Comedy Rom-Com

“Snack Shack”

By Brett_G on

8.2

You all know I’m a sucker for summer coming of age films, so I had high hopes for this one… that it blew out of the water! It’s on par with “Everybody Wants Some” and “The Way Way Back” for me. Particularly because of the summer love triangle and theme of personal growth by way of a gauntlet of awkwardness the film puts the characters and its audience through. Our dynamic duo, entrepreneurial as they may be, broke the cardinal rule of the bro code and put a ho before their bro. I almost gave them a pass though, because I mean, Mika Abdalla comes out of nowhere as a force of nature as the girl next door AND lifeguard AND photographer. That’s a film vixen triple threat if I’ve ever seen one. She absolutely nails the part, as does the rest of the cast in their slotted roles. I especially enjoyed Nick Robinson in the cool older kid/mentor role.

A throwback to a comedy niche of old, and a nice (albeit awkward as hell) trip down memory lane.

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Horror/Thriller

“The Ward”

By Brett_G on

6.7

Kind of “Shutter Island,” kind of “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.” I was digging it in the first half. It just missed sticking the landing in the second half for me. For a John Carpenter film, it was missing his signature strange. The ominous originality he’s known for. It was unexpectedly typical, which meant it was a letdown in this case. I’d recommend one of the aforementioned films instead. And not just because Amber Heard is playing lead in this one.

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Comedy Drama Throwback

“The Descendants”

By Brett_G on

8.2

Gorgeous scenery, complicated life subject matters, deep characters, acoustic soundtrack…the Alexander Payne (Director) formula at the height of its powers.

Similar to “The Holdovers” and “Sideways” from his catalog, this one doesn’t shy away from the awkward or the difficult. Flawed people taking care of each other in the face of adversity is a film premise that will never tire.

George Clooney delivers one of his strongest dramatic performances, but it’s Shailene Woodley that steals the show. Her transition and development of character throughout the film is one of the greatest strengths of the story. As with most of Payne’s works, it’s the subtlety and attention to the smallest details in every frame that sets this apart from other films. Even the dumbass boyfriend becomes a redeeming character by the end, it’s truly a sight to see. Really well done.

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Comedy Drama Throwback

“Bringing Out The Dead”

By Brett_G on

7.4

Nic Cage as a paramedic? Sign me up!

In what could be a sequel to “Taxi Driver,” we join Cage and his carousel of rig partners in trying to wrangle the chaos of New York City, as well as the chaos within themselves.

Oddly comforting was the portrayal of the Emergency Room waiting area. Some things never change…

The film itself was a cross between the ambiance and inner monologue of “Taxi Driver” and the cinematography of “Seven.” It was an interesting mix. Ving Rhames and John Goodman turn in fantastic supporting performances opposite Cage. As does Tom Sizemore, of all people. An unexpected reflection on healthcare ethics and coping mechanisms in the face of insurmountable stressors.

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Peacock Rom-Com Romance

“Ms. Match”

By Brett_G on

7.4

Did they steal the ending from “License to Kill” (see below)? Yes. Did they earn the right? Also yes.

A surprisingly adorkable rom-com from the gang at Peacock. Anna Savcic and Brad Harder’s chemistry really makes it a home run in the 9th. The key to these things is the end of the second act, where you get your heart ripped out alongside the main characters. This film delivers on that, which makes the third act triumph all the sweeter. And no, I’m not just sappy because I found a good red Zinfandel the weekend after Valentine’s Day… although, for those inquiring minds, FitVine Red Zinfandel has been a solid clearance rack find thus far. I’ve only reviewed 74 wines though… much less refined of a palate when compared to the 658 movies that I’ve reviewed, with many more actually consumed over the years.

https://www.vivino.com/wines/156188316

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