Do you long for the iron-fisted rule of Napoleon? Do you seek glory in battle? Have you memorized the Latin Bible? Then you too will root for our protagonist Julien as he tries to gain glory and status in a world without heroes. That description of the plot sounds a bit more exciting than the book really is, but it does represent the general themes of the story. Although there is dueling and a sprinkling of political intrigue, ninety percent of the book is Julien seducing women of society as a means to his ends. The novel is a little too long for my tastes but it managed to keep this pulp novel loving idiot engaged through all the mushy lovey-dovey bits.
A short Russian novella that details the final days of seven criminals who have been condemned to death. Most of the seven are from a group of terrorists who plotted to kill a minister. I guess we are supposed to sympathize with them but they all sound like brainwashed zealots to me. The point of the whole endeavor is probably to make a statement against capital punishment. Being as this book is over one hundred years old, I’d say, “Mission Accomplished?”
It’s the best movie about a cat since Milo and Otis and I’m pretty sure fewer animals were killed during the filming.
A famous modern artist is obsessed with an old Italian villa and the previous resident who died tragically. He spends much of his time brooding, then doing weird/dumb 60s cinematic artist stuff. Did all filmmakers in the 60s think artists would just have scantily clad models roll around in paint? Anyhow, it becomes a psychological drama/semi-horror film in the final act and, knowing the director, there is probably some sort of gobbledygook message about the working class and oppression. I liked it because it was goofy.
It was a little better than Project Hail Mary. Hurrah!
Here’s a silly little Web app that I had Claude.ai generate for me that will allow you to map out relationship names between family members and yourself. It arouse out of a discussion of what to call a grandparent’s brother’s grandchild. This app will clarify the whole first/second cousin once/twice removed thing and will allow you to family reunionize like a pro.
Goofy Woody Allen is better than serious Woody Allen by a long shot. A parody of Russian literature is not the most ripe area for comedy but he manages insert a joke every minute or so. In hindsight, Allen’s real-life persona just makes his on-screen character come across as a perverted creep rather than a lovable loser.
The bicycle chase and clock tower scenes are some of Jackie Chan’s most well known set pieces. The rest of the movie is boring, unfunny, and barely watchable.
I was entertained by this despite its overly long runtime and kid-friendly tone. Basically an “escape room” movie where characters have to puzzle their way out of a tough situation. Too much karaoke and too many flashbacks for my tastes.
My memory of Super Troopers was that it was primary a drug humor movie with a couple memorable gags. The dream sequence opening of this sequel did nothing to dispel my memories. It was more unfunny drug humor that assumes I remembered all the crazy characters and their past antics. And then, once back to reality, something happened. Instead of being all weed references it became a non-stop hour-and-a-half of goofing on Canada and Canadians. With that I was all in and thoroughly enjoyed every “sooh-rey” and “aboot.”
