Science Fiction – Page 2 – Brett Garten, Movie Extraordinare

“Cuckoo”

By Brett_G on September 10, 2024September 15, 2024

7.4

I didn’t expect the symbolism to be so on the nose here. To be perfectly honest, I had no idea what I was in for other than “weird” with this one. Thankfully, it delivers on weird, and so much more by the time the credits roll. I’m not really sure what the lesson was, other than to trust your gut and to refrain from wearing headphones while biking at night, but damn… it was a hellacious ride.

With the ambiance of “The Human Centipede” and “Shutter Island,” you spend the entire runtime on edge and guessing what’s going to unravel next. Hunter Schafer is the glue that really holds this one together and makes things work. Without her, there’s no way this one makes it to the end. If you don’t mind weird, this was a nice veer off the beaten path into the weeds of lesser known films at the multi-plex.

Action Blockbuster Science Fiction

“Dune 2”

By Brett_G on March 25, 2024March 23, 2024

7.5

If you enjoyed the first one, you’ll enjoy this one. In the spirit of that consistency, here’s my review for “Dune 1” again, with a few numerical changes for it being part 2…

The prodigal son is cast out into the desert. Let me guess, for 40 days?

Yes, the Jesus metaphor is that on the nose for all 3 hours of the runtime.

I went into this film expecting spectacle, and spectacle I got. All three stories of the IMAX screen were bathed in the cinematic beauty of this film. The score crafted by the masterful Hans Zimmer thundering through my chest… all for me to leave the theater underwhelmed and confused. Similar to the “Hobbit” series, “Dune” attempted to be too careful not to overwhelm the audience with lore and instead errors on the side of feeling ultimately empty. The disbelief and shock on my face when I was greeted with “Part 2” immediately after the title flashed across the screen must have been a sight to see.

This cake is all frosting. Somewhere between “Star Wars” and “Mad Max,” the world they build is breathtaking. Then there’s nothing really behind the curtain. I felt like they were trying to avoid the cramped confusion of the cult-classic original film adaptation and overcorrected.

If you don’t care about the story, have at it. Just don’t disrespect it by watching on a TV or, God forbid, a mobile device. Highly recommend the most massive screen possible for the spectacle factor. Here’s to, I guess, hoping there’s enough box office success for them to fill in the gaps in part 3.

Comedy Science Fiction Throwback

“War Games”

By Brett_G on March 24, 2024March 24, 2024

7.4

Hey! It’s the girl from “The Breakfast Club!” (Ally Sheedy)

Anywho… as we embark on Ferris Bueller’s Day at DEFCON 1… this was such a surprisingly fun flick! We can only hope that the new AI is this easy to topple when it desires to get a little big for its britches. Essentially “Ender’s Game,” but with a happy ending instead of a horrifying one. Broderick’s charm on full display, and a fun geek flick/red scare flick the likes of “Real Genius” or “Red Dawn.”

Bonus – I better understood the references included in “Ready Player One,” which I’m currently listening to on Audible as my 100th audiobook.

Action Blockbuster Science Fiction

“Ghost Busters: Frozen Empire”

By Brett_G on March 24, 2024March 24, 2024

7.4

So… it’s not as bad as everyone keeps whining about. Thank God. I couldn’t handle another “Madame Web” this soon after.

My biggest gripes were the pacing in some spots and Phoebe Spangler being a complete dumbass for 5 minutes. It went against everything else her character is supposed to be and had strongly established. It just felt forced. But other than those two things, it’s a solid modern blockbuster. Complete with the triumphant return of the third act sky beam!

The villain was pretty cool, and the nostalgia was laid on as thick as humanly possible – a perfect combination for a self-aware franchise that knows not to take itself too seriously. Was it absolutely necessary? No. But it was an enjoyable popcorn flick, and that’s what we all need from time to time. Not everything has to contend for an Oscar.

Rom-Com Science Fiction

“Lisa Frankenstein”

By Brett_G on February 15, 2024February 15, 2024

7.9

Well that was a pleasant surprise!

Not since “Warm Bodies” has a film nailed the zombie rom-com in my book, and not since “Ready Player One” have I seen this many subtle nods to films of yesteryear cleverly shoehorned into so many frames.

Joe Chrest continues his run as “awkward dad.” Cole Sprouse rocks it as the lovable lug that our heroine can’t help but nurture as they slowly come to bring out the best in each other. Saving the best for last… Kathryn Newton. Holy shit, did she ever nail this! The perfect blend of wit, snark, and sensuality. She elevates every scene she’s in and simply steals the show by the time the credits roll. I honestly can’t see this movie working with anyone else. A testament to her brilliance in the role. A true sleeper hit, perfect for a makeup Valentine’s Day date this weekend!