Title: The Bartender’s Tale
Genre: Novel
Grade: A-
Notable People: Ivan Doig
Review: Never heard of this author or book before- total hunch from library shelf…and it turned out to be a gift. Great tale of reminiscence from a middle aged guy about his growing up in rural Montana in the 50s and 60s. Indelible characters, wonderful story and a really good writer to boot. This will make you want to go west, young man (or young woman). A great winter’s find.
Title: Life of Pi- 3D
Genre: Film
Grade: B+
Notable People: Ang Lee- Director
Review: I had not read the book- so has less expectations than many. Visually stunning movie; very moving story filled with metaphors and allegory. In many ways a technical masterpiece- though I thought the 3D was not the best I’ve seen. The entire major segment of the movie on the boat was really great; the narrative reminiscences with an older PI dragged for me. A good winter afternoon diversion.
Title: Django Unchained
Genre: Film
Grade: A
Notable People: Quentin Tarentino- Director, Jamie Foxx, Christoph Waltz, Leo DiCaprio and a cast of many surprises
Review: It’s a Tarentino. I could say more but it would be like Blah, Blah, Blah. You like movies??? Go see it NOW……
Title: Silver Linings Playbook
Genre: Film
Grade: A-
Notable People: Jennifer Lawrence, Bradley Cooper, Robert Deniro, Directed by David O. Russell
Review: Very, very nicely done movie. Touching story about two quirky, emotionally unstable people who connect in a pretty strange way. Pretty complex for the story line with really good performances by Cooper, a rejuvenated Deniro (best role in years) and an absolutely stunning turn by Lawrence (all grown up after winning The Hunger Games). This one’s a real sleeper.
Title: The Perks of Being a Wallflower
Genre: Film
Grade: A-
Notable People: Emma Watson, Logan Lerman, Paul Rudd, cameo by Joan Cusack
Review: This is the best coming of age movie I’ve seen in a very long time. A lot of people think this is film for teens only- but we were all totally moved by it. Much darker and more complex than it seems at first. I don’t know who Logan Lerman is- but this role is a tour de force. Watson is to die for. Heartbreakingly real.
Title: Hemingway’s Girl
Genre: Novel
Grade: B+
Notable People: Erika Roebuck
Review: Reviewer said “You’ll love this robust, tender story of love, grief, and survival on Key West in the 1930s…Addictive.” I agree. Hemingway seems to have been reborn recently and is everywhere; not all of which is good. This fable is one piece I’m glad to have. Very nicely written and quite moving; I cried several times.
Title: Hitchcock
Genre: Film
Grade: A-
Notable People: Anthony Hopkins, Scarlett Johansen, Jessica Beal
Review: Hopkins IS Hitchcock- incredible channeling. Movie takes place during the making of classic Psycho; great period piece, great acting and a lots of info you did not know. See Hitchcock go nuts in lobby of theater first time the movie is shown. Liked it a lot.
Title: Paradise City
Genre: Novel
Grade: A-
Notable People: Archer Mayor
Review: Everyone already knows I am biased as Archer has become a friend of mine. If you like serial murder mysteries (he publishes one a year- 22 in all to date) you can’t go wrong with this series or this one. Joe Gunther gets out of Vermont to Northampton MA in this rather convoluted but entertaining story; lots of focus of the erratically interesting Willy Kunkle character. Good late night reading.
Genre: Film
Grade: A-
Notable People: Chiwetal Ejiofor, Michael Fassbinder, Paul Giamatti, Benedict Cumberbatch, Brad Pitt, Paul Dano, Directed by Steve McQueen
Title: Twelve Years A Slave
Review – Well- as you can see we are obviously back in the land of movies; three good ones in three days. This is one powerful movie that should make you somewhat embarrassed to be a Caucasian. Very powerful story that reflects the title; free black man living a serene life in Saratoga, NY in 1850s gets kidnapped and turned into slavery for 12 years in the deep south. Shocking does not capture it. Well acted and filmed – great support cast and a great performance by the lead actor. It dragged a bit for me, and was a tiny bit predictable- but still a must see. Witching this and “The Book Thief’ in back to back nights may not be all that recommended- you will want to see a Rambo movie after these two- in which the good guys get to kick ass. A very startling commentary on human cruelty and misery.
Title: Born to Sing, No Plan B
Genre: Album
Grade: A-
Notable People: Van Morrison
Review: nothing ground breaking here; just the great Van the Man doing his thing. If you’re a fan- go out and get it.
