Throwback – Page 8 – Brett Garten, Movie Extraordinare

“Doc Hollywood”

By Brett_G on July 26, 2020July 26, 2020

8.2

Aside Marty McFly, this is a role that Michael J. Fox was born to play…

A newbie doctor on his way to live a live full of glitz and glamour in Hollywood is instead seduced by the charm of life in small town America. Doesn’t hurt that he (of course) falls in love along the way. A surprisingly strong supporting cast really shines in this one, elevating what could have disappeared into the ether as a simple popcorn flick into a cinematic classic. Woody Harrelson and Julie Warner in particular really play well off of Fox as the film rolls on.

Drama Throwback

“Showgirls”

By Brett_G on July 15, 2020

6.9

Brett’s Movie Reviews After Dark… (cue funky bass line)

Is this brilliance? Is this lunacy? One thing’s for sure – Boobs. And… boobs. This is one wild ride, darlin’.

The wholesome story of a small town girl turned Vegas legend? A razor sharp wit filled tale of the dark side of fame and fortune. A movie that almost takes itself so serious that it comes full circle to become parody? All of the above.

For sure, one of the strangest films you will ever see this side of “The Room.” Also a warning that “Saved by the Bell” will never be the same.

DEFINITELY NOT for children, or for the faint of heart. Here’s to my first post that gets taken down on social media. Cheers!

Blockbuster Throwback

“Jaws: The Revenge”

By Brett_G on June 21, 2020June 21, 2020

6.5

Ah… franchise fatigue.

This series finale is a completely unnecessary addition to the anthology, but it was the 80s, so what the hell? A solid action film that didn’t have to worry about overusing the shark finds it’s place in history as the most obnoxious JAWS. This time… it’s personal. Unlike the past 2 times this shark has returned from the dead to wipe out the remaining members of the Brody family. They also lean pretty heavily on the original, from a not so subtle Chief Brody portrait in the beginning, to the score sounding strangely familiar, to the theft of the ending. Luckily, the shark literally jumps the series in this film, signifying the end of an era.

Comedy Throwback

“The Great Outdoors”

By Brett_G on June 21, 2020

8.5

One of the all time great summer vacation films. Having lived in a summer tourist trap most of my life, I definitely identified with Cammie. The love story between Buck and Cammie is one of my favorites in film. The old school summer fling. John Candy and Dan Aykroyd are at the height of their powers in this one, and have great onscreen comic chemistry. So many great one liners. And a the bald-headed killer bear of Clare County.

Lock and load your shotgun lamp, and take a ride in ‘suck my wake’ across Lake Potowotominimac. Fall in love with a local at the pool hall, and tackle the challenge of eating “the ol’ 96er.” No better way to spend a summer. Yakety yak, don’t talk back.

Horror/Thriller Throwback

“Candyman (1992)”

By Brett_G on May 2, 2020

7.2

Not too shabby… the psychological thriller of “A Nightmare on Elm St.” paired with the gruesome kills of “Friday the 13th.” All summoned by the old “Bloody Mary” ritual. A nice mix of genres with more than enough originality to go around. Well executed jump scares and tension. A well made horror film. Most uncomfortable scene involving bees I’ve seen on the big screen that I can remember.