Brett Garten, Movie Extraordinare

“Babylon”

By Brett_G on December 30, 2022

7.1

In one word: Chaotic… or long.

Throughout, this film is gorgeous. For that, I will not fault it. The first hour is superb. After that, it feels every second of the 3+ hour runtime and gets WEIRD. If you have a weak stomach, or a back injury that prevents you from sitting for long periods of time, this is not the move. I’m amazed they skated by with the R rating.

Brad Pitt and Margot Robbie are exquisite. The entire supporting cast is full of rockstars and amazing cameos. The music and cinematography are to die for. It’s just the strange structure and poor pacing that kill it in the end.

Oscar bait gone too far… much like the scene of an elephant defecating on a man. I shit you not. (Rimshot)

Amazon Prime Rom-Com

“Something From Tiffany’s”

By Brett_G on December 27, 2022

7.2

Not too much, not too little. Just right.

In the spirit of “no good deed goes unpunished,” this poor guy saves an asshat’s life, only to have said action cause a ripple effect resulting in his proposal being thwarted. Only to then be wooed by the baking prowess of Zoey Deutch. (Is there anything she can’t do?) She dumps the zero, and gets with the hero in the end. Both learn that someone you met yesterday can be better for you than someone you’ve known for years. Well done, Amazon! Netflix better look out, they’re gunning for the rom-com kingdom.

Apple Tv+ Documentary Drama

“WeCrashed”

By Brett_G on December 23, 2022

7.5

… still a more believable accent than his Mario Bros. Impression that was Paola Gucci in “House of Gucci.” And Anne Hathaway grounds the madman in a realism that almost makes him likable. Makes his moves understandable until they cross over into unthinkably incoherent.

This is one of those “Hollywood can’t write a story this wild” situations where they try to pigeonhole the story to fit into a series narrative, and almost stick the landing. The soundtrack is a banger, nonetheless. Another AppleTV+ winner.

Drama Netflix Suspense/Thriller

“Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery”

By Brett_G on December 23, 2022

7.7

Good, but not great. I think it was because I expected the whodunnit this time. It definitely fell into the trap of a bigger budget. That “22 Jump Street” nailed and I can never under with these sequels. At times it felt as transparent as, well, a glass onion. But, it’s Rian Johnson, so it’s also a beautifully made film, and you almost forgive it.

Amazon Prime Comedy

“Fleabag”

By Brett_G on December 23, 2022

8.1

It’s British “Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” and I am here for ever second of it!

A quick wit and dry sense of humor that emanates such effortlessness from the main character that you can’t help but root for them, no matter the circumstances. Complicated characters that more accurately depict everyday acquaintances than any sitcom character could ever dream to. Fourth wall breaks that would make Deadpool flush with envy. The wildest storylines that keep one guessing until the very end, until the story and the main character wander into the night, clever as a fox as to their next move. Weird, but we’ll worth the weekend binge.