Boulevard

Robin Williams' last film is slightly better than the critical panning it received.

However it is not good enough for a recommendation to watch it.  Weak actors, bad timing, formula dialogue, extreme predictability, and bad post production doom the film.  Miss it.  2/5 stars.

The Universe in a Nutshell

I listened to the audio version of this book while walking to/from work.  It is a wonderful, dense, witty, humorous compilation of the latest science associated with Hawking's search for grand, unified quantum gravitation theory.   The analogies are awesome.  I enjoyed it immensely and recommend it  4/5 stars.

Longest Ride

We watched this simple, formula film and it was slightly better than the critics wrote.  It is an entertaining chick flic with a good performance by Alan Alda, great pacing, and engaging (though slightly formulaic) dialogue.  3/5 stars -- worth the time.

Work Rules!

I finally read this book all the way through.

The data and suggestions are great.  Everyone should read this book.

The darkness of the Evil Search Giant's political correctness as well as the tactics used by their leadership are revealed as Laszlo explains how he finds the "influencers" and "nudges" them into the directions he and the execs require.  The book is fantastically revealing.

5/5 stars -- highly recommended.   Must read!

Slow West

Another odd film, better than expected, very surreal.  3/5 stars.

Little Boy

This one was better than expected.  It has a very big heart and some great acting.  3/5 stars.

Unexpected

This film was not terrible; it has a big heart.  But it's not good.  2/5 stars.

Watch a good movie instead.

Wuthering High

This film was extremely disappointing.  1/5 stars.

Bad acting, Terrible story (changed from the book).

Woman in Gold

This film is fantastic.  5/5 stars.  Great story, well-acted.  Great post-production. Tight dialog.  Don't miss it.  Best film we have seen this year!

Ausser Dienst

This book is very interesting (to me).  Schmidt's autobiographic reflections and analysis of the past and present political situation in Germany is spot-on, very enlightening.  He comes across as an eternal optimist and the spirit of enlightened constituency interest.  I really enjoyed his examination of political ethics through the last 1,000 years of German history.  Worthwhile reading.  4 / 5 stars.

Dragon Blade

Puke awful terrible!  Stay away.  0 out of 5 stars.