Category: Romance

Foreign Indie Romance

“Portrait of a Lady on Fire”

By Brett_G on

8.6

I haven’t had my heart ripped out like this in a LONG time… This was a “Somewhere in Time” level gut punch.

Telling the story through the eyes of a painter was such an interesting, yet perfect creative choice. Marianne’s attention to even the most subtle of details about Heloise sold the kindling of a soon to be burning love between them with each passing frame. An excellently executed twist on the “forbidden love” story, told through the lens of the Greek classical myth of Orpheus and Eurydice. The theme of long remembering the details of a former lover felt like the film was way to in my head and the heart that I admittedly tend to wear on my sleeve. The final minutes of the film are nothing but heart-wrenchingly beautiful, making and then living with the poet’s choice. The attention to detail in the performances of Adele Haenel and Noemie Merlant was awe-inspiring to witness.

Also similar to my all-time favorite “Somewhere in Time” turning me on to the works of Gustav Mahler and Sergei Rachmaninoff, this film gave me the works of Antonio Vivaldi to dive head first into and expand my musical horizons anew.

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Peacock Rom-Com Romance

“Ms. Match”

By Brett_G on

7.4

Did they steal the ending from “License to Kill” (see below)? Yes. Did they earn the right? Also yes.

A surprisingly adorkable rom-com from the gang at Peacock. Anna Savcic and Brad Harder’s chemistry really makes it a home run in the 9th. The key to these things is the end of the second act, where you get your heart ripped out alongside the main characters. This film delivers on that, which makes the third act triumph all the sweeter. And no, I’m not just sappy because I found a good red Zinfandel the weekend after Valentine’s Day… although, for those inquiring minds, FitVine Red Zinfandel has been a solid clearance rack find thus far. I’ve only reviewed 74 wines though… much less refined of a palate when compared to the 658 movies that I’ve reviewed, with many more actually consumed over the years.

https://www.vivino.com/wines/156188316

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Action Blockbuster Romance

“Argylle”

By Brett_G on

7.7

Not sure which was worse. Henry Cavill’s CGI mouth in “Justice League” or his haircut in this…

I was really worried during the first 45 minutes of this one. Thankfully, it took off after the first act and ended up being a really well done spy thriller romance by the time the credits rolled. Sam Rockwell can save anything. The man may not always be a lead on the marquee, but he’s a lead in our hearts. Similar to Bob Odenkirk in 2021’s “Nobody,” I never had Rockwell as the James Bond type, but I’ll be damned, he pulls it off and then some in this one! The chemistry between him and Bryce Dallas Howard was, dare I say it, even better than the “Jurassic World” trilogy.

It’s Matthew Vaughn at the helm, so you know the action will be beautiful and the soundtrack eclectic. Both promised delivered on here from beginning to end. There was so much under the hood of this one that I was not expecting, and pleasantly surprised by. The twist leading into the third act dropped my jaw, right before learning the true meaning behind the Beatles song in the background the whole time punched me in the gut. Highly recommend for a fun, albeit long sitting in the cinema!

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Drama Romance Throwback

“Secretary”

By Brett_G on

7.8

Where did he find that tiny saddle? One of many questions I found myself pondering with this one.

His positive punishment scheme also backfired on him here, becoming positive reinforcement real quick. Who woulda thunk it?

Being a lawyer, he should have known that you’re not allowed to ask ANY of those questions in an interview. Let alone the next hour and forty five minutes of OSHA violations. Pretty sure that spreader bar was a workplace injury waiting to happen.

Oh yeah, the actual movie – this Mr. Grey at least has some depth to him. As does Lee. James Spader and Maggie Gyllenhaal killed it here. They had much better source material than the “50 Shades” trilogy to work with, in defense of Dakota Johnson and Jamie Dornan. Unlike the purely (and poorly executed) sexual nature of that series, this film puts forth a valiant effort to venture into the deeper psychology behind BDSM. The definition of character study.

I can’t remember how this one ended up in my Amazon Prime Video queue, but I’m glad I finally gave it a go.

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Action Comedy Hulu Romance

“Self Reliance”

By Brett_G on

7.8

Anna Kendrick was in it, so you know I had to watch it.

Once I dove in, I was pleasantly surprised by this one! A mix of “Squid Game,” romantic comedy, “It Follows,” and the “Purge” series… in a blender of head-scratchers. The sweet moments and genuine chemistry between Jake Johnson and pretty much every member of the cast caught me off-guard, and really added to the movie itself. Hulu’s known for sleeper hits, and this is no exception! Definitely not your typical action or romance movie, but a fun hour and a half ride!

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