Brett Garten, Movie Extraordinare
Cinematic Sommelier
6.4
It was trying to be so many things, and I don’t think it landed any of them. Beyond some impressive cinematography, everything else falls kind of flat. I almost said flaccid there, but that would be too on the nose, no? I’m not really sure what I expected, but it wasn’t this. A hot mess of a movie.
8.5
I’ll be damned… Kevin James can ACT. For real. No Paul Bart mall cop here.
A classic trope, “guy left at the altar,” turns into an incredibly heartfelt story about friendship, family, hope, and love. I didn’t expect the depth that emanated from the screen the entire runtime here. I expected goofy, and I got tears… again, for a Kevin James movie! Open that heart on your sleeve and get ready to go “awe” for a solid hour and a half.
8.2
What could have fallen incredibly flat by playing itself instead decided to dive right into the deep end and take the audience on an incredible emotional journey I think we all can relate to. The reflection on the power of “what if” and unfinished business on our perception of reality. How different versions of love accompany us on this journey through life. A much sweeter ending than I was anticipating halfway through…
8.4
Humans being human… my FAVORITE!
In the vein of my recent favorite Christmas film “The Holdovers,” I think this is going to join the yearly rotation! The unlikely and undeniable charm and chemistry between Didi and Cliff is truly something special. It’s not often you get such an abnormal narrative that has the right mix of serious and silly to thread the needle and land the plan. Alas, here we are! A feel good flick that holds its own with the best of them! Highly recommend!
8.2
A Rachel McAdams rom-com… AND it includes time travel!?!?! You know I’m here for it!
What begins as a quirky tale of adolescent pursuits of summer love slowly and decisively morphs into one of the most wise, thought provoking reflections on life and love I’ve seen in ages! Bill Nighy has such a gift for being both insightful and insanely hilarious at the same time. Definitely keep a box of tissues handy, and wear your heart on your sleeve for this amazing throwback!
Brett Garten, Movie Extraordinare 