Category Archives: Reviews: Books, Movies, Music, TV

Mr. Boyle knows how to paint a story with pictures, knows when to let his characters speak for themselves, and keep things moving forward with charm and grace. And if you want more slum-life seen from the eyes of a child, but with real grit and no happy ending, check out “City of God” – better than any other film I’ve mentioned so far (but not, alas, from Mr. Boyle.) Continue reading →

These people are artists, in the highest sense of the word: they have a unique vision, don’t compromise on their performance, and leave the audience slack jawed at the result. If you are ever within 100 miles of the Sparrow Quartet, go see them.
Continue reading →

Haruki Murakami, in his memoir What I Talk About When I Talk About Running, shares his attempt to understand why long distance running sits at the center of his life. Murakami is a celebrated Japanese novelist Continue reading →

They are all brothers born in the 40s, a little larger, a little slower, but just as happy, maybe even more so, to still be singing and leading the band for the rest of us. Their smiles rise above the years, their songs can still bring the tears, and for 12 minutes, or two hours, or however long they play, we can sit back and just relax, secure in our family of music. Continue reading →

Worth watching, but don’t get fooled by the pompous tone. Will Smith is immersive, but he gets no help from anyone else, not even his dog. Continue reading →

This is a show which deserves close attention, not fleeting awareness like some reality program. It is a deeply realized alternate reality, compelling and vastly entertaining. Continue reading →

Burke does provide gut-wrenching immersion in one of our worst neighborhoods at one of its worst times, through the eyes of those who tend to the fallen there. Continue reading →