Horror/Thriller

“Maxxxine”

By Brett_G on

7.9

Better than “Pearl,” but doesn’t quite recapture the magic of “X.” It’s still one hell of a horror trilogy by Ti West and another powerhouse performance by Mia Goth.

The atmosphere is electric, as the performances of the entire cast fire on all cylinders. There isn’t quite as much gore as the first 2 installments, but the impact and purposefulness of the violence gets tighter as the films have progressed to this grisly climax. Ms. Minx holds her own with the unsettling poise we’ve come to know and love.

With a soundtrack drenched in neon charm, we’re transported to what “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” would have looked like in the 80’s. There was a kinship between those two films that grew as the runtime unfurled. There’s an undeniable magic about Tinseltown. Even if it’s been haunted by some of the most notorious evil-doers in the nation’s history. Whether it be Manson in Tarantino’s love letter or the Night Stalker in this ode to a lost era. The use of the Universal lot, especially the “Psycho” house alongside the winking nod to the classic “Hitchcock Blonde”… *chef’s kiss. 2024 is shaping up to be a continuation of the modern horror renaissance and I am HERE FOR IT!

No comments
Documentary Drama

“The Bikeriders”

By Brett_G on

7.2

I’ll watch anything with Jodie Comer in it… so count me in.

THEN I discover that Austin Butler may have finally lost his Elvis accent?!?! Winner, winner, chicken dinner!

I’d file this one under “PG Sons of Anarchy.” There’s still violence, but it’s much more subdued and the overall feel of the film is much lighter. There’s a thoughtfulness here that really ties in to the fact that it’s the result of a photojournalist’s work. The cultural factors at play, lurking under the surface, really shined and elevated a tale as old as time. The backdrop of war and its effect on the youth, the ever-present search for purpose and evolution of these as we age was on full display and well handled by all involved. There are many heralding Tom Hardy as some sort of genius in this one, but I feel like he plays mostly variations of a similar character lately. There’s nothing wrong with that – it works. However, I’m left lost by the level of the fawning. It was a surprisingly good film, albeit a tad long in the tooth by the time the credits rolled.

No comments
Blockbuster Drama

“Horizon: An American Saga, Part 1”

By Brett_G on

6.5

Him – “I’m about used up.”

Her – “No you’re not. Not yet. Just lay there.” <- This may go down as one of the most awkward sex scenes I’ve ever seen…

Shaking that one off – this is a hot mess. I’m trying to give it the benefit of the doubt, but it was a struggle… and not just because it’s 3 hours long. The film is gorgeous, and the soundtrack is pure ear candy. Aside from these redeeming qualities, it feels like this would have been better as a mini-series at this juncture. There’s too much of everything here. It’s a lot to digest, let alone just make it through.

All the props in the world to Kevin Costner for putting up his own money and chasing a dream here, though. I applaud the moxie. Dude’s out chasing his dream, and I respect the hell out of it. Here’s to hoping parts 2-4 sew up some of the 400 loose ends left hanging at the conclusion of part 1.

If you’re looking for a comp with less thinking involved – go hit up “A Million Ways to Die in the West” or “Back to the Future: Part 3.”

No comments
Horror/Thriller Shudder

“In A Violent Nature”

By Brett_G on

7.5

It’s certainly violent, and the is definitely a lot of nature. Delivers on both in bulk.

There were a couple of times it seemed to drag like a log through the woods by way of the logging chains our killer seems to prefer, but most of these served to stretch the tension to a breaking point, which was so opposite of most of todays movies. It was comfortable doing uncomfortable things. “Pull your head out of your ass” will never be the same for me now.

A very creative, brutal, risk taking endeavor that really paid off by the time the credits rolled. Ignore the fact it’s basically a “Friday the 13th” ripoff and enjoy the return of the stomach churning slasher to the multiplex.

No comments
Comedy Netflix

“Tires”

By Brett_G on

8.2

If you enjoy the comedy of Shane Gillis, you’ll find a streaming home for a ~3 hours here. I don’t think there was a work appropriate joke the entire run time, but found myself belly laughing every episode. The absurdity mixed with authenticity is what really makes this thing work. You almost forget they’re here to sell tires until we’re reminded right before (hopefully) season 2.

No comments