Drama – Page 37 – Brett Garten, Movie Extraordinare

“The Father”

By Brett_G on March 18, 2021March 13, 2021

8.4

He’s not leaving his FLAT!!! Stop asking!

It took a hot second to figure out what was going on here, but once I caught up to speed, this is an absolutely breathtaking tale of the descent into dementia through the patient’s eyes. Anthony Hopkins better win an Oscar for this one. As someone who worked as a Nurse Aide with dementia patients, this hit close to home for me, and gave me many flashbacks. This poor gentleman hasn’t quite lost enough marbles to become “pleasantly confused” yet. I was not surprised to find that this was originally a play, as the scenes play in a manner that shows that hand very early on. It all works so effectively to put the audience in the patient’s shoes on this one. Haunting, and sometimes hard to watch, but an important subject told well on the silver screen.

For More Info: https://www.alz.org/

Drama Romance

“Trust”

By Brett_G on March 17, 2021March 15, 2021

7.1

Well, the title says trust, but the story says paranoia. I’m a little tired of Hollywood glorifying red flags as “passion” and “depth.” No. Both of these people are terrible and shouldn’t be together. Don’t make this more complicated than it needs to be. The blonde may have game for days on top of being gorgeous, and I mean, I’m not mad that Victoria Justice is here for the party… but damn, this is all toxic. Not a redeeming quality in sight.

Technically speaking, it’s a bit run of the mill, but an entertaining ride full of twists and turns for a tight hour and a half.

Drama Netflix

“I Care A lot”

By Brett_G on March 16, 2021March 16, 2021

8.2

Talk about playing the long game…

Rosamund Pike, don’t mess with her. Between this and “Gone Girl,” will we never learn?

The story itself is sickening enough as it is. A crash course in elder abuse, neglect, and misappropriation. On top of that, you involve the mob, presumed blood diamonds, murder for hire, and the mess that is the U.S. legal system coming to blows with the mess that is the U.S. healthcare system… a recipe for disaster, albeit entertaining disaster. Somewhere between “A Simple Favor” and “Cold Pursuit” lies this film. Humor as dark as it comes, beautifully crafted heists and hits, and a story with more twists that a day at Cedar Point. Very well done, Netflix!

Comedy Drama

“Thank God It’s Friday”

By Brett_G on March 13, 2021

6.8

Cocaine is a hell of a drug.

Also of note: the only reason this wasn’t the hit is that it decided to go head to head against “Saturday Night Fever,” and John Travolta was a bigger draw than Jeff Goldblum. Insane. “Last Dance” by Donna Summer got robbed!

Filmed at Studio 54 West, with almost every cross-promotion available to Casablanca records at the time. Disco, KISS, Donna Summer… The decade of decadence. Eerily similar to “Fast Times at Ridgemont High” or “American Graffiti.” Or “Detroit Rock City, ” although I feel this is of higher quality than that record company cross-promotion film.

Action Drama

“The Marksman”

By Brett_G on March 7, 2021March 1, 2021

6.5

Meh…

If you enjoy the “Taken” franchise and Clint Eastwood’s recent politically-tinged thrillers, then you’ll enjoy this one. Subtlety and nuance definitely aren’t what you’re going to get here. A fairly ham-handed relationship that blossoms between the son and Liam, replacing the daughter he pushes away as the film progresses. I’ve seen worse, I’ve seen better.