Brett Garten, Movie Extraordinare

“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.

Action Blockbuster Classic

“Jaws 3”

By Brett_G on June 3, 2020May 2, 2020

6.9

Before “Blackfish,” you had this film to convince you not to go to Sea World, for fear of being trapped in an underwater walkway with strangers while you wait to be devoured by a killer shark. The underwater restaurant looks pretty badass, though.

It’s in 3D, like every other horror movie around this time, and has one of the most laughable finales in cinematic history. However, still an entertaining watch, if you’ve never seen it before.

Action Blockbuster Classic

“Jaws 2”

By Brett_G on June 1, 2020May 2, 2020

8.1

Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water…

The first one was just too good… they had to make a second one, right?

In one of Hollywood’s better sequels, Universal made the accidentally genius decision to switch to an action oriented director, who took this film in a different enough direction from the first that it actually works really well. The helicopter scene is a thing of beauty, cheesy as it may be. Chief Brody comes back for another round with his finned foe. The action gets cranked up to an 11, and you see A LOT of the shark in this one. A well executed follow-up to a legend, that stands the test of time.

Blockbuster Classic Horror/Thriller

“Jaws”

By Brett_G on May 29, 2020May 2, 2020

9.9

All time favorite. As close to a perfect movie as they get in my career as a cinephile.

All time great score, all time perfect cast. Paradigm shifting cinematic craft exhibited by all involved converged by happy accident to create one of the most storied summer blockbusters of all time. What should have been a cheesy, forgettable tale of a goofy mechanical shark turned out to be a juggernaut that would launch many legendary careers and inspire generations to come.

With just two notes and a shark that couldn’t swim… history was made.