Brett Garten, Movie Extraordinare

“Fear Street Trilogy”

By Brett_G on July 18, 2021July 18, 2021

8.2

These types of films are becoming their own genre, and I am here for it. The “Stranger Things”/”Wet Hot American Summer” nostalgia-soaked adventure through well-established genres. In this case, classic horror slashers. From “Friday the 13th” camp, to the Salem witch trials, to the Stephen King “It” style adventure tying it all together.

The script was razor-sharp, the cinematography was gorgeous, and the soundtrack was everything you could ever dream of shoe-horning into this trilogy that serves as a masterclass in constructing a horror saga. There was an almost perfect balance between nostalgia and new-newness struck in these films. Characters you grow to genuinely care about by the time they have their final showdown between good and evil in the neon-soaked mall that serves as the site that ties it all together. Literally, the crossroads of the mall serves as the singular geographical point in all three generations where these stories come together.

I waited until all three were out, so I could binge them back to back. I do, however, appreciate that these streaming services have kept alive these cinematic events that can bring us all together to watch the same thing at the same time and have this kind of shared experience. They also inspired me to go on an 80’s slasher marathon this weekend, which was an added benefit.

Of note, this series was much more violent and gore-filled than I had anticipated. Not for those with weak stomachs or a general aversion to these types of content. And of course, there has to be sex before the teenagers get picked off by a masked killer with a hardware store weapon, witch, or possessed beat friend—highly recommended popcorn flicks.

Documentary Indie

“Roadrunner: A Film About Anthony Bourdain”

By Brett_G on July 17, 2021July 17, 2021

8.7

Get ready to cry…

The dark side of fame, the darkness within ourselves, the darkness of society. Juxtaposed with the beauty of being able to touch so many lives, the light within us all, and the beauty in the imperfection of a world made of imperfect people. Dive in, and immerse yourself in a brutally honest tale of a vagabond who allowed us all to live vicariously through him.

TOP 25 QUOTES BY ANTHONY BOURDAIN (of 337) | A-Z Quotes

Drama Indie Romance

“I Carry You With Me”

By Brett_G on July 17, 2021July 17, 2021

8.1

First, this is a love story. Then, it’s a family drama. Then, it’s a life and death struggle for survival action thriller. Then, it’s a documentary chronicling the political fallout and collateral damage of immigration policy. I could have gone for any one of these and been satisfied, but they checked every boxed and blew every one of them out of the water.

Cinematography-wise, the face closeups, I think, were intended to convey intimacy between the two lovers but ended up just being distracting for me as half of them were out of focus. I was also driven insane by the unnecessary shaky cam used throughout for no apparent reason. These were my only two gripes about the film.

The beauty of food and the way it can transcend countries and language barriers, bringing people together. The power of love, regardless of distance or any other barrier that may be dropped in the couple’s way. This film is all about facing insurmountable odds, sacrifice, and love. It was well worth the subtitles.

Drama Indie

“Pig”

By Brett_G on July 17, 2021July 17, 2021

8.1

I cried during the pig movie. I’ll admit it.

I’m also beginning to thing Nicholas Cage has a new rider in his contracts that he is to say no more than 15-20 words per film.

Also also, I unwittingly saw 3 chef-centric films last night. Did not see that one coming.

On the surface, think “John Wick.” But instead of a dog, a pig. Instead of Keanu Reeves, Nicholas Cage. There’s a sweet car, and a guy comes back from the dead to kick ass and take names.

Digging deeper, this film has a lot going on. There is a lot of wisdom woven into this script, from the meta-commentary on the nature of success and the intimacy of the culinary arts to the value of friendship. I did not expect the depth that begins to unfold in the third act but was left in awe of how impressed I was by the time the credits rolled.

Every Nic Cage movie, I’m reminded of this scene from “Community”…

Action Blockbuster Horror/Thriller

“The Forever Purge”

By Brett_G on July 17, 2021July 17, 2021

7.6

I think they finally figured out how to make a great Purge movie!

The beginning got a little on the nose, which I’ve come to expect from this series. There are a couple of points where the narrative trips over itself. But I’ll be damned; they land the plane. And we finally get to wade up to our eyeballs in actual purge happenings!

The characters fit surprisingly well together, and there is an excellent twist on the usual purge film plot. I really came to care about the characters and not root for their untimely death. And… I didn’t want to walk out halfway through this one like I did the last one.