Entertainment in 2008

So after spending much time with the family I wanted to spend some time alone to have some me time. I also managed to spend plenty of time with friends and over the last month, playing poker, having dinner, watching movies, having drinks at a local pub/restaurant, & watching football. I keep telling myself I was going to get a part time job or take a class and so far I have done neither but I have managed to spend much time entertaining myself with movies & book.

I recommendation the following:

Juno – Fabulous drama that has a bit of everything, humor, suspense, romance, tragedy (drawing on a bit of every genre seems to be the common theme in films these days). The story is original and has a great message. I went expecting more comedy but wasn’t disappointed with the all the drama, the plot, or how the film ends. I recommend seeing Juno.

Atonement – An amazing romance story set in pre World War II England. It is told from the perspective of the youngest daughter in a noble or well to do family & their friends. Most of the movie focuses on how one mistake separates a couple in love and what happens when their paths cross years later. The director’s use of color to symbolize innocence, desolation, chaos, desperation, and other themes are utterly amazing! This movie is worth seeing just for the visual effects alone let alone the story line.

No Country for Old Men – Actually I saw this movie in December 2007 but I haven’t mentioned any action or manly movies in this list so that is why I mention this movie. I loved everything about this movie, plot, acting, writing, directing, cinematography, the pace of the movie. This movie is AWESOME go see it repeatedly at the dollar theaters…I will be!

Entertainment that has occupied my time but don’t necessarily recommend:

Star Wars, Bloodlines – My Secret Santa gave me a science fiction book and I have finally gotten around to reading it. I didn’t think I would like the Star Wars series but this book is written so well I may read a few more. It isn’t action packed nor is there much progress made in the story line per book as it is part of larger series but it is written well.

Phil Gordan’s Little Green book of Poker – Call me a geek but I read books on poker. It helps me change up my game to study what other people are doing or get ideas from players who are better like Phil Gordan. While many people reading this blog are not poker players and don't know who Phil Gordan is so I can not recommend the book (although I like it!).

Cloverfield – This movie used much of the same gimmicks as the Blair Witch Project – internet hype, limited trailers, filmed from the first person perspective of an individual in the story as it enfolds. The characters lacked depth and with a few subtle references to Godzilla I was expecting a lizard like monster instead of the one the directors created. It is original and has an ending most people don’t like but it is doing well at the theaters. While I won’t see it again I can’t say it was great enough to recommend it.