Indie – Page 13 – Brett Garten, Movie Extraordinare

“Priscilla”

By Brett_G on November 28, 2023November 27, 2023

7.8

Sophia Coppola really knocks it out of the park with this one. Definitely the best Elvis biopic. What it did best was wading into the complication of a toxic relationship. Too often, these stories either glorify or vilify completely, and that’s inauthentic and unrealistic. This film respects its audience enough to show the bad AND the good that keeps them both fighting to overcome the bad. There’s always a reason they stay for that long. Always a time they’re striving to return to.

The colors were a welcome change. A refined beauty that is also often missing in modern Hollywood. Filmed with an intimate cinematography that draws the viewer in more and more with each frame, as we invest in a perfectly cast storyline. Really well done!

Documentary Indie

“Just One Mile”

By Brett_G on September 18, 2023September 16, 2023

7.2

The champion of the running movies so far, in my book. Not because of the race, but because of the people. The deeper themes that run beneath the surface of this are superb. Watching people break down, push through, and rebuild each other is breathtaking. It’s human Kintsugi. The surprise Navy SEAL David Goggins type, I expected. The first timer pushing himself so far that it made me hurt on the couch, or the gentleman processing the passing of his father in between timed intervals of a race in the middle of nowhere? I did not see the peeling back of the thin veil covering the depths of humanity being torn open adversity. Get ready to fall much deeper into the viewing experience and to leave much more reinvigorated than ever anticipated.

Documentary Indie

“The Barkley Marathons: The Race That Eats Its Young”

By Brett_G on September 17, 2023September 16, 2023

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.

Action Comedy Indie

“Quicksand”

By Brett_G on September 16, 2023September 16, 2023

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.

Horror/Thriller Indie

“Talk to Me”

By Brett_G on July 27, 2023

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!