Brett Garten, Movie Extraordinare

“My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3”

By Brett_G on October 18, 2023October 16, 2023

7.4

One thing I can say about this trilogy is that they never fail on the feel good front. It was the perfect way to round out a triple feature at the cinema today after two heavier films.

The Portokalos’s never fail to restore one’s faith in love and family. This film may have changed locale, but the heart of the story is as strong as ever, building off of the strengths of the first two films. Of course there is a forbidden romance, a wedding, and a relationship blossoming in time to launch the possibility of a fourth installment. I wouldn’t be upset with that, and will be one of the first in line if and when they do.

Suspense/Thriller

“A Haunting in Venice”

By Brett_G on October 17, 2023October 16, 2023

7.4

3 films in, Poirot’s still got it!

What starts off with the twist of a haunting/exorcism type story slowly works its way back into the familiar whodunnit formula we’ve come to know and love with this series.

The cast this time around really knocked it out of the park, especially Tina Fey. Beth Dutton gives her a run for her money, though. Overall, a well done murder mystery!

Foreign Horror/Thriller

“Where Evil Lurks”

By Brett_G on October 16, 2023October 16, 2023

8.2

Answer? Damn near everywhere.

There is not a single frame of safety in this entire runtime, as you’re left in the dark alongside the cast as we take the dark turns together, venturing further and further into the darkness enveloping the evil at the center of this rosebud.

It’s not often my stomach is tested by a film, but this one had me almost gagging three separate times, on par or even exceeding “Terrifier 2,” so be warned. Its pervasive sense of dread and general discomfort is well earned, as it cemented itself as the best exorcist movie of the year, if not of the 2020s thus far. Highly recommended if the current/recent slate of horror films has seemed to safe for you.

Horror/Thriller

“The Hills Run Red”

By Brett_G on October 15, 2023October 15, 2023

6.2

Dude trusted a stripper, what did he think was going to happen?

An odd twist on the found footage horror genre that gave me flashbacks to “Censor” and “Broadcast Signal Intrusion,” that eventually went full “Hostel.” the deeper psychological horror and mystery gives way to a gore fest in the third act. The premise had promise, but ended up a little more middle of the road mediocre than I anticipated. A fun watch nonetheless.

Documentary

“Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour”

By Brett_G on October 14, 2023October 14, 2023

9.1

It’s me, hi. I’m the movie reviewer, it’s me.

Seeing this in IMAX was definitely the right call. The film itself is breathtaking, and truly an artist at the height of her power. I honestly don’t know how she tops this one. The design, the performance, the connection… it’s the definition of “firing on all cylinders.”

Seeing it in IMAX allowed it to drown out the people trying to sing like it was an actual concert, and the projector’s brightness somehow overpowered the idiots turning their phone lights on towards the screen, again like it was an actual concert. I applaud the enthusiasm, but they were making every attempt to ruin the cinematic experience of the thing. The only complaint about the film is that they demoted “Long Live” to the song over the credits, which is sacrilege.