Told you this would be 'content', not just 'movies'! An actual book review providing circumstantial evidence that at least one of us can read.

         

Ready Player Two (2020)

Medium: Book (Ernest Cline)

Rating: 4/5 second life never gets as far

Reviewer: jericho

Reference(s): Wikipedia || Amazon

When you play a video game, ever notice how the second quarter you put in never seems to get you as far? Same with Ready Player Two. It's a good read and stays true to the style of the first book, mostly. For a chunk of the story in the middle it gets bogged down and for two quests the heroes have to solve, it feels like you are reading a Wikipedia page with a loose plot around it. I promise you Ernest, we didn't need to know that much trivia about John Hughes movies. Other small bits here and there seem like they were written to be a movie script, which is fitting, since there was already talk about making this one into a movie as well. Overall worth picking up if you liked the first one but don't be afraid to wait for the paperback. [My longer review]


The Devil Has A Name (2019)

Medium: Movie (Multiple)

Rating: 3.5/5 come for the heterochromia, stay for the black gold

Reviewer: martums

Reference(s): IMDB Listing || Amazon

The performances of Edward James Olmos (who also directed) and Kate Bosworth warrant adding this to your queue, despite aspects of the plot sharing similar hallucinogenic qualities as The Day After Tomorrow (2004) and 2012 (2009). Fossil fuels are the devil, we get it already. Olmos' and Bosworth's performances more than compensate for what the plot lacks. Regrettably, we have another case of someone who neglected to show their dialect coach sufficient respect by doing their homework, looking at you Mr. Also-known-for-Battlestar-Galactica. (It seems hypocritical to point out an epidemic of poor dialect/accent performances in the midst of a pandemic when escapism and binge-watching are part of the new normal).


The Queen's Gambit (2020)

Medium: TV (Netflix)

Rating: 5/5 check it out mate

Reviewer: jericho

Reference(s): IMDB Listing || Netflix

This miniseries, based on a 1983 book with the same name, is a fictional story about a chess prodigy turned master. It has the feeling of a real story and the producing, sets, and acting strongly lend to this. The main character, played by Anya Taylor-Joy, does an epic job playing a character who has personality quirks and addiction issues. The story is set many decades ago and gives a good reminder of the expectations about women in society. While chess may not seem to be a good basis for a fast-pace drama, the series does a wonderful job maintaining a good pace. I highly recommend this series for everyone.


A Call to Spy (2019)

Medium: Movie (Multiple)

Rating: 5/5

Reviewer: martums

Reference(s): IMDB Listing || Amazon

A Call to Spy is knock-your-socks-off good. There are a variety of leading & supporting performances which demand witnessing. Perhaps most notably, triple-threat Sarah Megan Thomas who wrote, produced, and acted in the lead role as Virginia Hall. Add this to the queue. Don't take my word for it. RogerEbert.com calls it "...an engrossing and often thrilling spy drama." According to the IdahoPress.com, "A Call to Spy amplifies how individuals from different nationalities can and did unite to resist evil, each in her own way."


The Jesus Rolls (2019)

Medium: Movie (Multiple)

Rating: 2/5 between 7-10p split, don't watch

Reviewer: jericho

Reference(s): IMDB Listing || Amazon

Did you know there was a spin-off to The Big Lebowski? Neither did I until recently. It follows a brief part of Jesus' life, but not really his life bowling unfortunately. This is basically the story of two hapless and idiot guys on the lowest-end crime spree you can imagine. The humor is also some of the lowest-end too; there wasn't that much to laugh about as the bit comedy was lacking overall. I'd pass on this and re-watch the dude. On the upside, we do learn the story behind the sex offender registry.


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