DVD

Like many people I am a huge fan of the HBO show, The Wire.

Troy (2004)   loosely based on Homer's Iliad and related Greek myths, telling the story of the Trojan War from the kidnapping of Helen  to the fall of Troy, and like the Iliad, focusing on Achilles and Hector. The scenes are mostly short, truncated and choppy, with  major aspects of the original myth omitted or altered. Paris has morphed into a decent, noble, mostly cool guy, not the narcissistic jerk of  Homer's story, thus skewing an important theme. The gods are absent except for statues and references by the human characters. However scenery is excellent,  especially the ancient architecture and sculpture.  Brad Pitt does not make a stellar Achilles, but is credible in the interesting dialogue scenes with the abducted priestess, exploring the Homeric themes of fate and death.  Peter O'Toole gives the best performance as King Priam. Overall a good enough introduction to the basics of the Trojan War, which may inspire others more faithful to the original. It's encouraging that there's still enough interest in the classics to make a big blockbuster movie from one of them.

Today marks the 200th anniversary of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. 

As the premiere of Downton Abbey's greatly anticipated third season has come and gone (if you’re new to the series, click here to place a hold on season 1), Downton-ites the world over have been yearning for further insight into the Edwardian era history and characters popularized by the PBS Masterpiece Classic/ITV drama. Whether you are seeking more information on the program itself or hoping to find a Downton-like storyline to tide you over until the next episode airs, we encourage you to view our list of Downton Abbey Recommendations. 

Last night the 2013 People's Choice Award winners were announced!  Place your hold on library materials today for a number of winners!

Celebrate with a baseball DVD from the library this weekend!

Angels in the Outfield
Bull Durham
Eight Men Out
A League of Their Own
Moneyball
The Rookie

Or if you feel like curling up with a good book, try one of these.

Al Kaline: The Biography of a Tigers Icon by Jim Hawkins
The Art of Fielding by Chad Harbach
Calico Joe by John Grisham
For Love of the Game by Michael Shaara
The Last Natural by Rob Miech
Nobody's Perfect by Armando Galarraga
Rocks Across the Pond by Richard and Kathy Verlander
Sparky and Me by Dan Ewald
Tales From the Detroit Tigers Dugout by Jack Ebling

August 15th marks what would have been Julia Child's 100th birthday! Celebrate by checking out one of the library's many books by or about this cooking icon.

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.