Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince
From Lisa Shwarzbaum's review for EW:
"Half-Blood Prince encompasses important plot developments involving both love and death. But the story is, still and all, only a pause, deferring an intensely anticipated conclusion. And it's in that exquisite place of action and waiting that this elegantly balanced production emerges as a model adaptation. By now, as played with utmost loyalty to the cause by some of Britain's most illustrious actors, the supporting characters are as familiar as the population of Homer Simpson's neighborhood (and that's a great compliment). Yet with a big assist from cinematographer Bruno Delbonnel — a Potter newbie who memorably shot Amélie and Across the Universe — the filmmakers have found a way to refresh our eyes and enhance our appreciation for this rich, amazing creation."
Dexter
From EW's review of Season 1 DVD:
"Death does become him. Six Feet Under star Michael C. Hall's turn as blood-spatter specialist Dexter Morgan — who's also a serial killer programmed to knock off only bad guys — provides one of the small screen's most appealing antiheroes."
I haven't been that impressed with the supporting cast, or even the writing on this show, but Michael C. Hall makes it worth watching. He's a fascinating combination of wistful outsider and creepy crawly thing. I wish they would leave out all the blood, f-bombs, and ashen corpse boobies but, hey, it is a Showtime production.
Paul for Everyone: The Pastoral Letters by Tom Wright
At Amazon.com.
I'm loving this commentary! Includes Wright's own translation of the full text in question (in this case 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy and Titus) as well as Wright's relevant, wise, and refreshingly simple commentary. I am particularly impressed with how deftly Wright handles controversial issues like gender roles, wealth, and politics. I will definitely be reading more of these.
Erma, Forever: Best Loved Writings from America's Favorite Humorist by Erma Bombeck
At Amazon.com.
Perfect antidote to Dexter. Guaranteed to get blood spatters and ritualistically mutilated Barbie dolls out of your head.
2 comments:
The Tom Wright stuff is brilliant. What is brilliant about him is that he can write at all sorts of levels for all sorts of folks. For me, the NT Wright stuff reminds me of Barclays commentaries, only with better theology.
I forgot you read Erma Bombeck. I think Mommo gave me her first book while I was in the army. The snake gets all the lines or something like that. Your're right it's a nice change of pace, and actually kind of real world.
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