Indie – Page 22 – Brett Garten, Movie Extraordinare

“Together Together”

By Brett_G on April 27, 2021April 24, 2021

8.4

So many societal issues, handled with the perfect mix of grace and awkwardness. Ed Helms and Patti Harrison shine as the two perfect people to bring this story to the screen. Similar to “Promising Young Woman,” this film takes incredibly awkward topics and brings them to life on screen in such a way that they seem much more approachable. The beauty of human life and the relationships between people. The wonder of what life can be when we let go of “the plan” and “normal.” I laughed, I got a little misty-eyed, I came away with a lot to ponder in how to present this. The only beef I had was with the ending, but I can also understand and support the artistic choice. A lot of heart in this one. The kind of storytelling that has come through and shined on the big screen in the past year with the almost absolute absence of big, blockbuster franchises sucking up all of the silver screen real estate. Well worth a watch!

Indie Rom-Com

“Sideways”

By Brett_G on April 13, 2021April 11, 2021

7.6

Think “The Hangover,” but in California wine country with only two friends. And one is an insufferable author. It’s fun to see these two play off each other. The eternal optimist and the eternal Eeyore.

The story is pretty predictable, the soundtrack is the same one you get with every other rom-com from this era, but the laughs are plentiful. Pour yourself a nice Merlot (I’m a Bourdeaux guy myself), sit back, and relax while enjoying this tale of these two gents getting their grapes crushed by life.

Comedy Indie

“Shiva Baby”

By Brett_G on April 10, 2021

6.9

Get ready to get uncomfortable. And be uncomfortable until the credits roll. A film that beautifully encapsulates the pain of family/church functions. Especially when your booty calls all show up to the same party. Awkward…

Sharp script, witty dialogue, well-framed shots. It plays like a play. Just the right amount of claustrophobia to keep you on the edge of your seat and waiting to see what the next twist will be.

Horror/Thriller Indie

“The Unholy”

By Brett_G on April 6, 2021April 5, 2021

6.8

In the most sarcastic tone I can muster, “I did NOT see that coming!”

As the movie shares in its conclusion, quoting Matthew 7:15, “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.”

Simple mix-up. No way the Vatican could have known that there could be someone else named Mary… perhaps a witch who was hung, burned, her soul trapped in a doll for eternity.

For as silly as the story was on paper, it’s executed well by the cast. Some genuine moments of terrorizing tension, jump scares that made me jump, and a real emotional connection to the core cast in their struggle with the dark side. Cary Elwes is coming into his own as a bad guy since “Saw.” Cricket Brown shines as Alice, the second hearing impaired main character who is essential to the story and becomes the story’s emotional core with the fewest words almost effortlessly that I’ve seen this week. (The other being Kaylee Hottle as Gia in “Kong vs. Godzilla”)

Not amazing, not terrible. Solid horror flick that was clearly released on Good Friday for a reason.

Indie Rom-Com

“Long Weekend”

By Brett_G on March 15, 2021March 15, 2021

7.2

Can we please stop making time travel movies? Please. It’s becoming too much of a good thing.

This movie in particular didn’t even really need it. The chemistry was wonderfully done, the story was sharp and had a nice depth to it. I just… the time travel crap took me out of it until the third act twist brought me back in and rescued this from sinking into the 6’s. The ending was amazing and tied up the loose ends, contextualizing everything that had been driving me insane for the first 2/3 of the movie. The beginning feels a bit like a dream, as you’re dropped into an already moving narrative, which you then go “awe,” then “what is going on,” then “no freaking way! That’s what was going on!” then back to “awe.” Seemed like a Netflix flick on the big screen. A throwback to the olden days of having to see this genre in a theater. (One of those buildings with the big screens and popcorn)