Indie – Page 11 – Brett Garten, Movie Extraordinare

“The Teacher’s Lounge”

By Brett_G on February 16, 2024February 15, 2024

7.2

Kids can be assholes… adults can be assholes… you know what? Everyone’s an asshole!

Seriously though, this is an hour and a half of examples of why teachers don’t get paid enough and why we can’t keep any in the profession anywhere in the world. The microcosm illustrating the broader degradation of societal trust in each other and the sinister consequences that closely follow the descent caused by it are on full display here. It’s been a hot minute since I’ve been this genuinely uncomfortable in a movie in a long time, for essentially the entire runtime. It’s almost kind of redeemed in the third act, though. Almost… I’m still not quite sure how to interpret the final frames.

“Scrambled”

By Brett_G on February 4, 2024February 4, 2024

7.7

An eggcelent film.

Reminiscent of “The Pod Generation” from last year, this one delves into the complicated, beautiful, messy dynamics of reproductive health in modern society. Leah McKendrick absolutely kills it here. Her performance, especially a tender moment in the third act alongside Vee Kumari had me on the edge of my seat and bought in from the first frame. Never have I ever expected myself to actually laugh out loud during a scene set in a miscarriage support group, but here we are… only to mere minutes later be inspired and a little misty eyed by the ensuing speech. Movie didn’t play it safe, and I appreciated that. The exploration of this territory with the necessary nuance and levity to counter the natural weight has been a renaissance of sorts.

Comedy Drama Indie

“American Fiction”

By Brett_G on January 23, 2024January 21, 2024

8.6

“At least he’d be rejecting the real me.” – This line, in the context of the scene it comes from, was a gut punch for the ages.

Eccentric, esoteric, and in the end, exceptional.

I’ve been intrigued as hell about this one since I first came across the trailer. Jeffrey Wright, Sterling Brown, and Issa Rae never miss, however, this takes things to a whole other level of cerebral subtext. I’m happy to report that not only does it give “South Park” a run for its money in holding a mirror up to the occasional absurdity of our human culture, but it’s also a fabulously crafted family drama under the hood. I didn’t expect the deep emotional impact of that plot to really round out and ground a wild main plot as it did. From the first to the very last frame, I can honestly say I was in disbelief. Absolutely brilliant!

Horror/Thriller Indie

“Founders Day”

By Brett_G on January 22, 2024January 21, 2024

6.2

I’m still so conflicted about this one. There were such beautifully done moments, but then a scene immediately following it that was so cringe that I found myself laughing at the absurdity. I didn’t hold the lack of character depth against them, it’s a slasher after all. That being said, “Thanksgiving” nailed what this movie was trying to do and fell short of consistently. There were some promising twists and turns, especially in the third act. The biggest downfall was the dialogue throughout. It took me out of multiple scenes and losing sympathy for multiple characters that I initially quite liked. Interestingly mixed bag here.

Horror/Thriller Indie Suspense/Thriller

“Night Swim”

By Brett_G on January 9, 2024January 13, 2024

7.9

What a way to kick off the theatrical releases for the year!

If this is a sign of things to come, 2024 is going to be an amazing year for horror films.

For all the folks who put in a pool because they never felt it safe to go back in the water after the events of “JAWS,” I have some bad news for you. It’s also not safe in your pool. Especially when it’s spring fed. Magic pools always have a catch. Look no further than “Hot Tub Time Machine.”

The story, the execution of the scares, and THE SOUNDTRACK… everything here brings its a-game until the credits roll. With every twist and turn, you’re drawn further and further into the depths of this one. There was a wonderful charm of originality with this one that I deeply appreciated. The wholesomeness of the family and America’s pastime (baseball) as a central theme made the turn into darkness all the more striking. A home run to start the year for Blumhouse!