Drama – Page 29 – Brett Garten, Movie Extraordinare

“Licorice Pizza”

By Brett_G on January 3, 2022January 3, 2022

8.1

This film makes about as much sense as the title. Be warned.

That being said, all involved deliver brilliant performances in this twisted tale of fame, romance, adolescence, entrepreneurship, showbusiness, and politics. This struck me as a cross between “Fast Times at Ridgemont High” and “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.” More running than any film this side of a Tom Cruise flick, this film’s soundtrack will make you want to dance in the aisles. Fascinating, inventive camera shots. A fun, inspiring original plot. A marvelous addition to Oscar season.

Documentary Drama

“The Eyes of Tammy Faye”

By Brett_G on November 13, 2021November 11, 2021

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…

Drama Indie

“Nine Days”

By Brett_G on November 12, 2021November 11, 2021

7.9

Serene Simplicity

This film accomplishes so much with so little on the screen. The meaning of every frame, every action, every word is magnified by the framing of this journey to enlightenment we find these characters on. It’s definitely one you have to focus on to catch the details in order to fully enjoy. The meaning of life, the meaning of the connection between beings, purpose, societal constructs… all tackled with a breathtaking balance by the time the credits roll. Definitely not a popcorn flick. Don’t watch when you want to mush-mind. When you want a thinker, this is it for 2021. It’s just as strange as the trailer would lead you to believe, but much more profound and fulfilling than one would expect walking in.

Comedy Drama

“The French Dispatch”

By Brett_G on November 11, 2021November 11, 2021

6.8

As with most Wes Anderson films, I was fascinated by what I saw but cannot explain what it was that I saw.

There was love, there was war, there was nudity. Young love. Old love. A guy with an incredible memory. A “revolution.” And the death of a legend in journalism.

Don’t cry in the theater.

I tried to make this sound like I wrote it this way.

Drama Indie

“A Mouthful of Air”

By Brett_G on November 11, 2021November 11, 2021

7.3

A mouthful of air, a heart full of sadness, and eyes full of tears.

Holy crap, this movie is sad. But, it does a phenomenal job of shaping a narrative and framing things so that, as a viewer, you feel deeply connected to the actors’ emotions on the screen. You can feel the tension of some scenes in your soul.

Some of the dialogue was a bit shallow for such a deep, rich story, but it didn’t distract too much from the incredible impact of the overall picture.

Content Warning: If you are sensitive to the subject of suicide, beware.

If you are reading this and could use a listening ear and assistance, https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ is a phenomenal resource.