Category: Drama

Comedy Drama Indie

“Kinds of Kindness”

By Brett_G on

7.2

I expected weird, and weird I received.

What turned out to be the same ensemble telling 3 loosely related tales of psychologically disorienting oddity plays out over almost 3 hours of runtime. Each seemingly stranger than the next. I’m still not sure how to adequately put into words what this one entails without giving away the element of surprise, which is this movie’s biggest pocket ace. Definitely don’t watch with children or if you have a weak stomach… Shit gets weird, and it keeps getting weirder…

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Documentary Drama

“The Bikeriders”

By Brett_G on

7.2

I’ll watch anything with Jodie Comer in it… so count me in.

THEN I discover that Austin Butler may have finally lost his Elvis accent?!?! Winner, winner, chicken dinner!

I’d file this one under “PG Sons of Anarchy.” There’s still violence, but it’s much more subdued and the overall feel of the film is much lighter. There’s a thoughtfulness here that really ties in to the fact that it’s the result of a photojournalist’s work. The cultural factors at play, lurking under the surface, really shined and elevated a tale as old as time. The backdrop of war and its effect on the youth, the ever-present search for purpose and evolution of these as we age was on full display and well handled by all involved. There are many heralding Tom Hardy as some sort of genius in this one, but I feel like he plays mostly variations of a similar character lately. There’s nothing wrong with that – it works. However, I’m left lost by the level of the fawning. It was a surprisingly good film, albeit a tad long in the tooth by the time the credits rolled.

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Blockbuster Drama

“Horizon: An American Saga, Part 1”

By Brett_G on

6.5

Him – “I’m about used up.”

Her – “No you’re not. Not yet. Just lay there.” <- This may go down as one of the most awkward sex scenes I’ve ever seen…

Shaking that one off – this is a hot mess. I’m trying to give it the benefit of the doubt, but it was a struggle… and not just because it’s 3 hours long. The film is gorgeous, and the soundtrack is pure ear candy. Aside from these redeeming qualities, it feels like this would have been better as a mini-series at this juncture. There’s too much of everything here. It’s a lot to digest, let alone just make it through.

All the props in the world to Kevin Costner for putting up his own money and chasing a dream here, though. I applaud the moxie. Dude’s out chasing his dream, and I respect the hell out of it. Here’s to hoping parts 2-4 sew up some of the 400 loose ends left hanging at the conclusion of part 1.

If you’re looking for a comp with less thinking involved – go hit up “A Million Ways to Die in the West” or “Back to the Future: Part 3.”

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Documentary Drama Indie Romance

“Love & Mercy”

By Brett_G on

8.6

Alongside “Chef,” this is one of my all-time favorite indie finds on the silver screen. Paul Dano and John Cusack hold down the forts at either end of the Brian Wilson timeline as one of the most legendary figures in rock/pop music takes on a whole new depth. A fascinating tale of love, loss, and the toll that riding the razors edge between genius and instantly takes on a person and the loved ones around them.

The soundtrack is of course legendary. The love story is oddly adorable. The bar for all other biopics was set at a level that few, if any have since reached. There’s not a weak link in the cast or a wasted frame of film.

I suggest a pairing with the documentary “The Wrecking Crew.”

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Drama Romance

“Turtles All The Way Down”

By Brett_G on

8.4

Ah, young love… and intrusive, obsessive thoughts.

All of the John Green Easter eggs… *chef’s kiss. I totally didn’t coordinate drinking a Dr. Pepper while I watched this.

“You’re old-new, it’s different” was the most adorable, heartfelt half insult I’ve heard in a long time. The thing that John Green movies do better than most is relatability. There’s a realness in the stories that is undeniable. This film is no exception. The magical ambiance of a small town Applebees double date is undefeated.

The philosophy wrestled with is something I haven’t had to confront in a hot minute, but is so approachable in the way that’s it’s handled. The return of the god-turtle mythology to the big screen was an unforeseen connection. I never thought anyone this side of Stephen King would touch that.

All this to say what we have here is a wonderfully weird, exceptionally human story that was put on the big screen with a tremendous amount of care.

Tell your friends you love them.

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