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2023 Movie Diary, Part 16

46. THE PATRIOT (2000)

Pretty bad as history goes, but still a rousing good time.  This is due largely to a very committed, intense and relatable performance by Mel Gibson and a snarling villainous turn by the always excellent Jason Isaacs. There’s a lot of very bloody violence, but it’s a Mel Gibson movie and a war flick and, well, war is hell, as they say.
Verdict: If the movie’s total indifference to fidelity to historical events doesn’t bother you, it’s well worth a watch.

47. JAWS (1975)

This is what the meeting of popularity and art looks like. Except that last bit with the rubbery shark. But other than that, this is flawless film-making.
Verdict: Inductee, Laurie’s Cinematic Hall of Fame

48. HONOR AND GLORY (1993)

This tale of kickass international spy sisters, has big hair, bigger shoulder pads, lots of Jane Fonda-esque workout gear, half-assed martial arts mysticism, and a outrageously amusing eye-popping scenery chewing villain.  Unfortunately, the only scenery there is to chew belongs to dying strip malls, and houses with such bad decor they seem unfit for human habitation.  Depressing.
Verdict: For a good laugh, see the Rifftrax version. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWYw2j_AgDc

Book Review: Justin Morgan Had a Horse by Marguerite Henry

Now that I’m done reading government-ese for a living, I’m turning my eyeballs to some of my favorite childhood authors, and some kid’s classics that I somehow missed growing up. Because I’ve found that the storytelling and care in writing is frequently better in children’s books.

“Justin Morgan Had a Horse” is the story of the Morgan horse breed, excellently told by one of my favorite childhood authors, Marguerite Henry. She wrote primarily about famous horses and is most famous for “Misty of Chincoteague.”

“Justin Morgan” is a historical novel, immersing the reader in Revolutionary War-era America, as it follows Little Bub, a spunky foal, who comes under the ownership of singing schoolmaster Justin Morgan. Befriended by one of his students, the story tracks boy and horse through their lives, as they take their different paths through life, until finally — spoiler alert — they are finally united.

It’s a lovely book, written evocatively in language suitable for a young audience, while introducing historical elements and figures that give the story significant depth. Excellent all around. I’m picked it up at a used bookstore, and it’s a keeper.

Breakfast and book review…

Breakfast Verdict: Meat-lover’s omelet, grits, and biscuit at the Black Bear Cafe’. Omelet was good, with plenty of meat, the biscuit was good and flaky. The grits were lousy. Tasteless and watery yet lumpy at the same time. Blech.

Book Verdict: Sackett by Louis L’Amour. Lots of fun. Vivid writing, immersive descriptions of Western landscapes that the author clearly loves, and a flair for exciting action. Easy, enjoyable light writing. Picked it up at a used book store, which is where it will likely end up again.

2023 Movie Diary, Part 15

43. JAMES CAMERON’S DEEPSEA CHALLENGE (2014)

Want to explore the deep sea without your submersible imploding? This is how you go about it.
Verdict: The bottom of the sea is an exceptionally boring place. Also, James Cameron has a whole lot of money. A whole lot.

44. WINGS (1927)

The first Best Picture Oscar winner holds up decently, thanks to spectacular (by any standard) flying sequences and stars Clara Bow’s and Buddy Rogers’ timeless adorableness.  And yes, that famous “blink-and-you-miss-it” appearance by Gary Cooper is a real eye-catcher. 
Verdict: Not bad. The action sequences are the real stars. There’s truly some unbelievable aerial photography that probably needs to be seen on a big screen to be fully appreciated.
See it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JG_ZVqLIAU0

45. TRUE GRIT

The Coen Brothers’ treatment of the John Wayne classic is better in every way. Wayne, of course, is irreplaceable, but Jeff Bridges is quite marvelous in his own right. The intentionally overwritten dialogue suits the movie wonderfully and almost stands on its own as a separate character. Great stuff.
Verdict: Highly recommended.