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

The Hurt Locker

Posted on March 11, 2010 by Al

Unlike most who were watching the Oscars last weekend, I had actually seen The Hurt Locker, Kathryn Bigelow’s double winner for direction and best picture. I got lucky with my Netflix queue and had it in hand by the end … Continue reading →

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Kavalier and Clay

Posted on March 6, 2010 by Al

This novel won the Pulitzer Prize in 2000, and it’s easy to see why. Chabon is in total control of his craft and the world he creates. Despite the funny, adventurous tone, and the setting in a childish genre – comic books – Chabon is writing for adults who gain pleasure from multiple levels of meaning Continue reading →

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Muscle Memory

Posted on February 15, 2010 by Al

I’m simul-watching the Olympics now, just after Bode Miller raced his downhill, seeking peace and satisfaction. He’s 32, and has been doing top level ski racing for over a decade. He lost by 0.09 (0.02 from second) of a second, … Continue reading →

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The Africa Project

Posted on February 7, 2010 by Al

Bela Fleck, banjoist extraordinaire, has been nominated for over 20 Grammys, in more different categories than any other artist. His most recent awards came last week, his 12th and 13th. Throw Down Your Heart: Tales From The Acoustic Planet, Vol. … Continue reading →

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Inherent Vice

Posted on February 2, 2010 by Al

If you’ve never read any Pynchon, this is actually a good place to start. If you’re a fan, don’t try to take this one too seriously.
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Raise High The Roof Beam, Carpenters

Posted on January 29, 2010 by Al

So tonight, I raise a glass to Mr. Salinger. I hope they find you up there, Messrs. Clemens and Thompson, and that you make room for Pynchon and Keillor, and then you all can share stories and jokes and anger and smokes and joy, and look down on those of us still here, who remember you and smile. Continue reading →

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LOST

Posted on January 26, 2010 by Al

An eye opens, pupil constricting, and we pan out to a very confused man in a business suit and tie, lying arms akimbo staring up at palm trees in a dense South Pacific jungle. Loud and atonal electrical whining erupts all around him. Confused, he rolls to one side, eyes lighting on a panting dog, friendly but frightened. Continue reading →

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Movies

Posted on January 14, 2010 by Al

All we really want from a movie is to be entertained. Something we can slip into, with both novelty and familiarity. A story that has resonance, a clear perspective, and visual sophistication. This week, I’ve seen three films which, in very different ways, drew me in and left me lighter, more fulfilled.
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Avatar

Posted on January 1, 2010 by Al

For the few of you who might still be on the fence, a proper review really only consists of three words: Go See It. Just don’t breath the air until you have a mask on. Continue reading →

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Cutting For Stone

Posted on December 22, 2009 by Al

Cutting for Stone is a full-bodied tour through mid-century Ethiopia, with stops in India and America’s Northeast. Verghese knows his subject, knows his people, and most of all knows his story. Complex, human, and honest, this book is immersing and rewarding. Continue reading →

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