Big Little Lies

AN HBO series with Reese Witherspoon (A Wrinkle in Time), Nicole Kidman (Aquaman), Alexander Skarsgard (Fever Heart), Adam Scott (Parks & Rec), Zoe Kravitz (Divergent), Shailene Woodley (Insurgent), James Tupper (Aftermath), and Laura Dern (Star Wars the Last Jedi). It's a great cast and they do an excellent acting job. It's a murder msytery however - they kind of start with the ending and go back from there. There are a lot of secrets and it just seems like it's going to be a soap opera. I'm undecided at this time. All in all, I say: NO SAY JOSE

IMDb writes, "The Postables---Oliver, Shane, Rita, and Norman return to explore the mystery of true love as they deliver divorce papers to one couple the same day Oliver's missing wife reappears.". The wife is played by Australian Poppy Montgomery from Unforgettable. All in all, I say: SEE IT on Hallmark if you have been watching the series.

Signed, Sealed, Delivered: Higher Ground

This more recent movie in the series was a FINALLY to fans. You know what I'm talking about if you have seen all the other movies. IMDb writes, "he postal detectives reunite a couple separated by the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.". All in all, I say: SEE IT on Hallmark.

Singed, Sealed, Delivered: The Impossible Dream

IMDb writes, "The DLO postals give testimony before a closed Congressional committee regarding an American soldier missing in action and presumed dead whose daughter they met previously. At the same time Rita participates in the national Miss Special Delivery pageant.". This one made me cry multiple times. It's kind of a part two to a previous movie. This one introduces, Mark Valley's (Famous in Love) character. All in all, I say: SEE IT on Hallmark.

Signed, Sealed, Delivered: One in a Million

IMDb writes, "A woman requests a letter to her ex be retrieved because it contains a valuable lottery ticket. Meanwhile Oliver and Shane struggle to navigate their new romance; and Norman and Rita encounter a rough patch in their relationship.". It's the same cast and crew as the other movies in the series. All in all, I say: SEE IT on Hallmark

Arrival

More about a life lesson than about Aliens - super bumbed. Amy Adams (Superman) is a linguist who gets to interpret an alien language. She learns through her dreams that she is actually living life in a non-linear fashion and still despite all the hardships she will face she wants to live that life. Her work and the work of physicists, Jeremy Renner (Avengers) helps the world unite together to solve their problems so that 3,000 years in the future they will be strong and advanced enough to help the aliens when they return. The aliens and their language is cool, but not enough time spent on that. Forest Whitaker (Roots), Tzi Ma (The Man in High Castle), and Mark O'Brien (Republic of Doyle) also star.  I watched it on OnDemand and wished I hadn't. All in all, I say; SKIP IT - Amy & Jeremy do an excellent job acting, it just wasn't my kind of movie.

Lost in Shangri-La

Amazon writes, "Award-winning former Boston Globe reporter Mitchell Zuckoffunleashes the exhilarating, untold story of an extraordinary World War IIrescue mission, where a plane crash in the South Pacific plunged a trio of U.S.military personnel into a land that time forgot. Fans of Hampton Sides’ Ghost Soldiers, Marcus Luttrell’s Lone Survivor, and David Grann’s The Lost Cityof Z will be captivated by Zuckoff’s masterfullyrecounted, all-true story of danger, daring, determination, and discovery injungle-clad New Guinea during the final days of WWII". I liked the pace. I liked all the background information. His research was thorough and well presented. All in all, I say: READ IT

Murder on the Mind

Amazon writes, "After a brutal mugging in Manhattan leaves him with a broken arm and fractured skull, insurance investigator Jeff Resnick reluctantly agrees to recover at the home of his estranged half brother, Richard. At first, Jeff believes his graphic nightmares of a slaughtered buck are just the workings of his traumatized mind. But when a local banker is found in the same condition, Jeff believes the attack has left him with a psychic sixth sense--an ability to witness murder before it happens.Piecing together clues he saw in his visions, Jeff attempts to solve the crime. His brother Richard is skeptical, but unsettling developments begin to forge a tentative bond. Soon, things that couldn't be explained by premonition come to light, and Jeff finds himself probing into dangerous secrets that touch his own traumatic past in wintry Buffalo--and the killer is ready to eliminate Jeff's visions permanently.". It was short, but too long. It was boring. I didn't care about the characters and it was just too slow for me. All in all, I say: SKIP IT

Twisted History

If you are a history buff this is a fun book to read - short, concise, but great details. I read about the people, events, and cases I was unfamiliar with and learned a great deal in one chapter without having to read a long, boring book on the topic. I'm going to take it to school and put it on my shelf for the students. Amazon writes, "Pirates, mobsters, outlaws, sinners, saints, murderers, and martyrs come vividly and violently to life in this collection of 32 true tales from the darker side of history. Witness the brutal assassination of Julius Ceasar in the Roman senate house and watch as Bernie Madoff concocts the greatest scheme in financial history from the heart of Wall Street. Terrorize the high seas with the dread pirate Blackbeard and cower in a fog-bound Victorian London haunted by Jack the Ripper". All in all, I say: READ IT

Wit and Wisdom of Mark Twain

Amazon writes, "Renowned as a novelist, journalist, and humorist, Mark Twain is not only one of the most widely read and admired American writers, he is also among the most quoted. Wit and repartee permeate his work — from the short, light pieces to his great novel Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and even later, in dark meditations on the human condition where his humor takes on a cynical, satirical twist.
This remarkably inexpensive volume gathers together hundreds of Twain's most memorable quips and comments on life, love, history, culture, travel, and a diversity of other topics that occupied his thoughts over 50 years of writing and lecturing.
An invaluable, ready reference for writers, speakers, and others in search of amusing and insightful quotes, this entertaining and thought-provoking compilation is also an ideal introduction to Twain's inimitable style and thought.". I love Twain not just for his writing, but his humour - and he was an atheist. This book was fun - pick a topic and read what he wrote. It may also inspire you to locate of the materials where the quotes originated in order to read more. All in all, I say: READ IT

Element Encyclopedia of the Celts, the Ultimate A to Z of the Symbols, History, & Spirituality of the Legendary Celts

Amazon writes, "As a comprehensive A-Z guide to Celtic history and culture, the latest installment of the best-selling Element Encyclopedia series tells the stories of this grand people and their way of life, including heroic gods and goddesses, incredible myths and legends, and everyday lives through engaging text and illuminating maps and illustrations. From their iron-age beginnings through to the present-day diaspora, and encompassing Celtic culture, politics, religion, and society, this encyclopedia gets to the very heart of Celtic origin and meaning. Entertaining and authoritative, The Element Encyclopedia of the Celts delves deep into the cultural and mythical background that even today continues to draw so many to claim their Celtic roots.". It is interesting, but needs to be read in sections or segments and not all in one sitting. All in all, I say: READ IT or keep it as a reference and take your time with it.

The Unofficial Harry Potter Insults Handbook: 101 Comebacks For The Slytherin In Your Life

I don't think JK would approve because it's insults. Not all Slytherins are bad and bullies though! It's just a fun book for fans of the books and movies. All in all, I say: READ IT

IZombie Vol. 4: Repossession

This was just way too out there for me - not enough Gwen for me in this. Too many characters and too much chaos. It is hardly about Zombies and more about ancient Egyptian spirits. Too weird to be enjoyable. All in all, I say: SKIP IT

Teach Like a Champion

The original book had 49 techniques for teachers to use to help get kids into college. The new book 2.0 has 69 - really that's way too many. Some of the techniques are just different types of the same technique - it really way too many. If you are a teacher you will find you do these techniques already, so the book is more for new teachers. All in all, I say: READ IT if you need a refresher or you are a new teacher otherwise - SKIP IT

Night School

the 21st book in the Reacher series and it was a snoozer. It was so boring - it takes place when Jack was still in the military. He takes a special assignment to find an American who is selling weapons to terrorists. All in all, I say: SKIP IT

Live to Tell

Book 4 in the DD Warren series. Two families are found slaughtered and there are no suspects until the detectives discover the families shared a common thread - kids who are capable if killing. There are 3 points of view in this one - true to her style Gardner has characters take turns filling in pieces of the story. DD is one, a mother of a kid who can kill is one, and a nurse who treats kids who can kill is one...I knew who the murderer was the second they introduced the person. All in all, I say: READ IT or listen to it as I did on my way to and from work,

Garage Sale Mystery Series

A Hallmark series based on a book starring Lori Loughlin (When Calls The Heart). The first one in 2013 is directed by Peter DeLuise (Stargate) who seems to have permanently settled in Canada. IMDb writes, "Jennifer Shannon can always find a diamond in the rough, when it comes to garage sales, that is. Whether it's a new antique to sell at her consignment shop, an Atari game for her son or a piece of furniture for her handy husband Jason to refurbish, she has made a career out of her treasure hunting prowess. When a string of burglaries hits her town, Jennifer's keen eye for detail and her natural problem solving instincts even help her see the connection between these burglaries and local garage sales! Jennifer works with Detective Adam Iverson to investigate her theory that the perpetrators of the burglaries are fellow garage sale regulars. The case escalates to dangerous levels when Jennifer discovers the dead body of her friend. Even though the deceased's husband, Ben Douglas, finds nothing missing in their house, and the police label the death as accidental, Jennifer suspects that the death may be related to the burglaries.
- Written by Hallmark Channel". All in all, I say: SEE IT - it is cute and not too gross like so many tv shows and movies these days.

Starting in this movie in 2014 Steve Bacic (When Calls the Heart) takes over as her husband. IMDb writes, "Jennifer Shannon (Lori Loughlin) has a gift for finding rare treasures hidden in garage sales that she can resell at her consignment store, Rags to Riches. But her keen eye for finding valuables also gets her involved in the criminal investigations that happen at the very second-hand sales she frequents. When Jennifer's friend and self-storage facility owner Martin (Michael Kopsa) turns up murdered-just hours after auctioning off an abandoned storage unit full of unique items to Jennifer-she is immediately pulled on the case as a key eyewitness. Working with Detective Lynwood (Kevin O'Grady), Jennifer helps single out a disgruntled customer as the prime suspect, while she and her business partner, Danielle (Strange), sift through boxes from the auction. As her husband Jason (Bacic) worries about her safety, Jennifer starts to get over her head when there is a break-in at her store, and a run-in with Martin's angry wife. Then, Jennifer and Danielle discover their new merchandise contains the sparkly evidence they needed all along to nail the surprising real culprit, and they must race to save a life-and put their own on the line.
- Written by Production". All in all, I say: SEE IT

This one debuted in 2015. IMDb writes, "ennifer uses her intuitive skills to investigate her friend's death in a multimillion-dollar home with a dark history". All in all, I say: SEE IT

This one also started in 2015. IMDb writes, "The owner of an antique store comes across a wedding dress with a mysterious past and vows to solve the mystery of the missing groom.".All in all, I say: SEE IT

This one appeared in 2016. IMDb writes, "Antiques guru Jennifer Shannon (Lori Loughlin) investigates a murder after an old college friend becomes the prime suspect.". All in all, I say: SEE IT

This one was new in 2016. IMDb writes, Antiques expert Jennifer Shannon thinks two clues found at the scene of a murder are really clues from a mystery novel"" All in all, I say: SEE IT

Also, in 2016. IMDb writes, "While setting up a charity garage sale, Jennifer Shannon discovers a body in the attic of a nearby home. Using her eye for detail, as well as her experience with antiques and murder, Jennifer puts together clues that help catch a killer.". All in all, I say: SEE IT. Martin Cummins (When Calls the Heart) guest stars - I love him.
Hallmark says there are 4 more coming this year.

The Great Wall

Yimou Zhang (House of Flying Daggers) directs the myth about one of the reasons the wall was built. Tian Jing (Kong: Skull Island) is the Commander. Andy Lau (House of Flying Daggers) is the strategist to fight the demons. Matt Damon (The Adjustment Bureau), Willem Dafoe (Aquaman), and Pedro Pascal (The Adjustment Bureau) are the outsiders. The colors, the action, and the filming are stunning and make it worth seeing on the big screen. All in all, I say: SEE IT

Yoga Hosers

It was supposed to be a comedy horror flick. There are a ton of famous cameos and some of the Canadian humour isn't bad. I just couldn't hang on - it was so pointless and boring. All in all, I say: SKIP IT

An Uncommon Grace

Sean Faris (Pretty Little Liars) is a part of a strict Amish community. He breaks all sorts of rules when a local shoots his step-father and mother by getting an Englishers to save them. He later falls in love with her. It's a Hallmark, so you can imagine who will fall in love and what the ending will be. Kelly McGillis (Witness) also stars. All in all, I say: SEE IT

A Dog's Purpose

Lasse Hallstrom (director of Hachi) directs this Hindu film. The dog is reincarnated until he has served his one purpose - to help a man find love. Josh Gad (Frozen) is the dog, Dennis Quaid (is the man), and Peggy Lipton (Mod Squad) is the woman. The deaths of the dog each time it is to be reincarnated are horrible. All in all, I say: SKIP IT

A Dash of Love

It is a Hallmark movie so it's predictable and has a happy ending. I thought it was cute. IMDb writes, "When an aspiring chef (Jen Lilley) lands a dream job at her idol's (Peri Gilpin) restaurant, she befriends the handsome executive chef (Brendan Penny). After they are wrongly fired, the duo open their own eatery to prove their food is better.". All in all, I say: SEE IT

The Dressmaker

You think it's going to be a cute comedy or rom-com where Kate Winslet (Quills) returns to her small town home and adds some class to the place. Judy Davis (Starter Wife), Hugo Weaving (Cloud Atlas), and Liam Hemsworth (The Love Song) also star, It is NOT what you think - it is a tragic and horrible revenge flick. All in all, I say: SKIP IT

Legion

Only one episode so far on FX and it didn't really make much sense to me. If it continues to be confusing and muddled I will stop. Dan Stevens (Downton Abbey) and Aubrey Plaza (Parks & Rec) star. IMDb writes, "Legion, based on the Marvel Comics by Chris Claremont and Bill Sienkiewicz, is the story of Scott Young (Dan Stevens), a troubled young man who may be more than human. Diagnosed as schizophrenic as a child, Scott has been in and out of psychiatric hospitals for years. Now in his early 20's and free once again, Scott loses himself in the rhythm of the structured regimen of life in the daily life: breakfast, lunch, dinner, therapy, medications, sleep. David spends the rest of his time in companionable silence alongside his chatterbox friend Shannon (Aubrey Plaza), a fellow patient whose life-long and alcohol addiction has done nothing to quell her boundless optimism that her luck is about to change. The pleasant numbness of David's routine is completely upended with the arrival of a beautiful and troubled new patient named Syd (Rachel Keller). Inexplicably drawn to one another, David and Syd share a startling encounter, after which David must confront the shocking possibility that the voices he hears and the visions he sees may actually be real.
- Written by FX Networks". All in all, I say: MAYBE

John Wick: Chapter 2

This picks up not too long after the first. He goes for his car...some funny scenes with Peter Stormare (Fargo)...then when he gets home someone comes to call. They are calling in a marker - Wick has no choice but to do the favor which gets him in hot water with Common (Hell On Wheels). Their fight scenes are good - it looks like Keanu Reeves (John Wick) does all his own fighting scenes like in the first - all but falling down stars. The music is good in this - it matches the beautiful action scenes - he is so graceful. Peter Serafinowicz (Spy) and Laurence Fishburne (Matrix) are added to the original cast. All in all, I say: SEE IT - warning spoiler coming below



it doesn't appear as though there will be a chapter 2 - don't see how possible,

Aurora Teagarden Series

A series of murder mysteries whose main character is a library who is also part of a Real Murder Mystery club. The other club members often help solve the murders Roe comes across. The characters are fun. Candice Cameron Bure (Fuller House) is Aurora. The series is based on books by Charlaine Harris who wrote the True Blood series.  Marilu Henner (Taxi) plays her mother.

IMDb writes, "When Aurora, or Roe, Teagarden's acquaintance from the hobby group, "Real Murders", dies, Roe is bequeathed a big old house and a small fortune. Roe soon discovers that her generous benefactress has left her more than she bargained for when she uncovers a skull, showing signs of blunt force trauma, hidden in a carpeted window seat in the inherited house. Roe sets out to find out who the victim is and how his or her skull ended up in a spinster's window seat. Will Roe discover the murderer on Honor Street?". All in all, I say: SEE IT

IMDb writes, "A librarian who hosts a murder mystery book club at work finds people connected to the group are being killed off one by one like crimes in some of the books they read, based on real murders". All in all, I say: SEE IT on Hallmark Channel.

IMDb writes, "When Aurora pitches in to help her busy real estate mother, Aida, she quickly realizes she has again walked into a life or death situation. When a body is discovered at her first house showing and a second body is found in another house for sale, it becomes obvious that there is a very cool killer at large.
- Written by Hallmark Movies & Mysteries". All in all, I say: SEE IT - Yannick Bisson (Murdock Mysteries) stars as her love interest.

IMDb writes, "Aurora Teagarden is a beautiful young librarian with a passion for solving murders. After an exhaustive search for the perfect home, Aurora finally purchases her dream house, unaware of its murky history. As she prepares to move in, Aurora discovers that the family who once lived there mysteriously disappeared without a trace.
- Written by Hallmark Channel". All in all, I say: SEE IT

For the Love of Spock

A documentary about Spock and more specifically Leonard Nimoy directed by Adam Nimoy. A lot of good interviews and footage. I cried twice. All in all, I say: SEE IT - I got it on Netflix

Jesse Stone Series

This series is based on a series of novels and the main character is played by Tom Selleck (Blue Bloods) he was once part of LA Homicide until he showed up to work drunk. He is now the on again off again sheriff of a small town called Paradise. My favorite character in all these films - the dog! Death on Paradise, according to IMDb is, "When the body of a fourteen-year-old teenager is found in the margin of a lake in Paradise, Massachusetts, the Chief of Police Jesse Stone and his officer Simpson seek clues in the spot. Through a class ring of a student that they find near the corpse, they identity the dead girl, the local slut Billy Bishop. Meanwhile, his department deals with a domestic violent situation with an aggressive and abusive husband who beats his wife. Along his investigation, Stone discloses that the famous writer Norman Shaw was too much close to the victim and intended to write the biography of the famous gangster Leo in his next book. Joining the pieces of evidences like a puzzle, Stone unravels the identity of the criminal.
- Written by Claudio Carvalho, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil" All in all, I say: SEE IT

IMDb writes, "When Police Chief Jesse Stone's relationship with his ex-wife worsens, he fears he will relapse into alcoholism. To get his mind off his problems, Jesse begins working on the unsolved murder of a bank teller shot during a robbery. Meanwhile, Stone's investigation of an alleged rape draws him into conflict with the town council, which hopes to preserve Paradise's reputation as an ideal seaside resort.
- Written by page8701". All in all, I say: SEE IT on Hallmark Movies and Mysteries - curse words are bleeped - it originally played on Lifetime.

IMDb writes, "Jesse Stone and Captain Healy are shot during an unauthorized stake-out in Boston. Meanwhile, a cryptic letter sent from Paradise leads the mother of a kidnapped child to Stone. Though her son was declared dead, she hopes he will reopen the case.". All in all, I say: SEE IT

IMDb writes, "Police Chief Jesse Stone, who was suspended by the Paradise, Mass. Town Council, begins moonlighting for his friend, State Homicide Commander Healy, by investigating a series of murders in Boston, leaving Rose and Suitcase to handle a crime spree in Paradise on their own. Jesse pours his energy into his work in an effort to push away his twin demons: booze and women. When his investigation leads to notorious mob boss Gino Fish, Jesse's pursuit becomes hazardous.
- Written by CBS Publicity". All in all, I say: SEE IT

IMDb writes, "After his involuntary retirement, Jesse Stone investigates the suspicious death of a young friend while the Paradise police force deals with the arrogant new chief, who is the son-in-law of a town councilman.". William Sadler (Die Hard 2) and Kathy Bates (Picket Fences) both also star in bit parts. All in all, I say: SEE IT

IMDb writes, "Jesse Stone comes out of involuntary retirement after the sheriff who replaced him exploded in their police car. The other officers Jesse worked with have left the department so he is forced to solve the crime on his own.". All in all, I say: SEE IT

IMDb writes, "Jesse investigates the grim works of a serial killer in Boston and becomes concerned with a wayward teen in Paradise.". All in all, I say: SEE IT. Tom Selleck is the executive producer after the second or third film. There are two other films not listed here - I don't think I've seen them - I couldn't find them either, but I got the gist based on the things said in the other films.

Fifty Shades Darker

The sequel with same actors picking up right where the last one left off. IMDb writes, "While Christian wrestles with his inner demons, Anastasia must confront the anger and envy of the women who came before her". All in all, I say: SEE IT if you saw the last one - it's better - otherwise SKIP IT

APB

Justin Kirk (Weeds) is a wealthy technological savant. His best friend is murdered and he decides to take over one precinct in hopes of making policing state of the art. Natalie Martinez (Death Race) is the one cop that connects with him and is willing to give his way a chance. All in all, I say: SEE IT - so far just the pilot but I like it.

Pete's Dragon

This Disney movie was released in 1977 I saw it for the first time when the Disney Channel had a free preview weekend - back when you had to pay. An orphan boy befriends this cartoon dragon and tries to get away from an abusive foster home. It's Disney in every way. All in all, I say: SEE IT

Disney has been on a kick lately to remake all their animated films into live action. So the dragon is more "real" than the cartoon version above. The people are less abusive. Bryce Dallas Howard (The Village) is a forest ranger who finds a boy that has been living in the woods with a dragon for years since his parents died in a car crash near the forest. Robert Redford (The Discovery) stars as her father - a small part - I guess he is executive producing more and more these days. Wes Bentely (Life) and Karl Urban (RED) also star. All in all, I say: SKIP IT

Gourmet Detective Series

Dylan Neal (Cedar Cover) is a former chef who makes a living writing books, blogs, and making appearances. Brooke Burns (Baywatch) is a detective who must solve the murder of a famous, local chef. A Hallmark movie that would lead to more films. All in all, I say: SEE IT

A Healthy Place to Die is the sequel with the same characters. The chef goes to a spa to make a presentation, the detective goes to the spa on a forced vacation - they end up getting tangled up in murder. All in all, I say: SEE IT

Death Al Dente is the third movie in the film series. A group of chef's get together and one is murdered. They two characters team up again to solve the murder - they also get closer. All in all, I say: SEE IT