sometimes

Sometimes I don't go to sleep.
It makes my wife a little worried.
But I need to be up.
I have things to do.
Things important and deep.
And I refuse to fell hurried.

And really, I'm just not tired

I'm not.

And sometimes I stay up because I need to read.
A book so good that I'll make coffe at 2:00 am to help me stay up.

The latest book to do this to me was Robert Eversz ZERO TO THE BONE.

This is book five in the series featuring paparazzi photographer Nina Zero and I think it's the best yet. Nina is an ex-con working for a tabloid paper in Hollywood. Through out the series we see Nina go through changes. This book is no different. She has to face past issues with her Father and is also looking at the endof her parole. She is also talked into exhibitting her photos for the fist time and be taken as a serious photographer.

Naturally something goews wrong, as one of the models Nina had shot for the show goes missing, presumed murdered. Nina is drawn into the case because of a dvd sent to her with waht looks like the murder taking place.

What really makes this series, and this book in particular work is the fact that Eversz writes great characters. They are real people dealing with real things. The action is smooth and the pacing perfect.

Eversz spoke on his last tour about doing a five book arc and bringing the series full circle. I think he has done that and done it exceedingly well. There was talk of spinning off another series with one of the supporting characters thaa might feature an occasional glimpse of Nina. I'd sure like that, but the truth is Eversz is so damn good I'd read a grocery list. I trust that what ever the next book is it will be great.
Meanwhile if you haven't read this book, or God forbid, the series, get going!

The Amazon Links

I'm putting these up so people can order the movies being reviewed quickly.
I firmly believe in Independant Bookstores so I won't be lining to any mystery novels.

V For Vendetta

V for Vendetta: Good acting, good action and just plain good.


Based on the graphic novel by Alan Moore, Vendetta is set in a not too distant future in which England has become a fascist state. A shadowy figure, known only as V, wages war on the government with the intent to spark a revolution, or so it would appear. Before long, it becomes clear that he has vengeance on his mind.




James Mc Teigue makes his directorial debut, after working as First Assistant Director on The Matrix trilogy, and does an incredible job bringing the wonderful graphic novel to the big screen. He wisely put together an amazing cast that includes Hugo Weaving, Natalie Portman, John Hurt, Stephen Rea and Stephen Fry. It is the fine acting of this
group helps V step above much of the Sci-fi dreck that we have seen in the past. They help the characters seem a little more real and not just archetypes.

John Hurt is fantastic as Adam Sutler, the head of the government. He is everything you could want in a villain, I found myself wanting to seem him taken out almost before he uttered his first words. It was as though he was taking leadership classes from Hitler himself.

Hugo Weaving is excellent. Despite being covered by a mask the entire film, he manages to convey emotions and get across the nuances of the character. His use of vocal inflections as well as body language is fantastic. V, despite being ruthless and living up to the label of terrorist, is a sympathetic character whose motivations are understandable. You may find yourself feeling a bit uneasy for cheering for him at times.

I have been a fan of Natalie Portman since seeing her in Leon (aka The Professional) at the age of 13. But after seeing her flail about in junk like Anywhere but Here, Where the Heart is and the Star Wars trilogy, I had almost forgotten she could act. It is nice to see her picking roles that clearly interest her enough to bring out the full range of her acting abilities. I hope she stays on this course for years tocome.

V for Vendetta is a fun, stylish action flick full of power and emotion. While it is true that the filmmakers have taken some liberties with the source material, they stay true to the overall feel of the comic and convey the underlying message quite well. Whether or not you have read the comic, you should enjoy this motion picture.

Though I must mention that towards the end of the movie, the comic book nerd, (you know the type: 40ish, pudgy, looks like he still lives with mom and dad) broke into tears. I held up, managing not only to not cry, but also refraining from openly making fun of him. Of course I am mentioning now so maybe I am not as strong as I would like to think.

Jeremy Lynch



Get the graphic novel

DVD Review - A History Of Violence

A History of Violence

New Line Cinema

Release date: March 14, 2006

I have never been a big fan of David Cronenberg; too much of his work is a little too… offbeat for my taste. Another way to put it is that his work can be just plain weird. Having said that, I was a little hesitant when I sat down to watch A History of Violence.

I should not have been. AHOV is an outstanding film. It features very strong performances by a fantastic cast. Cronenberg brings a certain stylistic flavor that prevents AHOV from seeming mundane.

Viggo Mortensen plays Tom Stall, a family man in small town Indiana. When an attempted robbery of his diner results in his killing the criminals, Tom is thrust into the spotlight as a hero. This publicity brings some unwanted attention when a mobster(Ed Harris) comes into town insisting that Tom is not who he claims to be.

To reveal any more would spoil the film. This gives you the set-up. The story itself is not what makes this special. It is the impassioned performances by Mortensen, Maria Bello(Who plays Tom’s Wife) and others that draws you in and makes you want to understand what is happening and why.

William Hurt has a small, but important role that won him an Academy Award nomination for best supporting actor. His part takes up perhaps 15 minutes of screen time, but in that time he certainly makes an impact and reminds you just how good of an actor he is.

The DVD features a director’s commentary that definitely adds insight and makes the film all the more fascinating. Also featured is an examination of the two very minor differences between the U.S. version and the international version. It is amazing what minor changes can make a scene acceptable to the MPAA. Other features include footage from the Cannes film festival. While many films toss on bits and pieces simply to have bonus features, the extras here are welcome additions that add to the viewing experience.

A History of Violence is worth watching and worth owning. I can see myself going back to visit the Stall family again down the line.

Jeremy Lynch

Buy A History Of Violence

DVD Releases for Up Coming Week

There is an overlooked gem (The Dying Gaul) and one of the best films of all time (Stalag 17) coming out on the 21st. Add to that Capote’s release and I think a trip to the store is in order.

Jeremy Lynch

DVD releases for March 21st

Capote
(2005) Dir.: Bennett Miller; Philip Seymour Hoffman, Catherine Keener, Clifton Collins Jr., Chris Cooper, Bruce Greenwood. Some of you might be familiar with this film, Hoffman just snagged an Oscar for his portrayal of the troubled and eccentric Capote. Extras: Extended behind-the-scenes documentaries, Truman Capote featurette, commentary by director Bennett Miller and Hoffman, commentary by Miller and writer Dan Futterman. (Sony).
Buy Capote
The Confessor
(aka The Good Shepherd) (2004) Christian Slater, Molly Parker,Stephen Rea. Christian Slater plays a priest who is drawn out of his comfortable existence of fundraising and p.r. work when he believes in the innocence of a young priest charged with murder. (Sony).
Buy The Confessor
Derailed
(2005) Vincent Cassel, Clive Owen, Jennifer Aniston, Melissa George, RZA, Tom Conti, Xzibit. Rated and unrated versions. The thriller based on James Siegel’s novel of the same name. Extras: Deleted scenes. (The Weinstein Co.)
Buy Derailed
The Dying Gaul
(2005) Patricia Clarkson, Peter Sarsgaard, Campbell Scott. An interesting thriller full of manipulation, lust, betrayal and revenge. Extras: Deleted scenes, alternate ending. (Sony).
Buy The Dying Gaul
The Godfather DVD Collection Four-Disc Set
Includes "The Godfather," "The Godfather II" and "The Godfather III" with a fourth disc featuring 22 minutes of footage chronicling the making of "The Godfather The Game" videogame. $76.99. (Paramount).
Buy The Godfather DVD Collection
Stalag 17 Special Collector's Edition
(1953) Dir.: Billy Wilder; William Holden, Don Taylor, Otto Preminger, Robert Strauss. One of the greatest films ever made. Drama and intrigue in a POW camp. William Holden won an Oscar for his role. That is all you need to know. Buy it immediately. Extras: Commentary by Erdman and Stratton and co-playwright Donald Bevan, "Stalag 17: From Reality to Screen" featurette, "The Real Heroes of Stalag XVIIB" featurette, photo gallery. (Paramount)
Buy Stalag 17