Indie – Page 28 – Brett Garten, Movie Extraordinare

“The Lodge”

By Brett_G on February 21, 2020

8.1

Somewhere within “The Shining,” “Hereditary,” and “Midsommar” lies this film. What begins as a straightforward tale of cabin fever gone awry quickly unravels into one of the most shocking and unsettling endings I’ve seen in quite some time. Classic A24 style, but not made by A24. Was wondering what happened to this film after it’s initial release and hype from Sundance… glad to see it finally see an official release and live up to, if not exceed the hype. Very artfully executed horror. Not a gore film, but more tense thriller with horror elements. Beware the faint of heart.

Documentary Drama Indie

“Inside Game”

By Brett_G on February 19, 2020

7.8

A great example of a story that a Hollywood screenwriter dreams of, that real life got to first. The fascinating tale of one of the most egregious sports scandals in history, just in time for legalized sports gambling sweeping the nation. Human fallibility, friendship, the beauty of competition and evils of greed… this one has it all. Well worth the hype from Donaghy himself on the radio/podcast circuit a few months back to promote the film.

Drama Indie

“Downhill”

By Brett_G on February 14, 2020February 15, 2020

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.

Documentary Drama Indie

“Last Full Measure”

By Brett_G on January 25, 2020March 23, 2020

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.

Indie

“Uncut Gems”

By Brett_G on January 1, 2020

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.