Brett Garten, Movie Extraordinare
Cinematic Sommelier
6.5
Insane. This guy and the people running this race are insane.
Similar to the “Saw” franchise, I’m discovering that there is a genre of running films whose theme is creativity in torture. How can we push ourselves mentally, physically, and spiritually to the brink in weirder ways. The map itself lets you know everything you need to know about the race. As is the theme with these movies, the true impact comes from the character studies, which are strong in this one.
7.4
A surprisingly great buddy comedy/adventure, a la “The Hangover!”
Similar to “Deer Camp ’86” and “Terrifier,” I loved the authenticity of this film. Especially the easily recognizable landmarks as the dynamic duo made their way across the mitten state to track down the ring. The hijinks were much more creative and packed a much bigger punch than I expected. As described in the Q & A with the director afterwards, this crew was mostly learning as they went when it came to feature filmmaking. Had I not been told that, I would have never guessed it. There’s a finesse here that reflects a much more seasoned operation. Bravo to the filmmakers for pulling off a truly fun, funny, and impactful film! It’s festival accolades are well earned, and we’re lucky to have such a bustling movie scene in West Michigan.
Although not yet on streaming, you can find this one on Amazon/iTunes at the moment. The Vogue Theater and Celebration! Cinema spoil us here in West Michigan when it comes to limited releases and special events.
6.2
Meh…
The premise had promise, but the execution was excruciating. Not enough delving into the “further” rip-off to really flesh it out. Just enough to fuel the cheap jump scares. A24 is better than this. But alas, an occasional misfire on the horror front. Some good moments, but overall unfulfilling.
Bonus track – a sleeper KISS hit by the same name!
6.8
You’re not ready for this movie. I wasn’t ready for this movie. No one is ready for this movie.
Paul Schrader, the same man who brought the Abu Ghraib reckoning masked in a poker playing road trip coming of age film to life brings us… this. A white supremacist who falls in love with a black woman masked as a love story intertwined with a revenge tale masquerading as a film about horticulture. It’s a lot to take in, and definitely not for the faint of heart. It’s clunky at times, but similar to “The Card Counter,” this film deals in the most tense of situations. There’s really no breathing room until the credits roll.
7.8
A surprisingly, incredibly powerful family drama. A film that also made me and the couple sitting behind me laugh uncontrollably through most of the runtime. The heart woven within this story is some of the best of the year!
The cast absolutely kills it. From main characters down to the valets who are only in one or two scenes.
At the heart of this one is the process of having one’s heart broken. Whether it’s losing your first love or almost losing your one and only love, the laughs are countered by some Rocky-like punches to the gut. Learning to overcome such adversity to live a fuller, more deeply experienced life on the other side is one of life’s great triumphs, and on full display here. Wonderfully done!
Brett Garten, Movie Extraordinare 