Shameless plugs

I wasn't sure if this post was going to be product reviews or a recommendations so it was decided they should be called...shameless plugs.

Movies I enjoy/recommend
Smokin Aces - If you are in the mood for a fairly fast moving feds, gangster, other unsavory character movie go see Smokin Aces. Gratuitous violence - A+ (people are shot, one guy ends up on fire, and one character carries a chainsaw). I was told there was no story or plot but with that expectation I was surprised at how well the story worked & it was refreshingly original! Alicia Keys, Andy Garcia, Ben Affleck were great & Jeremy Pivens nails his role as an empty gangster attempting to get protection from the Mob. Ryan Reynolds role as a Fed is believable but disappointing considering his anti-establishment image. Not to spoil the surpise ending, Reynolds redeems himself!!! This movie almost pulls off pulp fiction cool & style with a mainstream Hollywood story.

Pursuit of Happyness - I HIGHLY RECOMMMEND!!! You don't see too much in the way of great performances but the story is PHENOMENAL!!! Will Smith's son Jayden co stars and steals a few scenes from Will. Thandie Newton gives a stellar performance, almost more so then Will Smith. She has got to be the most under-rated actress in Hollywood and movies like this one make one wonder why she isn't in more pictures or winning awards!!! The story of this movie alone is worth admission price!

A Sniper's Journey - I forget the author but he is telling his stories of serving in the Armed forces starting in Vietnam and ending with Operation Desert Storm. The author tells his story as honestly as he can with his & the war's high points, low points, his character flaws & admireable attributes. The story doesn't glamorize war or violence so it serves to remind us of our most precious possession, our humanity.

Shattered Dreams by Larry Crab - Larry covers the book of Ruth from a new & vibrant perspective. He pulls out lessons I remember learning as a kid and presents them in a new way in which their relevance is obvious and extremely valuable. I am a Larry Crab fan and have been reading his books for years and they just keep getting better & better!