby. Fun, well crafted action with a heavy dose of heart at the center. Incredibly well done! One of my favorites of 2025!

Drama Suspense/Thriller

“Sinners”

By Brett_G on February 1, 2026January 16, 2026

8.8

Partially exactly what I expected, but so much more at the same time. In the spirit of “The Great Gatsby,” the brothers chase their dreams of throwing a great party and meet poetic ends. The music, the cast, the scenery… Everything fires on all cylinders here! The ending giving Tarantino a run for his money had me speechless. The vampire angle surprisingly fits and doesn’t disrupt the momentum or seem silly. Instead, it fits remarkably well as an allegory. One of the best of 2025!