Brett Garten, Movie Extraordinare
Cinematic Sommelier
6.8
Well, that was… something.
Clearly based on a fable from the days of old, this film embraces A24’s “what the hell did I just watch?” method of filmmaking. You may not fully understand what it is that you just watched, but I can assure you that you will leave absolutely fascinated by it. Also, maybe a little disturbed. If I had to come up with a motto for this film, it would be “drunk decisions often lead to the best adventures.”
8.1
Not your typical A24 film… Although, it is horrifying in its own way.
A cross between “Shameless” and “Boogie Nights.” Twisted love stories seem to be the official theme of the 2021-2022 Oscar season. Bookending the film with an NSYNC song was a bold move but is oddly fitting in this oddball of a movie. Still not sure if I’m rooting for or against Mikey…
“Going to hell for laughing at this” filmmaking at its finest. Much better than last year’s “Zola.” Definitely not suitable for children. (It’s right there in the title.) And yes, you get to see his red rocket. Or is it in reference to the redhead, Strawberry? I’m confused again about what I just witnessed. If you’re looking to feel like you have your life together, this is the film for you!
6.2
Half-human, half-lamb. There you go. Then there’s a centaur at the end. No idea what the Beach Boys song is there for.
It’s all in Icelandic. I just saved you two hours of your life. To think, this was one of my most anticipated watches of last year… yikes.
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.
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…
