Movie and book reviews.
Book – **** The Library at Mount Char (2015) – Scott Hawkins’ debut fantasy has everything to recommend it for those who like a darker vision. It brings to mind American Gods for originality and the dark fun it has with its premise—a God could be living just down the…
One of my favorite comic fantasies. Bill Murray was in top form as the self-absorbed weatherman and Andie MacDowell perfect as his unobtainable producer. Harold Ramis and Danny Rubin get six stars for their screenplay and Ramis six for direction as well.
Tour de Force fantasy if you can swallow the multiple bizarre premises. Within the world of its own creation, it’s amazing, but without a strong willing-suspension-of-disbelief it would be lucky to get three stars from most folks.
Entertaining franchise opener. Enjoyed the orcs having factions and personalities. The complexity of the worlds, cities, and races didn’t overwhelm the story.
Once again, I watched Dave and enjoyed every minute. Few movies bear repeated viewing, but Dave is one of them. Kevin Kline and Sigourney Weaver got it just right and brought a fun script to life. I will post six stars in the future for movies that deliver their magic…
Book – *** The Chamber (1994) – Slow exploration of Sam Cayhall, a Klu Klux Clan murderer facing the gas chamber. His estranged grandson, Adam Hill, fights his impending death sentence for two murders he did not commit. Too much of a treatise against the death penalty, while leaving interesting…
Book – ***+ Riders of the Purple Sage (1912) – This Zane Grey book celebrates nature and horsemanship while expressing his negative view of Mormon settlers. His protagonist, Jane Withersteen, resists the takeover of her ranch by the Mormons of Cottonwoods, employing Venters and the gunman, Lassiter, to keep her…
Beckinsale was best in the lead role, but the film missed the mark for a great period piece. When a story must pause to literally tell you who the characters are, something is clearly wrong.