Tinkers by Paul Harding

There’s a reason this small little book won the Pulitzer.  The writing is fantastic.  Harding explores a dying man’s memory of his father, a poor man with epilepsy who is driven away from his family.  The two narratives are beautifully rendered and to think so much life can be crafted in such a small book.  It really is a remarkable accomplishment.  As a father I couldn’t help but reflect on the themes this story evoke and I can’t recommend this one enough.  Grade: A

Ash Vs. the Evil Dead (Season 1)

Bruce Campbell is back playing his most famous creation, Ash.  Except instead of a two-hour sequel to Army of Darkness we’re treated to an entire television series.  Does it work?  Yes.  And no.   It does have the same comedic gore factor that made the original Evil Dead 2 and 3 work but at the same time when the point of view diverts away from Ash it feels like you’re missing something.  Also what the producers and writers are trying to do with Ash in this show is expand and make him an even more interesting character, which is fine, but I don’t think they succeeded that much.  Maybe Season 2 will work better.  I will say though when it’s working it is great.  When it’s not it does feel forced and not that funny.   You have to see it if you like the films but if you’re not a fan, still give it a go, but you’ll probably not appreciate the style.  Grade: B

The Revenant (2015)

Never has a film felt like it was made just so its star could win an Oscar for acting.  Don’t get me wrong, this is a good film but what’s at its heart is Leo.  The very last moment seems to dare the Academy to refuse him his first Oscar.  Considering that this year seems kind of ho-hum for male performances, I suspect Leonardo DiCaprio will win.  But as for the film itself, it’s a pretty simple story with the kind of remarkable scope that only a director like Alejandro Inarritu and cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezki can create, breath taking in its capture of the wild and in the rawness of survival.   If it weren’t for the technical aspects of this film it might not be as regarded.  It’s a revenge film and I don’t feel like it really said anything about revenge or gave any new perspectives.  Ultimately the aspect that didn’t work for me is that it lacked story development.  Sure it jolts you into the story right away but when you have flash backs, and a chance to really delve into Hugh Glass’ relationship with his son and those he is tracking, you’re instead met with a vague dream.  I also feel like Mr. DiCaprio might not have been the best choice for this role.  He has the acting chops, certainly, but I never really believed he was a father.   Still the camping-trip-caught-on-film is worth seeing because it is a beautifully made and Leo is very intense.  (Yes, I think he does a good job, I just don’t think a millionaire running around in the freezing cold and using other method acting tricks automatically defines “greatness” in acting.)   You will be thrilled and its cinematography will amaze you.   Will the ending satisfy you?   That depends.  For me, not so much.  Grade: B+

The Gathering Storm by Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson

This is the first book of the Wheel of Time not completely written by Robert Jordan (although from my understanding Mr. Sanderson had a huge support system, chunks of manuscript to work with and lots of detailed notes).  Brandon Sanderson does a pretty terrific job.  He actually compliments Jordan’s style and voice quite well even if you can tell someone else is writing (which is completely fine).  To know that this epic tome will have an end is wonderful and this first part of the conclusion gives me a lot of hope.  First it’s very entertaining.  The best story line deals with Egwene al'Vere as she lives as a prisoner in the White Tower but continues to fight for the right to be the true Amyrlin.  And then there’s Rand’s main plot that grows to a moment that is impressive if a bit of a stretch.  Still this is all very good.  A lot is going to happen and I can’t see how it unfolds.  Grade: A

Jessica Jones (Season 1)

After the success of Daredevil I was really excited about this next series in the Marvel universe on Netflix.   Based on the comic book (obviously) it’s basically what if Veronica Mars didn’t have a strong father figure and was super strong.  Unlike Daredevil, this one took a few more episodes to get me hooked.  It wasn’t really bad it’s just not as engaging at first.   Krysten Ritter is a good choice for the role but the whole anti-hero vibe didn’t work for me until we saw more of her inner workings.  I think it might have been a mistake to keep her so mysterious at first because she’s just not very likable until you understand her past.   That said, once the series gets going and introduces us to its villain, played wonderfully by David Tennant, it gets really good.   This was proof again that the best stuff marvel is doing isn’t in the cinematic world but on Netflix.  I can’t wait to see Luke Cage coming out later this year.  Grade: A-

Outlander (Season 1)

Ronald D. Moore brings to the small screen an adaption of Diana Gabaldon’s book series but so cinematic it feels like you’re watching an epic film of the large screen.  It’s the story of a WWII nurse named Claire from 1945 who gets stuck back in time in Scotland in the mid-1700s.   Separated from her husband she must survive by accompanying a group of Highlanders on their mission to fight the King of England.  Soon she becomes infatuated by a young Scot named Jamie who falls in love with her.   The love story is intoxicating and more sexy than I thought possible.  You can see why this romance series is so popular.  What’s especially fantastic about this show is how well-crafted it is.   The production design is some of the best I’ve seen and the acting is on par with the best as well.   Caitriona Balfe is perfectly cast as Claire; her emotional intensity is so enduring you can’t help but be captivated by her plight.   Will she be able to get back to her husband in the modern world or be forced to stay in the past?  What does her heart want?   Great entertainment.  Grade: A