Cinematic Sommelier
7.5
Really makes me want to watch Galaxy Quest… mission accomplished. After hearing the hype for months following “honest trailers,” I was excited to finally find this on Amazon Prime. So many behind the scenes insights. Another one of those happy accidents that went on to become a cult classic. Beautiful, heartfelt tribute to Sir Alan Rickman. Wonderful overall documentary of the story of a legendary film that’s hard to categorize, beyond awesome.
7.8
In between “Mamma Mia” films, Pierce Brosnan needed a project to inject testosterone into his portfolio and prove that he still kicks ass. “November Man” is that film. A much better film than the misfire that’s was “No Escape,” this slick, well executed spy thriller packs the punch of a Bond film without all of the constraints of a franchise film.
Side note: I hope to one day look as perfectly distinguished as Pierce Brosnan.
Remington Steele returns to the world stage to kick ass and take names as a retired CIA agent turned rogue who double crosses his oldest friend after finding out he himself has been double crossed. Delivering one of the finest finales of the 2010’s. Very well done.
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.
5.1
If your movie is only an hour and a half long and feels “too long,” that’s a pretty big red flag. Typically, the cheesy, low budget horror film makes up for lack of pizazz with unnecessary nudity or amazingly gruesome kills. (See every 80s slasher flick) Less frequently, they actually stumble upon an unforeseen sense of originality. (See “It Follows”)
This film did neither, and constantly tripped over itself narratively, trying to be cool. Yawned my way through it, because I’m trying to give Shudder a try. Great streaming service for horror movie lovers, bad choice by me of first movie out of the gate.
7.6
Ahoy, matey! Frasier on the high seas!
Kelsey Grammer stars as commander Dodge, in a perfect casting for this goober comedy. The classic rag tag team comes together for shenanigans on their way to victory over the cool kids. An all star buffet of comedic talent, in a well written comedy. Extremely quotable and enjoyable hour and a half at the home cinema. Just the right amount of heart to go with the penis tattoo. So, shove off, and set sail with this naughty nautical navigation of naval warfare.
Brett Garten, Movie Extraordinare 