AV Blog

Yesterday was the 30th anniversary of John Lennon's death.  The latest issue of Rolling Stone contains the complete last interview with John Lennon.  You can access this interview online along with a variety of other articles and video clips relating to Lennon and those closest to him.  

Two movies about John Lennon were also released this year:

LENNONYC is already available on DVD.  It is a documentary about Lennon's life in and love of New York City.

NOWHERE BOY (releases on DVD January 25th) is a dramatic depiction of John Lennon's early years.

 Be sure to also check out the library's collection of other materials about John Lennon. 

The conclusion to Larsson's wildly popular Millennium trilogy, The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest, will be available on DVD January 25th. 

The DVDs for  The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and The Girl Who Played with Fire are already available for check out.  

If you are a fan of the books, you'll enjoy the movies.  All movies are in Swedish with English subtitles.

The Secret in Their Eyes won the Oscar in 2009 for Best Foreign Language Film, yet I knew very little about it.  I didn't know anyone who had seen it nor had I read any detailed reviews before checking it out. 

The movie is both a thriller and a glimpse into the human heart.  If that sounds potentially sappy, the film most definitely is not.  It's one of those films that I wasn't sure about while watching it, but I have to say I've thought about it a lot since then.  In fact, I am thinking I might watch it again. 

The premise is a 1970s murder case that still haunts the lead investigator, Benjamin.  In retirement he decides to write a novel about the case, but realizes that the true story hasn't ended.  Upon further investigation and past flashbacks we learn more about the principal characters: Benjamin’s true love and boss, his drunken co-worker (who, at times, provides the film’s only real comic relief), a devastated husband, the politically connected suspect, and Argentina’s political landscape. 

While this film might prove too slow placed for some, I think it’s worth checking out for fans of foreign and mystery films.  Without spoiling anything, I found that the ending did not disappoint.  And, like with most fine films, I won't be surprised if you find yourself thinking about it long after the final credits.

Note:  This movie is Rated R for language, violence, and nudity.  In Spanish with English Subtitles. 

I am an unashamed product of the 80s.  So, it goes without saying that I love John Hughes films.  I can't really say I have a favorite because I hold such fond memories for all of them.  Whether teen angst or John Candy silliness, it's all good.  I remember back in high school doing a speech on how much I loved Ally Sheedy in The Breakfast Club.  Thankfully YouTube had not yet been invented, otherwise the whole world (including all of you) could see a 15 year old me with purple hair and half shaved head, but I digress. 

I knew that I would have to see the documentary Don't You Forget About Me as soon as it was released.  And, for an avid fan, it did not disappoint.  Basically, the film is a love letter to John Hughes.  The filmmakers chose to record themselves traveling to Chicagoland to attempt to meet the reclusive director-screenwriter.  I won't spoil the ending, but the trip itself was pretty cool.  I enjoyed hearing from teenagers of today lamenting the state of current teen films and thanking Hughes for his earlier contributions. 

For those of you have seen and enjoyed John Hughes films, let me know your favorites in the comment section.  And, if not, consider checking them out.  We have a bunch now, but will be getting more in the coming weeks. 

Attention Dog Lovers! National Dog Day is being celebrated August 26th, but you can enjoy great dog stories all month long. Check out the list of titles available at the library.

Books and DVDs:

Some people just seem inherently cool.  Stacy Peralta is one of  those people.  He was an original surfing/skateboarding Z-Boy in the ‘70s and helped paved the way for skateboarding superstar Tony Hawk. 

Today Peralta is busy making noteworthy documentaries.  His current film, Crips and Bloods: Made in America, presents interviews with current and former Los Angeles gang members and draws a connection between modern problems and social injustices of the past.

And, if you have even the slightest interest in surfing you should definitely check out the visually awesome Riding Giants about big wave surfing and Dogtown and Z-Boys which documents the rise of skateboarding and its impact on youth culture.  Peralta also wrote the screenplay for the popular Heath Ledger film Lords of Dogtown.  

Calling all movie buffs--go to The Oscars website to see if your favorite movies from the past year made the cut!

The 81st Academy Awards® ceremony will take place on February 22nd, 2009 at 8 p.m.

Did you know we have many of the popular TV shows on DVD?  Don't get Showtime? HBO? Cable?  No problem-- you can still watch their shows!

Here's a handful of the titles available for check out:

Big Love Season One, Big Love Season Two
The Closer Season One, The Closer Season Two, The Closer Season Three
Deadwood
Death Note
Dexter
Heroes
How I Met Your Mother
The Office
Psych
Sex and the City
Six Feet Under
Ugly Betty