Drama – Page 36 – Brett Garten, Movie Extraordinare

“Pretty in Pink”

By Brett_G on May 21, 2020May 21, 2020

7.5

If you leave
I won’t cry
I won’t waste one single day
But if you leave, don’t look back… I’ll be running the other way…

Oh, sorry. I didn’t see you there. Anyways. Classic 80’s rom-com from the maestro John Hughes. James Spader’s lustrous locks always come as a shock, as he stars alongside his “Mannequin” co-star Andrew McCarthy in this all star lineup. Almost felt bad for Duckie… almost. That blonde he ends up with at the end?!? Molly Ringwald in another perfectly adorkable lead role. Really fires on all cylinders. Not quite “Sixteen Candles” or “The Breakfast Club,” but close.

Drama Romance

“Valley Girl” (2020)

By Brett_G on May 19, 2020

4.5

Like, gag me with a spoon, that was rough.

Jessica Rothe and the soundtrack earned all 4.5 of those stars. Had to make up for a lot of Logan Paul. Although, his character is supposed to be a tool, so… good casting?

For some odd reason, they took a decent 80’s movie, forgot to write half of a script, and filled the gaps with musical numbers. I mean, the soundtrack was pretty bitchin’, but couldn’t fully pull this one out of a narrative tailspin. And subjected so many promising young actors and actresses to this ball and chain of a film.

It was colorful and full of everything 80’s, but a pretty hollow shell of an actual film.

Amazon Prime Comedy Drama

“Upload”

By Brett_G on May 16, 2020

8.3

A little on the nose to be coming from Amazon. A company developed virtual reality that your consciousness is uploaded into after death? And it turns out that the parent tech company is evil? Little close to home, don’t you think?

The show itself was a pleasant surprise. Very well done! The cast have a great chemistry, the jokes all land without feeling like stale VR jokes. The love story develops naturally. And the scenery is gorgeous.

Classic Documentary Drama

“Boogie Nights”

By Brett_G on May 15, 2020April 26, 2020

8.2

The infamous tale of the rise and fall of Dirk Diggler. From the heights of the adult film industry to the lows of unspeakable acts in the shopping center parking lot… a tale as old as time. More legendary Hollywood stars than any Oceans film, and a rocking soundtrack, this classic film really fires on all cylinders… unlike Dirk’s Little Dirk after he develops a drug problem and goes off the rails. Lace up your roller skates, and get ready for a wild 2 hour ride…

Classic Drama Romance

“Valley Girl (1983)”

By Brett_G on May 12, 2020

6.7

Like, a totally rad movie. One of Nicholas Cage’s first (and best) roles of his career. Just enough lunacy to fit the character who’s a bit of an outsider, who gets the girl in the end. Amazing 80’s soundtrack. Hanging out at the mall. Neon color galore. Very 80’s. Somewhat of a John Hughes type love story, checking all of the character and storyline boxes as it moves along.