Throwback – Page 2 – Brett Garten, Movie Extraordinare

“Secretary”

By Brett_G on January 24, 2024January 24, 2024

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.

Documentary Throwback

“Queen Rock Montreal”

By Brett_G on January 21, 2024January 21, 2024

8.3

The only thing preventing this from being a higher score is the legendary Live Aid performance. That aside, this is the band on its ascent to infamy, at the height of their powers. “Firing on all cylinders” doesn’t do the performance justice. Similar to “The Eras Tour” and “Stop Making Sense” last year (sorry for missing “Renaissance”), this is best seen in IMAX – the biggest screen and the loudest cinema you can find. They will, they will, ROCK YOU!

Classic Comedy Throwback

“Slap Shot”

By Brett_G on January 15, 2024January 15, 2024

6.9

The hockey version of “Major League”… about a decade before “Major League.” A lot less polished, but just as much ridiculousness, charm, and laughs. I had forgotten just how off the rails this movie gets, but for those who love the game of hockey there’s an undeniable charm about it… in between cringe moments that remind you that the movie was made almost 50 years ago.

A fun classic film night at the theater with this one!

Comedy Throwback

“National Lampoon’s Van Wilder”

By Brett_G on June 17, 2023June 13, 2023

7.7

“Worrying’s like a rocking chair. Gives you something to do, but doesn’t get you anywhere.”

This around the millennium renaissance of National Lampoon cinematic universe films were one of the wave peaks in comedic cinema. This is one of the strongest contenders.

Offensive? Absolutely. Inappropriate? Wildly. Still somehow delivers a heartfelt message about life and love and finding meaning? You bet. And with an amazing underground pop-rock soundtrack to boot!

Comedy Throwback

“The Secret of My Success”

By Brett_G on April 23, 2023April 23, 2023

7.1

A really charming comedy about corporate calamity. In the vein of “Office Space,” if you’ve ever worked hidden within the origami of an org chart, you’ll love this one.

Michael J. Fox brings his trademark charm, helping to lighten the mood of what could have been a much more questionable movie had it been anyone else. Between the personal and professional infidelity, there’s a lot of moral ambiguity going on. But with Marty McFly in the frame, there’s a lovable levity to it all.

Also a lesson to be gleaned… as Newman in “Seinfeld” once said, “when you control the mail, you control INFORMATION!”