Brett Garten, Movie Extraordinare

“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” (Seasons 1-3)

By Brett_G on February 8, 2020February 18, 2022

9.2

Finally caved after seeing enough commercials at the theater, and binged in a week and a half. Loved EVERY SECOND of it! The wittiest comedy/drama this side of “The West Wing,” bravo to the cast and creator on creating such an immersive and entertaining world. The interconnecting stories involving such effortlessly rich characters had me hooked 10 minutes into the first episode. Dialogue so rich and dense, yet so rapid fire… just wow. The set designs and cinematography are gorgeous. A masterpiece that fires on all cylinders. Didn’t expect to love this as much as I have, and can’t wait for season 4!

Tits Up!

Uncategorized

“Miss Americana”

By Brett_G on January 31, 2020

5.0

If you’ve seen one “behind the music,” you’ve seen ‘em all… the top of the mountain is lonely, the star(s) surround themselves with bobble head yes-people. They trade normal life and aspirations for fame and fortune. They all feel like “they’re the only one who’s ever had to go through this.” Want to take a stand, but either a) overestimate their influence on the world around them or b) underestimate the cost of decisions. Wanting the best of both worlds. Fascinating to see how destructive fame and success can be…

Horror/Thriller

“Gretel & Hansel”

By Brett_G on January 31, 2020

5.9

… and they thought changing the title was going to trick us. Well, that was an hour and a half of my life I can never get back. A cross between “Dr. Strange” and “The Witch,” or just watching “The Witch” on acid. Dark cinematography, unexplained creepiness, and almost nothing going on the whole time. Had it not been for the girl in the back row of the theater trying to cough up a lung, I almost fell asleep. Swing and a miss.

Action Blockbuster

“The Gentlemen”

By Brett_G on January 25, 2020March 23, 2020

8.4

Damn!

“There’s fuckery afoot…”

The ensemble cast, the action, the story… bravo! This film explodes onto the screen, and doesn’t slow down until the credits roll. The entire cast is at the height of their powers along with director Guy Ritchie, who has one of the best eyes and touch for action directing in the business. Just the right mix of action, heart, drama, and comedy. Get ready to “I’m going to hell for laughing at this” for 2 hours, and love every minute of it.

Blockbuster Horror/Thriller

“The Turning”

By Brett_G on January 25, 2020March 23, 2020

7.3

Seriously?!?!?! That’s how we’re going to leave this thing?!?

Get ready to be genuinely unsettled for two hours, and be left hanging in the end (in my opinion). Just as intense and jarring as the trailer, just when you think you have this film figured out, it takes a turn and keeps you guessing and off balance. Checks so many boxes… Open ended, old lady warning of bad things while also creeping everyone out, jump scares, ghosts, and the little girl with an imaginary friend(s). Imaginary friends are never good news in these things. Solid directing. Builds tension better than most these days. Jump scares and the natural mystique of the scenery used cleverly and sparingly, making them all the more effective.

Seeing as this film is based off the same source material, I’m excited to see what’s in store for “Haunting of Hill House: Season 2.”