MOVIE - Star Trek Beyond

PG-13 (2:02)

Wide release 7/22/16

Viewed Friday, 9/16/16 at Century Park Place

RT Critic: 83   Audience:  83
Critic's Consensus:  Star Trek Beyond continues the franchise's post-reboot hot streak with an epic sci-fi adventure that honors the series' sci-fi roots without skimping on the blockbuster action.

Cag:  2: BORING but okay

Directed by Justin Linn

Studio Paramount Pictures

Chris Pine, Zoe Saldana

My comments:  I love sci-fi.  I've always enjoyed Star Trek.  But for this one no stretching-of-the-imagination could help explain (and shorten) all the chase/fight/zapping scenes - which make up about 80% of the movie.  The remaining 20% was delightful, fun and funny, lots of tongue-in-cheek, clever, eye-rolling reparte...but I couldn't WAIT for it to end.  Ho hum....

Fandango Summary:  In this third installment of the rebooted Star Trek film series (which began with J.J. Abrams's Star Trek in 2009), Captain Kirk (Chris Pine) struggles with a personal crisis as he and the crew of the Enterprise are attacked by a dictator named Krall (Idris Elba). When an assault by Krall leads to the destruction of their starship, the team end up marooned on a remote planet inhabited by aliens both hostile and helpful.  Star Trek Beyond is dedicated to both Leonard Nimoy (who passed away in 2015) and Yelchin (who died after filming concluded).

50. Seeking the Dead by Kate Ellis

Joe Plantagenet #1
read on my iPhone
2008
330 pgs.
Adult mystery
Finished 9/15/16
Goodreads rating:  3.84 - 285 ratings
My rating: 4
Setting: Contemporary Yorkshire

First line/s:  "Things that frighten the devil. away.
     The killer grabbed a cheap biro from the box on the table and started to make a list."

My comments:  This was an entertaining mystery.  Joe Plantagenet's a pretty cool guy.  Not so fond of his boss, who is not the most honest person in the world and a little unstable, I think.  Good characterization, in general.  I did figure it out pretty easily, and wonder how intriguing upcoming stories will be. Love the setting, as I've been to Yorkshire once, and I have a bit of a "real" picture in the back of my mind.

Goodreads synopsis:  When Carmel Hennessy begins a new job in North Yorkshire, she finds the historic city of Eborby gripped by fear. A killer is on the prowl - a killer who binds and asphyxiates his victims before leaving their naked bodies in isolated country churchyards. The press are calling him the Resurrection Man.
          Tragic events from the past link Carmel with new-kid-on-the-block DI Joe Plantagenet, who, with his new boss, DCI Emily Thwaite, faces the unenviable task of identifying the killer before he claims another victim. The victims appear to have nothing in common but the manner of their deaths, but as Joe's investigations lead him to a pub with a sinister history, he is forced to consider that the case may have occult connections. Then Carmel becomes aware of a malevolent presence in her new flat and, when she starts to receive mysterious threats, it is Joe she turns to first. And that is when Joe is forced to get into the mind of a cunning - and scarily ruthless - killer.

49. One Shot by Lee Childs

Jack Reacher #9
listened to in the car while driving
2006
466 pgs.
Adult murder mystery
Finished 9/14/16
Goodreads rating:  4.19 - 66,684 ratings
My rating: 4

First line/s:  "Friday.  Five o'clock in the afternoon.  Maybe the hardest time to move unobserved through a city.  Or maybe the easiest.  Because at five o'clock pm a Friday nobody pays attention to anything.  Except the road ahead."

My comments:  No matter how implausible a Jack Reacher story becomes, it is still incredibly interesting to read.  I listened to this while traveling endless deserted Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexican roads which flew by because I was totally enthralled by the story.  There's on one like Jack Reacher.  There's not superhero that could beat or outsmart him.  Years before, Reacher had told James Barr that if he ever got into any kind of trouble, he'd "get him."  So when James Barr does get in trouble, and his only response when arrested is to contact Jack Reacher, Reacher knows something's not right.  And off we go.....

Goodreads synopsis:  Six shots. Five dead. One heartland city thrown into a state of terror. But within hours the cops have it solved: a slam-dunk case. Except for one thing. The accused man says: You got the wrong guy. Then he says: Get Reacher for me. And sure enough, from the world he lives in--no phone, no address, no commitments-ex-military investigator Jack Reacher is coming. In Lee Child's astonishing new thriller, Reacher's arrival will change everything--about a case that isn't what it seems, about lives tangled in baffling ways, about a killer who missed one shot-and by doing so give Jack Reacher one shot at the truth.... 
     The gunman worked from a parking structure just thirty yards away-point-blank range for a trained military sniper like James Barr. His victims were in the wrong place at the wrong time. But why does Barr want Reacher at his side? There are good reasons why Reacher is the last person Barr would want to see. But when Reacher hears Barr's own words, he understands. And a slam-dunk case explodes. Soon Reacher is teamed with a young defense lawyer who is working against her D.A. father and dueling with a prosecution team that has an explosive secret of its own. Like most things Reacher has known in life, this case is a complex battlefield. But, as always, in battle, Reacher is at his best. 
     Moving in the shadows, picking his spots, Reacher gets closer and closer to the unseen enemy who is pulling the strings. And for Reacher, the only way to take him down is to know his ruthlessness and respect his cunning-and then match him shot for shot.... 

Postcards Received Wednesday, 9-14-16

536.  Schone Grusse aus dem Maintal

Greetings from the Beautiful Main Valley, GERMANY

Hi, chris, my name is Jens and I come from Frankfurt  .  I'm 48 years old and I'm working in the office of DHL-Freight.  My hobbies are cycling, traveling, to meet friends and postcards.  Best wishes and have a nice day, Jens Henkel

537.  "have a Coke and a smile" 

Cologne, MN

(I looked this book up - I'd never heard of it, bad me... First published in 1945, it won an Edgar for best first novel in 1946 and is considered a "classic of crime fiction."  It's a 70-year-old mytery novel...looks like I'm going to have to at least research it more, if not attempt to find it and read it....)

Hi Chris!  My name is JOAN.  I'm writing from Cologne, MN.  I was going to get a box from a 12 pk of Diet Coke and cut it into a postcard but I'm not sure how soon I would get to the store.  Joan

MOVIE - War Dogs

R (1:54)

Wide Release 8/19/16

Viewed at Roadhouse Cinema on Tuesday 9/13/16

RT Critic:  61  Audience:  73
Critic's Consensus:   War Dogs rises on the strength of Jonah Hill's compelling performance to take a lightly entertaining look at troubling real-world events.

Cag:  4.5 Liked it - and learned a lot - from it (and I don't consider it a comedy!)

Directed by Todd Phillips

Warner Brothers Studio

Miles Teller, Jonah Hill, Bradley Cooper, Kevin Pollack

My comments:  I enjoyed this movie, and since it was based on a true story, truly eye-opening.  I've turned a blind eye to all the crazy government spending, especially when it comes to the military, but this movie is a should-watch for everyone in the US!  Both leads portray their characters really well, I've been an especially strong fan of Miles Teller, so I particularly enjoyed watching his performance in this movie.

RT Summary:  Two friends in their early 20s living in Miami Beach during the Iraq War, exploit a little-known government initiative that allows small businesses to bid on U.S. Military contracts. Starting small, they begin raking in big money and are living the high life. But the pair gets in over their heads when they land a 300 million dollar deal to arm the Afghan Military—a deal that puts them in business with some very shady people, not the least of which turns out to be the U.S. Government.

Postcards Received Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2016

534.  Wiesbaden, Germany

Hello, Happy Postcrossing from Germany

535.  Greetings From MACAU

Hello.  How are you?  My name is Khaki Catia.  It's a pleasure to meet you.  I love painting and taking photos.  My dream is to send my artworks all over the wolrd.  I hope I can make it.  All the best, Khaki Catia

48. Evil Games by Angela Marsons

D. I. Kim Stone #2
read on my Kindle
2015
382 pgs.
Adult Murder Mystery
Finished 9/12/16
Goodreads rating: 4.31 - 7,118 ratings
My rating: 4
Setting: Contemporary "Black Country" in England

First line/s:  "Three minutes to go.  Dawn raids didn't come bigger than this."

My comments:    We put all our trust into the medical professionals we use, so when one is cruel, sick, and misguided, it's particularly creepy.  That was the premise behind this book.  Angela Marsons has created a flawed heroine that is totally believable...and weirdly likeable...and both the books I've read so far have been really good.  I want to know more about Kim Stone, and look forward to number three.

Goodreads synopsis:  The greater the Evil, the more deadly the game… 
          When a rapist is found mutilated in a brutal attack, Detective Kim Stone and her team are called in to bring a swift resolution. But, as more vengeful killings come to light, it soon becomes clear that there is someone far more sinister at work. 
          With the investigation quickly gathering momentum, Kim finds herself exposed to great danger and in the sights of a lethal individual undertaking their own twisted experiment. 
          Up against a sociopath who seems to know her every weakness, for Detective Stone, each move she makes could be deadly. As the body count starts to mount, Kim will have to dig deeper than ever before to stop the killing. And this time - it’s personal.

MOVIE - Sully

PG-13 (1:36)

Wide release Sept. 9, 2016

Viewed date at ElCon with Sheila on Monday, 9/12/16

RT Critic: 84   Audience:  89
Critic's Consensus:   As comfortingly workmanlike as its protagonist, Sully makes solid use of typically superlative work from its star and director to deliver a quietly stirring tribute to an everyday hero.

Cag: 5.5 - Tribute to an "everyday hero"

Directed by Clint Eastwood

Warner Brothers

Based on a true story

Tom Hanks, Aaron Eckhart, Laura Linney

My comments: No complaints about this movie, that's for sure!  Sheila always gets me to go to these biographical movies that I don't usually want to go to, then I'm SO glad I did.  This was put together brilliantly (though I hate to give credit to Clint Eastwood (bleh) he did an incredible job directing), the way the story was told was brilliant. I realize that the hearings about possible other ways for Sully to more safely land the plane were the only way that there was enough for a full-length movie, but Eastwood and Hanks hit the nail on the head.  This was a wonderful movie, more-than highly recommended.

RT Summary:  On January 15, 2009, the world witnessed the "Miracle on the Hudson" when Captain "Sully" Sullenberger glided his disabled plane onto the frigid waters of the Hudson River, saving the lives of all 155 aboard. However, even as Sully was being heralded by the public and the media for his unprecedented feat of aviation skill, an investigation was unfolding that threatened to destroy his reputation and his career.

Postcards Received Monday, Sept. 12, 2016

530. Saitama, Japan

Dear Chris, Hello!  Greetings from Japan.   My name is Miki.  I live in Saitama with my husband and son (two months old).  I like doing yoga, shopping and traveling.  September 19 is Respect for the Aged Day, which is a Japanese holiday celebrated annually to honor elderly people.  Many people spend time with their grandparents.  I wish you all the best.  Miki

531.  Virpi Pekkala card from FINLAND

Hello Hei Chris!

Greetings from Finland.  Nice you like our Virpi Pekkala's art.  I love her quiet humour.  Hugs and kisses, Leila

532.  Long Island Sound, New York

Hello Chris

I live about a mile from this picture, on the eastern end of Long Island, New York, in the small village of Greenport.  Across the sound is Connecticut.  I like the desert scenery ad mountains.  Happy postcrossing, Bob

533.  Elbe River, Germany

"DIE ELBE von Hamburg bis Dresden"

Hello Chris!  My name is Natalie, and I'm student from Magdeburg, Germany (you can notice it in the middle of the map).  Our city stands on the Elbe River and my friends and I love to sit near it in the evening.  I hope you're having a good summer! :)

cheers, Nataliya

MOVIE - Hell or High Water

R (1:42)

Limited release 8/12/16

Viewed Sunday morning, (a great time to see a movie!) 9/11/16 at Park Place

RT Critic: 98   Audience:  90
Critic's Consensus:   Hell or High Water offers a solidly crafted, well-acted Western heist thriller that eschews mindless gunplay in favor of confident pacing and full-bodied characters.

Cag:  I'm going to go all out and give this a 6/Awesome, this was a wow movie, one that I won't forget.  Chris Pine (not one of my previous faves) was SO good, as was Ben Foster, who played his brother.  They made it seem real. And I'll take Jeff Bridges playing any part any day....

Directed by David Mackenzie

Film 44

Chris Pine, Ben Foster, Jeff Bridges

My comments:  This was a terrific movie.  Incredible acting from all four of the major players.  Intriguing, gut-wrenching storyline.  West Texas/Oklahoma/New Mexican real towns (I just traveled through some of them, so I know they're depicted completely correctly).  Humor.  Love.  Family ties.  Conservatism vs. Liberalism.  Big guy vs. Little guy.  Rich vs. poor.  Powerful and powerless.  Overwhelming sadness and jubilant yeeha moments.  Everything done right....

IMBd Summary:  Two brothers -- Toby, a straight-living, divorced father trying to make a better life for his sons; and Tanner, a short-tempered ex-con with a loose trigger finger -- come together to rob branch after branch of the bank that is foreclosing on their family land. The hold-ups are part of a last-ditch scheme to take back a future that powerful forces beyond their control have stolen from under their feet. Vengeance seems to be theirs until they find themselves in the crosshairs of a relentless, foul-mouthed Texas Ranger looking for one last triumph on the eve of his retirement. As the brothers plot a final bank heist to complete their plan, a showdown looms at the crossroads where the last honest law man and a pair of brothers with nothing to live for except family collide.

Postcards Received Saturday, Sept. 10, 2016

526.  Dom zu Magdeburg - Magdeburg Cathedral

Magdeburg, Germany

I love streets from Germany.  Have a nice day and fun with postcrossing.

527.  Peace for Paris

Hello Chris,

Many greetings from the north of Franc.  My name is Pascale.  I like arts and I practice creative hobbies.  Today is Sunday, a great and nice day!I'm going to the market to do some shopping before going on holiday in Morocco!  All the best,  Pascale

528.  Geo Photo from GERMANY

Hi Chris,

My name is Susanne and I love all kinds of wildlife.  I like watching birds or even ants.  Buytterflies and dragonflies are so fascinating.  Of course,  cheetahs are pretty powerful, fast, strong, yet I find them very graceful, too.  I wish you a smooth transition to Pennsylvania.  I hope you can enjoy every day of your free time!  Best wishes, Susanne

529.  Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, Washington

Hello from Kalama, WA., which is near this mountain which I did see explode; which is now an amazing and beautiful place to visit if you get the opportunity.  Happy Postcrossing, Summer

Postcard Received Friday, September 9, 2016

525.  "Open Happiness" Sacramento, CA

Hello there!  

Well, instead of sending some generic landscape of the country you already know, I decided to send you something you like to drink!  Yeah, I know there are no "diet", but hopefully you'll make an exception this time.  I also used to teach 4th graders.  They are so funny!

Happy postcrossing, Leo

Postcard Received Thursday, September 8, 2016

524.  Greetings from Wisconsin

Dear Chris, Sending out love and good wishes for whatever you want from this life.  Greetings from Wisconsin, Uncle Fitch.

47. Night and Day by Robert B. Parker

Jesse Stone #8
Listened in the car returning from the east coast to Tucson
2009, Putnam
289 pgs.
Adult Mystery
Finished 9/5/16
Goodreads rating:  3.91 - 4,621 ratings
My rating: 3/5
Setting: Contemporary Paradise, MA

First line/s:  "Jesse Stone sat in his office at the Paradise police station, looking at the sign painted on the pebbled-glass window of his office door."

My comments:  A short, simple story that isn't so much mystery as it is a study of characters, personalities, and situations.  It includes a high school principal checking her female student's underwear, a peeping Tom, a swinger's club, and the thought processes that Stone goes through as his ex-wife, Jen, leaves him once again.  Perfect easy listening for the first five hours of my road trip. James Naughton read it perfectly, and I pictured Tom Selleck as Jesse Stone throughout.  A TV show in my head, as the miles progressed....

Goodreads synopsis:  Paradise, Massachusetts, police chief Jesse Stone confronts a town’s darkest secrets in the shocking new novel from the New York Times–bestselling author and “America’s greatest mystery writer” (The New York Sun).
          Things are getting strange in Paradise, Massachusetts. Police Chief Jesse Stone is called to the junior high school when reports of lewd conduct by the school’s principal, Betsy Ingersoll, filter into the station. Ingersoll claims she was protecting the propriety of her students when she inspected each girl’s undergarments in the locker room. Jesse would like nothing more than to see Ingersoll punished, but her high-powered attorney husband stands in the way. At the same time, the women of Paradise are faced with a threat to their sense of security with the emergence of a tormented voyeur, dubbed “The Night Hawk.” Initially, he’s content to peer through windows, but as times goes on, he becomes more reckless, forcing his victims to strip at gunpoint, then photographing them at their most vulnerable. And according to the notes he’s sending to Jesse, he’s not satisfied to stop there. It’s up to Jesse to catch the Night Hawk, before it’s too late.

Postcards Received Thursday, 9/1/16

523.  Latvia

Hallo, Chris!  Greetings from Latvia!  this is River Irbe in west part of Latvia, Kurzeme.  Kurzeme is special place for me - I love being there!  In ancient times it was Duchy of Courland.  Duke Jacob  in 17th century even tried to colonize 2 islands in Carribean.  Now Kurzeme is cultural region of Latvia, full with traditions, history, and fairytales.  Have a nice day!  Marina

524.  Netherlands (Nederland)

I wish you a happy day.

525.  Blue And White Porcelain - Qing HuaCi From China

card sent from Taipei, Taiwan

Hello!  I'm Peggy and I live in Taipei, the capital of Taiwan.  I chose this card to you.  Hope you like this postcard and the stamps.  I study management at the university.  Have a nice day.