TV
The Terminal List: Dark Wolf
This is so full of action, tradecraft, and honestly this dance with doing the right there. There is this constant conversation about "Means justify the end," "Who is the in the right," "How far is too far?"
Spy
Books
The Unit
This book really felt like a friend telling a story. There is this friendly demeener as if he is trying to tell you his story, without the total preacher mentality that could have happened. I also recognize during my time in the Marines, that leaving your home town and actually interacting...
TV
The Agency
The acting is superb. Jeffrey Wright is easily one of my favorite people in this show. Michael Fassbender and his accents are so good. He very much feels like the secret agent and spy that he is. I do appreciate the shrink calling out Naomi for some of her annoying traits, and then there is Gremlin
Movies
Jack Ryan Ghost War
For John and Wendell, I think they are challenged by the script more than their ability, because it feels phoned in. Not quite "I am here for the money," but they are sure there for one last ride and aren't going to put their all into it.
Books
The Hunt for Red October
I cannot truly express how impressed I am with the description of the Submarines, their capabilities, the function, and life on the sub. I’ve always been interested in subs and after watching videos like this one from _Smarter Every Day and U-571 it is incredible the technology created for subs.
Movies
No Time to Die
This movie here shows a true longing to be with one person. You can see it in Daniel's face and that is the hallmark of a real actor. Ana de Armas is her from Ballerina and I honestly forgot about that.
Movies
Quantum of Solace
There is a lot of this campy, slap stick comedy to it. The thing that really highlights that issue is near the end when Bond returns to his hotel and is walking around the inside of the lobby on the walls while the people looking for him are on the inside.
Movies
The Amateur
What pull you out of reality sometimes is the complete buffoonery of the CIA Special Activities Director played by Holt McCallany. There are so many things wrong with his actions and about how he was hide his location such as making changes to the software that showed what CCTV cameras
Movies
Captain America The Winter Soldier
The action is also outstanding. The scene where The Winter Soldier catches the shield is crazy. When I first watched in theaters, I remember the audible gasp and just being "Oh shit." Between that and the scenes of attempting to stop the Helicarriers is just very well done.
Mission Impossible
Mission: Impossible Movie Series
As the series has moved forward, it moved forward in the best direction. The average, IMDB score is 7.2 for the whole series, with the worst two being 7.2 for the first one and 6.8 for the second. From there is a 7.4 and above. This series has done something for me that I feel like a lot of...
Movies
Mission Impossible III
We are back on track with a good spy thriller. There is conflict, surprise, and really good action. The most memorable scene is where Ethan is escorting a prisoner over a long bridge and it is attacked. While some of the actions for sure are there to be over the top, but make it entertaining.
Movies
Mission Impossible
I think the acting is very 90s. I know it came out then, but it doesn't hold up. Ving, Tom, and Jon are really good. The rest... not so much. Honestly, I think Jean is just overly predictable in his role, but we might want to blame the writers on that.