Brett Garten, Movie Extraordinare
Cinematic Sommelier
7.4
Ok, stick with me here… this was far better than I expected. I expected a low brow attempt at social commentary that devolved into “laughing at this means I’m going to hell” comedy. What this actually evolved into was a surprisingly nuanced take on society, race, belonging, family, assimilation, and inner comfort with ourselves… with a few solid laughs sprinkled in for much needed levity. Really really well done!
7.4
This one was a very pleasant surprise! The world building was really well done, and Bill Skarsgård’s signature menacing does this character justice, as he straddles the line between understandable grievance and “yeah man, you took this way too far.” The fact that this is based on a true story made it even more intriguing. A really solid historical drama!
7.1
Not bad for the foreign language Best Picture nominee. A bit on the nose with the family drama, but there’s enough genuine heart in it to help make that palatable. The hard on this film has for, well filmmaking, is a must if you want the Oscars nomination. The humor is DARK, and you’ll likely get some strange looks for some of the jokes causing you laughter… it’s worth it. A solid watch for awards season!
6.4
“Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris” was far superior to “Mrs. Harris goes to Amsterdam as her marriage falls apart.” It took me far too long to put things together watching this one. It pulled a lot of punches throughout, which made it difficult to follow at times. It had a hard time nailing down a tone and picking a lane. Some almost sweet moments undercut by an ironic lack of commitment.
8.7
One of those films that plays like… well, like a play. Seemingly a continuous shot, all contained within a single locale… relying on the sheer stage presence of those on screen. Engross yourself in this piece of art character study that hits you right in the feels from beginning to end as we all pull up a bar stool and get lost in the swirl of emotions. You’ll be humming along to the show tunes as you try to prevent yourself from getting too misty eyed at this one. Bravo and job well done to all involved here. Every frame of this was a work of cinematic art!
Brett Garten, Movie Extraordinare 