what Dave thinks about movies, books and everything
{4.5/5} “I want the perfect wedding, and I want my father to give me away.” Mamma Mia!, released in 2008 Sophie is getting married. She finds her mother’s diary, discovering that she has three possible fathers — she invites all three of them to her wedding. I already knew and loved the Abba songs. Meryl […]
{5/5} Whose Line is it Anyway? season 10, aired in 2014 The regular crew are as hilarious as ever — the performers are very clever, and quick. “Scenes from a Hat” and “Props” are always guaranteed for several laughs. They typically do the game “Living Scenery” with special guests including Kunal Nayyar and Nolan Gould. […]
{4.5/5} “With a basement lab at Harvard Walter was able to open a wormhole into another dimension that essentially shredded all the laws of science. I can’t wait to see what he’s capable of doing with a multibillion dollar corporation.” Fringe season 3, aired in 2010-11 Walter and Peter are back from the alternate universe […]
{4.5.5} Conqueror by Stephen Baxter, published in 2007 Another tour of the history of England with stops in 607, 793, 872, and 1066. This one shows how invaders become locals within a few generations and then are threatened by other invaders. There’s a different prophecy than in the first book and various people are trying […]
{4/5} Dragons: Defenders of Berk season 2, aired in 2013-14 Hiccup and his friends defend Berk against Alvin the Treacherous, Dagur the Deranged, and Whispering Death dragons. There’s a bit more of an ongoing story this season. The TV show isn’t quite as good as the movies, but it’s enjoyable. A third season is forthcoming […]
{3/5} “Life was given to us a billion years ago. What have we done with it?” Lucy, released in 2014 Lucy is inadvertently dosed with a new drug and she becomes the smartest person in the world. Scarlett Johansson and Morgan Freeman give it their best shot but the script lets them down. In terms […]
{4.5/5} “My friend, you suffer from the misplaced optimism of the doomed.” Snowpiercer, released in 2013 In the future the only people who are left are stuck on a train travelling around and around. The wealthy people at the front of the train live in luxury and the poor people at the back live in […]
Best of the best Harvey A delightful movie that showcases star Jimmy Stewart. Elwood has a friend who’s an invisible 6-foot rabbit — his family think he should be committed to an asylum. Runner ups 12 Angry Men Likely the best movie where all of the action essentially takes place in one room. One jury […]
Best of the best Casablanca It’s known as one of the great romances, but it’s also very funny. During World War II in Casablanca everyone comes to Rick’s Cafe — including his former lover, Ilsa. Humphrey Bogart plays Rick and Ingrid Bergman plays Ilsa. Runner ups Citizen Kane A great movie and an astounding behind-the-scenes […]
Best of the best The Wizard of Oz One of the greatest musicals ever — I haven’t seen the movie in decades but I still remember the songs. Dorothy gets caught in a tornado and is whisked off to the magical land of Oz. Judy Garland plays Dorothy. Runner ups Gone With the Wind Adjusted […]