Drama – Page 30 – Brett Garten, Movie Extraordinare

“Here Today”

By Brett_G on May 9, 2021May 9, 2021

8.3

“It’s the perfect time for jokes!”

The better version of “The Father.” There, I said it! This movie should have been in the running for best picture instead.

I spent at least 2/3 of the runtime misty-eyed. But I also laughed more genuinely than most films are able to achieve. Such a horrific story and situation that forces moments of profound beauty and perspective.

Tiffany Haddish kicks ass in a drama role in this one. Just as unexpected as Billy Crystal. They both toe the line of seriousness and humor with grace not many have. It illustrates the balance between the two we often struggle with within our own lives. This is why I prefer this version of “old man losing his marbles” to “The Father.” The films have very different approaches with a similar intent of bringing awareness to Alzheimer’s/dementia. I just preferred this more human feeling, struggle to be lighthearted in the face of darkness approach. Very well done and worth the time and tears.

“Together Together”

By Brett_G on April 27, 2021April 24, 2021

8.4

So many societal issues, handled with the perfect mix of grace and awkwardness. Ed Helms and Patti Harrison shine as the two perfect people to bring this story to the screen. Similar to “Promising Young Woman,” this film takes incredibly awkward topics and brings them to life on screen in such a way that they seem much more approachable. The beauty of human life and the relationships between people. The wonder of what life can be when we let go of “the plan” and “normal.” I laughed, I got a little misty-eyed, I came away with a lot to ponder in how to present this. The only beef I had was with the ending, but I can also understand and support the artistic choice. A lot of heart in this one. The kind of storytelling that has come through and shined on the big screen in the past year with the almost absolute absence of big, blockbuster franchises sucking up all of the silver screen real estate. Well worth a watch!

Drama

“French Exit”

By Brett_G on April 11, 2021

6.6

I’ve spent 24 hours trying to process and interpret what the hell this is… I’m still at a loss.

I can’t tell if this is a beautiful tale of friends filling in as family, or a horrifying tale of delusion as a result of traumatic loss. Whether it’s brilliant or insane. Whether there was a story here, or they just shot random scenes and decided to end it when the tape ran out.

Fascinating to watch in that it keeps you engaged in the pursuit of understanding. It definitely had some strong “Harold & Maude” vibes, but without the charm.

Documentary Drama

“City of Lies”

By Brett_G on March 24, 2021March 22, 2021

8.2

Ready to hate the LAPD and love Johnny Depp? Have I got the movie for you!

This is a fascinating case study in the miscarriage of justice, social sicknesses we still suffer from, power corrupting, and incentives aligning to damage the most at-risk among us. After watching the Netflix series and working my way through the audiobook before seeing this, the story doesn’t get any more positive. 2 detectives who self-destructed in pursuit of the truth against every social and political pressure imaginable. 2 young men whose lives ended far too soon. A city with bottomless corruption. Captivating performances by all. A great example of real-life writing a far better story than a screenwriter ever could, transcribed beautifully to the silver screen by this crew. Very well done!

Documentary Drama

“The Courier”

By Brett_G on March 23, 2021March 22, 2021

7.8

Benedict Cumberbatch at the height of his powers.

What begins as a knock-off of the film “Bridge of Spies” from a few years ago becomes a harrowing tale of espionage, friendship, and international geopolitical maneuvering. For me, the relationship between Grevel and Alex is the best part of this film. The complicated relationship between these two men and their wives being a close second. It’s a fascinating study in relationships. The best message from the film, other than we need to stay aware of recent history to avoid repeating it, per usual, is that often the citizens of two countries fall victims to two governments at odds. As Alex says at one point, “our countries’ governments may hate each other, but our people are very similar to your people. It starts with two people talking.” Something to that effect. No matter how toxic those in power may become, everything can be boiled down to a relationship between two people, and good often triumphs over evil. Much more positive of an ending than I was expecting, but you have to look for it. The gulags get a little dark.