Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit - dir. Kenneth Branagh
A mediocre attempt to kickstart a dormant franchise by replacing Alec Baldwin, Harrison Ford and Ben Affleck with Chris Pine. Sadly, it is run of the mill fare although I do like watching Keira Knightley in just about anything.
Broadchurch season 1
A well crafted slow burn of a murder mystery set in a small British seaside town. Doctor Who no. 10 was pretty good and the requisite quirky small town charcters were solid. My favorite was Olivia Coleman's Detective Miller, or if you're using the Doctor's accent, 'Mela'. Good stuff.
The Sweeney - dir. Nick Love
A 2012 British cop movie based on a 1970's British cop TV show. Well written, tightly paced, and with good acting. Ray Winstone is the Hard Boiled Cop Who Breaks All The Rules who's having an affair with Agent Carter while chasing the bad guys. High stakes were nicely conveyed.
Kite (animated, edited version)
Kite (live action version)
Kite: Liberator (animated)
These are all pretty much crap. I kept waiting for the mildly intriguing premise to pay off. It never came close. Bleck. Poop. Yak.
My Nieghbor Totoro - dir. Hayao Miyazaki
A wonderful and uplifting story of two young girls and their father moving into a new house while dealing with a sick and hospitalized mother/wife. And, as only Miyazaki can, kindly forest spirits interact with the girls, helping them heal. A moving, delightful treat. Also, Catbus!
Patton Oswalt: Tragedy Plus Comedy Equals Time - dir. Bobcat Goldthwait
A funny, insightful stand-up special by one of my favorite comedians. Especially the bits about German humorlessness, Florida, and performing for super drunk casino patrons. I liked it.
Alien 3 - dir. David Fincher
The third best of the five Alien movies (in order: Alien, Aliens, Alien 3, Prometheus, Alien 4). Not great but not bad either. Nice to see Fincher begin to find his voice.
Se7en - dir. David Fincher
Inky black serial killer cop show elevated by an oustanding script, confident direction, and career-making acting. One of my favorites.
That's all for today. I'll be back soon with more stuff.
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