Suspense/Thriller – Page 6 – Brett Garten, Movie Extraordinare

“The Strangers: Chapter 1”

By Brett_G on May 26, 2024May 26, 2024

7.3

^This song pretty much sums up my review. Man, was this bad luck. The motivation boiling down to “because you were here” never ceases to be unsettling. This one was more of a mixed bag than I expected. For the first 90% of the runtime, they mostly had me. Tension, surprise cameos, and genuine dread. That being said, they lost the plot with the end. It was almost “Monty Python and the Holy Grail” cop-out ending level rug pull at the end. The silver lining/saving grace is that chapter 2 comes out later this year, and hopefully the fumbled ending was just lack of ideas for a smooth transition.

Action Suspense/Thriller

“Drive”

By Brett_G on April 2, 2024March 23, 2024

7.2

Between “Baby Driver” and “John Wick”… I give you, “Drive.”

I didn’t expect so much gore, but I also didn’t expect such a well made action movie either. A solid performance by Gosling, a tight storyline, and a nice interwoven crime caper to keep the action scenes tied together until the credits roll. Nicely done!

Indie Suspense/Thriller

“Love Lies Bleeding”

By Brett_G on March 26, 2024March 23, 2024

5.8

I still can’t tell you exactly what the point of all this was. There’s gun running, body building, she hulk, and… Dave Franco. That’s all I got. It was a strange one, which I knew going in since it’s from A24, but I expected a little bit more by the time the credits rolled.

Documentary Drama Suspense/Thriller

“Argo”

By Brett_G on February 17, 2024February 17, 2024

8.8

I’ll admit – I slept on this one too long.

With the tension building of “Sicario” interwoven with a plot akin to “American Hustle,” this film establishes itself as one of the best of the historical drama boom of the 2010’s.

The razor sharp script, masterful directing, and perfect cast really took this to the next level. Even the supporting case is a who’s who of the industry who turn in a-list performances. And the soundtrack… chefs kiss.

It’s no surprise it won so much praise back in the day. Not only is it a fantastic film with a powerful plot, but it’s a movie about Hollywood as well, which is always the secret ingredient to becoming an awards season darling. The best of Affleck on full display!

Horror/Thriller Indie Suspense/Thriller

“Night Swim”

By Brett_G on January 9, 2024January 13, 2024

7.9

What a way to kick off the theatrical releases for the year!

If this is a sign of things to come, 2024 is going to be an amazing year for horror films.

For all the folks who put in a pool because they never felt it safe to go back in the water after the events of “JAWS,” I have some bad news for you. It’s also not safe in your pool. Especially when it’s spring fed. Magic pools always have a catch. Look no further than “Hot Tub Time Machine.”

The story, the execution of the scares, and THE SOUNDTRACK… everything here brings its a-game until the credits roll. With every twist and turn, you’re drawn further and further into the depths of this one. There was a wonderful charm of originality with this one that I deeply appreciated. The wholesomeness of the family and America’s pastime (baseball) as a central theme made the turn into darkness all the more striking. A home run to start the year for Blumhouse!