Drama Throwback

“Stolen Summer”

By Brett_G on

7.7

I’m a sucker for coming of age stories… especially ones that take place over the summer. Therefore, I was all-in on this one from the get-go.

THEN, it decides to go on and be an amazing tale of faith, connection, humanity, imperfection, humor, love, and loss… all in an hour and a half!

There’s such a strong, genuine heart to this film that gave it an unmistakable warmth and made everything incredibly approachable. It didn’t fall into the trap of being preachy, which is always my worry… a bravo and well done on this one, which I highly recommend!

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Indie Rom-Com Suspense/Thriller

“Anora”

By Brett_G on

6.9

So… this thing turns into a comedy in the second half. I did NOT see that coming!

There are many lessons here… don’t marry an exotic dancer? Don’t marry an heir to a Russian mob fortune who didn’t get permission to get married? Don’t untie your hostage early? Make sure the mom likes you?

Whatever the takeaway, the fun remains. This was an incredibly unexpectedly funny one that left me befuddled from beginning to end, in a good way. Well worth a watch, for the plot.

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Action Blockbuster Drama

“Gladiator 2”

By Brett_G on

7.7

Not as good as the first… while copying a lot of the first… while still being pretty damn good.

Falling prey to the plight of modern blockbusters, it has way too much going on in some places, and loses some of its power in doing so. Simple doesn’t always mean boring, Hollywood.

With that out of the way – seeing boat battles in the coliseum is LEGENDARY! The spectacle often makes up for the lackadaisical storytelling at times.

I WAS ENTERTAINED! 😂 (it’s worth the runtime)

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Drama Indie

“A Real Pain”

By Brett_G on

7.7

One of those perfectly cast films that you can’t imagine anyone else starring in after viewing. These two play off each other so well it’s like they actually are related.

A film about wearing masks, told in a highly creative fashion that leverages the talents of all involved to the absolute limit. With laughs that feel so very genuine because of the emotional depth of every other feeling felt along the way with our faithful companions.

So good I watched it twice!

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