I must admit that I overlooked this show for years because during its run it had only received one primetime Emmy nomination. Thanks to the Heroes and Icons channel running nine episodes every Monday, I decided to take a run at it. It is an absolute delight. The interaction among the cast is great and the plot lines are a lot of fun. Certainly the show embellishes police work in every possible way, including a major shootout almost every week. But that is what escapism is all about. I've enjoyed Nash Bridges as much as anything else I've binged watched :).
Reviews
5 Reviews
In Dubious Battle
(2016)
Faithful to the Spirit if not the Letter of the Novel
14 July 2018
In my summer reading this year, I am catching up on the John Steinbeck novels I have missed over the years, and just finished In Dubious Battle this week. As other reviewers have pointed out, the movie version omits or rewrites many of the details of the book. But I found the film to be wonderfully faithful to the spirit of the novel, and certainly to the spirit of the labor movements of the 1930s.
Moreover, I thought the casting was excellent. Vincent D'Onofrio wonderfully captures the character London. Nat Wolff and James Franco do an above average job of portraying the two radicals attempting to instigate the labor movement. Having Robert Duvall, Ed Harris, and Sam Shepard add their talents to their respective roles leant depth to their characters and a sort of weight to the film. Of course, for the most part, the female characters either did not appear in the novel or were completely reoriented by the script-writer and director. But the characters and actors here also, in my opinion, represented the spirit of the book and the times.
I definitely recommend reading the novel before watching the film, but I liked the film very much.
Moreover, I thought the casting was excellent. Vincent D'Onofrio wonderfully captures the character London. Nat Wolff and James Franco do an above average job of portraying the two radicals attempting to instigate the labor movement. Having Robert Duvall, Ed Harris, and Sam Shepard add their talents to their respective roles leant depth to their characters and a sort of weight to the film. Of course, for the most part, the female characters either did not appear in the novel or were completely reoriented by the script-writer and director. But the characters and actors here also, in my opinion, represented the spirit of the book and the times.
I definitely recommend reading the novel before watching the film, but I liked the film very much.
The Count of Monte Cristo
(1934)
Worthwile rendition of an impossible-to-film novel
10 January 2018
No film version can substitute for reading the unabridged version of The Count of Monte Cristo. No doubt there is no substitute for reading it in French, but for English-speakers Robin Buss' 1996 English translation reportedly captures the both spirit and letter of Dumas' novel better than previous translations. In my opinion, the 1934 film also captures the spirit of the book, but omits many characters and story lines, and adds or rewrites others. Nevertheless, this film version is fun to watch.
Darkest Hour
(2017)
An Important Aspect of the Churchill Legend
26 December 2017
Now decades after World War II, we often picture Winston Churchill as the implacable leader who stood prophetically alone in his characterization of Hitler and was gratefully received as Prime Minister by his nation when his predictions were finally proved irrefutably true. Darkest Hour shows that, in fact, English sentiments were not of one mind in May of 1940, and Churchill had not only to chart a critical course in those harrowing days, but do so in the face of substantial opposition to his leadership. It is a side of the Churchill legend often forgotten today, and important for us to remember. Well done, Director Joe Wright!
Son of God
(2014)
Captures the spirit of Jesus' saving work if not the letter of the Gospel narratives
11 March 2014
Son of God beautifully captures the spirit of Jesus' saving work. The momentum of initial distrust to outright fury against Jesus by his enemies was admirably depicted, as was the loyalty of his disciples and yet their confusion about his ultimate mission and purpose. The challengingly ambiguous position in which Pilate found himself, as well as his attempts to manage an unmanageable situation were also well portrayed. The arrest, trial, crucifixion and resurrection scenes likewise beautifully convey those historical events.
Of course, the critique that the movie does not follow the actual progression of events as related in the four Gospels cannot be denied. Much of the narrative is either truncated or off time line. But Jesus' love and compassion, his firm commitment to the teachings of Holy Scripture, and his paradoxical willingness as well as unwillingness to die for our sins are all presented in a refreshing and compelling way. I think the movie is a most effective vehicle for Christians to be inspired in their own faith and introduce non-believers to the Gospel proclamation.
Of course, the critique that the movie does not follow the actual progression of events as related in the four Gospels cannot be denied. Much of the narrative is either truncated or off time line. But Jesus' love and compassion, his firm commitment to the teachings of Holy Scripture, and his paradoxical willingness as well as unwillingness to die for our sins are all presented in a refreshing and compelling way. I think the movie is a most effective vehicle for Christians to be inspired in their own faith and introduce non-believers to the Gospel proclamation.
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