Books
Babylon
I am not 100% sure I remember anything from this book even though I finished it yesterday. It was a lot like SPQR A History of Ancient Rome where it was very academic. I do not think I was really interested until "Chapter" 8.
History
Books
Ghosts of Honolulu
This is a crazy story of the attack on Pearl Harbor and those that lived on the island that you have never heard of. The closest you would ever hear about this is probably from the TV show NCIS for 2 reasons... 2) Douglas Wada worked for NIS which is the predecessor to NCIS.
Movies
Valkyrie
This film, based on a true story about the final assassination attempt on Hitler, flew under the radar despite its stellar cast. The acting, especially from Tom Cruise, is top-notch. It's historically intriguing and enjoyable, with minimal violence and worth the watch.
Movies
The Nun II
I was thinking about a scene that had just happened with an amazing practical special effect. This scene has magazine pages flipping in a specific order and it is just wonderfully done. I was thinking about that and then the Nun popped up and got me.
Movies
Gladiator
This is an oldy but a goody. Russell Crowe does an amazing job for a completely historically inaccurate movie. So I was watching this and guess it was the extended version because I saw some scenes I have NEVER seen before. I agree they should have removed them as they just really slowed down
TV
Shogun
The start of this show is slow. However, Anna Sawai and Hiroyuki are simply putting on a clinic to whomever aspires to be in Hollywood. I cannot express to you how amazing their performance was.
Movies
Sisu
This movie is crazy. I knew the John Wick folks were involved, but they did not leave anything on the table. The story is simple telling only what needs to be told and nothing else. Legitimately, in the entire movie there is probably 200 - 300 words spoken.
Books
The Last Viking
This book was nowhere near as interesting as I thought it was going to be. There is a heavy reliance on dates and people that override the narrative that I think was meant to be told. While Harold led an intriguing life, it is lost in the multitudes of historical details.
Books
Red Notice
Bill Browder tells an excellent story about how his passion for Eastern Europe lead him to learn about exceptional opportunities in the newly independent Russia. However, his money making leads to corrupt government individuals working to take him down which includes the death of Sergei Magnitsky.
Books
The Art of War
The Art of War was on the Commandant's reading list, when it still existed when I was in the Marine Corps, however I never read it. Figured I should, and I finished another book while on my run within the first half hour, I needed a short book.
Movies
Lessons for the Living
Within 3 weeks of each other, two movies came out about the 90 year old Bernie Jordan who escaped his nursing home to go to a D-Day remembrance. One told the true story, the other fabricating plot points, but both telling the same story of guilt and responsibility.
Movies
The Last Rifleman
I have so much to say and at the same time so little to say. The long and short is that Pierce Brosnan is outstanding in his role and tells a wonderful story. I am honestly not sure what to say other than watch it.