Category: Indie

Drama Indie

“Downhill”

By Brett_G on

4.5

The guy next to me put it best as the credits started to roll. “Texting your friends to tell them to save their money?” Indeed sir, I am.

Wow… I just wasted an hour and a half of my life to go on an uncomfortable family vacation, without the ability to ski away from the drama or hook up with a snow bunny. Not fair.

No one in this film seemed to fit the role they’re cast in, and that’s putting it lightly. Think of a movie full of Debbie downers, playing against people cracking jokes that just amplify the discomfort of every situation. Fell out of love with this movie faster than the main characters fell out of love with each other. Had it not been for the fact I have a subscription and saw this for whatever fraction of $19.95 works out to this month, I’d be even more disappointed.

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Documentary Drama Indie

“Last Full Measure”

By Brett_G on

7.9

Fantastic political drama/war flick. The “based on a true story” genre film that always comes out of nowhere to kick ass and take names at the box office this time of year.

The casting of this film was truly over the top, with great performances all around, from Peter Fonda’s curtain call to Bradley Whitford returning to D.C. to play a Washington insider/political game player. The story of William Pisenbarger’s heroism during operation Abilene, and the journey of his fellow servicemen’s quest to get him awarded the medal of honor was truly inspiring. Definitely a tear-jerker. Strap in, and get ready for a wild ride of a film.

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Indie

“Uncut Gems”

By Brett_G on

3.0

This movie is a rock that someone mistook as an uncut gem… yikes. By far the worst Adam Sandler movie I’ve ever seen, by a long shot. Good lord… creepy, no story, raunchy for no reason, and way too long. The jokes are a mix of trying too hard to be relevant and way out of date. Adam Sandler fight The Weekend and Kevin Garnett… and watches his mistress do unspeakable things from a closet doorway before yelling “surprise!” AND THEY LAUGH! (I kid you not.). I think they were going for a new take on 2014’s “The Gambler,” but without the charm of Mark Wahlberg, solid action, a coherent story… humor that makes you laugh.

Yikes… Go see ANYTHING else at the theater this week. Not necessarily the way I wanted to start my year in reviews… staying hopeful that this is me getting the bad ones out of the way early on.

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Indie

“A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood”

By Brett_G on

8.2

Hits just as hard in the feels as you would expect… definitely bring the tissues! Tom Hanks shines as the only living person who could possibly pull this one off. Given that going to the movies is one of the few remaining communal experiences and entertainment mediums in our modern society… It was very fitting that this film is a moving tale of faith in the beauty of humanity.

The framing device of “this is a Mr. Rogers Neighborhood” episode was a bit clunky, but made perfect sense by the end of the film. The power of imagery and the subtle act of hitting all of the lowest keys on a piano will leave you truly moved. The subtlety and comfort in silence is what really struck me about this film.

Amazing work by all involved to truly capture the essence of the man and legend that was Mr. Rogers. I also highly recommend “Won’t You Be My Neighbor” for further delving into the story of a truly great man with a powerful message.

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Indie

“Motherless Brooklyn”

By Brett_G on

8.9

A-MA-ZING!!!! Wasn’t quite sure what I was walking into… but coming out, it was one of the best period pieces of the year! A masterful character study that no one does better than Edward Norton. A truly beautiful setting, and powerful message. All based on a semi-true story! Definitely worth every second of the 2.5 hour run-time. A standout in today’s cinema. A lot more depth than most films are willing to dive into. Bravo to everyone involved!

Also highly recommend the Joe Rogan Podcast Episode linked below. Great conversation about character, both cinematic and real-life.

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