In anticipation of The Irishman

I'm really looking forward to Martin Scorsese's next film, The Irishman, starring Robert De Niro.  As enjoyable as Scorsese's post-Gangs of New York films have been, they have not had the same power as his initial work with Robert De Niro.  Although I really like The Departed, Shutter Island, and others, his best remain Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, and GoodFellas.  So, it will be interesting to see if The Irishman achieves that same level of quality.

Rabbit, Run and The Centaur

Thus far, the John Updike novels that I have read are Rabbit, Run and part of The Centaur.  I gave up after reading about a third of The Centaur because it was just so hard to read!  Rabbit, Run wasn't easy to read, either, and I honestly wasn't expecting Updike to be so challenging.  At times, his writing can be quite clear, crisp, and engaging, but at other times he can be about as difficult as James Joyce.  So, no more Updike for now.

Up next: Killers of the Flower Moon

All the Money in the World

Just got back from Ridley Scott's All the Money in the World.  Honestly, this might be the best film I've seen all year.  Unbelievable cinematography, brilliant acting, just great, great stuff.  It tells the story of John Paul Getty, oil magnate, and the kidnapping of his grandson by terrorists.  He initially refuses to pay the whopping 17 million dollar ransom, but with negotiation, compromise, and cajoling from the boy's mother, Michelle Williams, they eventually reach a compromise with the terrorists.  The human element of the story is inescapable, and we get to really know these characters.  The movie also takes us to many interesting places, as we witness the opulence of J. Paul Getty's lifestyle and the lows of the terrorists' dwellings.  The whole story is an epic journey, and one well worth taking.  Recommended!

Star Wars: The Last Jedi

This holiday I was able to see Star Wars: The Last Jedi with my family.  It might be my personal favorite Star Wars.  I liked how atmospheric everything was, and how evil the bad guy was.  Everything looked very iconic and shining, much more so than the other Star Wars.  Even though I missed the first thirty minutes or so, I really enjoyed it.  Check it out!