The Way Back

Jim Sturgess, Colin Farrell, and Ed Harris star in this Peter Weir film.

Based upon a supposedly true story of a handful of men who escape from a gulag in Siberia in 1940.  They brave the winter, the forests, mountains, and deserts during their 11-month 4,000 mile escape by journeying on foot across Mongolia, China, Tibet, to safety in India.

Not all of them make it.

Though a bit long and one-noted at times, Sturgess and Farrell are excellent, and there are many heart felt moments along the way...

It certainly makes you ponder the strength and stamina of the human spirit...

Bridesmaids

Kristen Wiig co-wrote and stars in this, what can only be referred to as a female version of The Hangover.

Funny, yes.  A bit long, yes.  And a bit raunchy too...

Good escapism though.

Brings a new meaning to the phrase -- "Look Away!"...

Veronica Guerin

I remember when this film was released eight or nine years ago and never really felt the desire to watch it.  However, having lived in Ireland for several years now, I am more aware of the Veronica Guerin story and especially with what she accomplished.

In the 1980's and early 1990's, before the Celtic Tiger was born, the illegal drug trade was growing more prevalent and violent in the day-to-day lives of the average Dubliner.

Veronica Guerin, an aggressive journalist wanting to make a name for herself, unearthed many of the dealers at the top and began naming names.  This didn't go over too well and this mother and wife was repeatedly warned to back off with beatings and even getting shot in the leg...

She didn't back off and she was murdered for it.

Her death helped spur the passage of several laws related to drug trafficking and related crimes.

Interesting for me from a historical perspective but definitely not a quality film.  More in the category of a made-for-television film, it lacks an emotional connection for the audience to truly understand Guerin and her motivations for putting herself and her family in danger...

The Spy Who Came in From the Cold

Richard Burton stars as Alec Leamas, who was indeed, the spy who came in from the cold...

Shot in beautiful black and white, this is a thinking man's version of the James Bond films.

Spare, harsh, and honest.  Full of crosses, double crosses, and triple crosses, it shines a light on the shadowy intelligence world of the Cold War.  Based on the John Le Carre novel, I sought this out particularly since having seen the film version of Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy recently in Venice.

Highly recommended if you like this genre...

Biggest comeback in Cornhusker history...

My first game since Nebraska joined the Big 10 (this year)...

Fantastic battle that resulted in the biggest comeback in Husker history...

21 points down in the 3rd quarter when everything changed after Lavonte David ripped the ball from Braxton Miller's hands and no looking back...

Nebraska Sand Hills

Back to the home state of Nebraska...

Even though I grew up there I never had the opportunity to visit the Sand Hills in the western part of the state.  Until now.  20,000 acres of sand dunes, cows, and grasslands... and not many people.

A welcome break...

My brother and I had a wonderful stay at the Prairie Club near Valentine and played a very windy round of golf (seems to be our curse whenever we play...).  I also had my first try at fly fishing.  I didn't catch anything but that's not really the point, is it?

Thanks Mark...

More Nebraska Sand Hills

- Trains, Rain, and Rainbows...

- Desolation and Solitude