'We Need to Talk About Kevin' is a brutal, brooding, beautiful film that I can't stop thinking about 24 hours after attending a screening. It's one of the most effective, affecting films I've seen in... more

'We Need to Talk About Kevin' is a brutal, brooding, beautiful film that I can't stop thinking about 24 hours after attending a screening. It's one of the most effective, affecting films I've seen in a long time, and it left me feeling physically ill from what I'd seen. Tilda Swinton is amazing, and Ezra Miller is so convincing that I hope I never run into him in real life.

I haven't seen 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo,' but this definitely gives it a run for its money for the tagline of "the Feel Bad Movie of the Year." That said, it'll be in my top 10 for sure.

Though this book nears 1000 pages in length, it's more intimate than epic, focusing on two parallel stories of two seemingly different people. It amazes me that Murakami continues to dwell in the... more

Though this book nears 1000 pages in length, it's more intimate than epic, focusing on two parallel stories of two seemingly different people. It amazes me that Murakami continues to dwell in the surreal detective novel subgenre without ever mining the same material and instead creates something entirely new. There are the hallmarks of Murakami's past work--wonderful weirdness, a mystery, and a healthy obsession with both music and food--but for me, the two main characters Aomame and Tengo may be two of the most memorable he's created.

Mark Harris's book about the five films nominated for Best Picture in 1968 gracefully walks the line between legitimate film history and fascinating Hollywood gossip. Three films ('Doctor Dolittle,'... more

Mark Harris's book about the five films nominated for Best Picture in 1968 gracefully walks the line between legitimate film history and fascinating Hollywood gossip. Three films ('Doctor Dolittle,' 'In the Heat of the Night,' and 'Guess Who's Coming to Dinner') represented the old guard, while two innovative movies ('The Graduate' and 'Bonnie & Clyde') were set to challenge cinema and the world as a whole with their radical ideas and style. Plus, the real Rex Harrison is far funnier than anyone would've guessed.

The most addictive game EVER. I almost regret getting it, except that it's so much fun and the designers have a wonderful sense of humor.

Less than a month 'til kick-off for the 2010 season! I will be an unbearable pain to all who know me, but I promise to keep the yelling and clapping at an acceptable decibel level. At least 'til... more

Less than a month 'til kick-off for the 2010 season! I will be an unbearable pain to all who know me, but I promise to keep the yelling and clapping at an acceptable decibel level. At least 'til November.

One of my favorite kids books. It was as much fun having my parents read it to me as it was for me to, in turn, read it to little kids. Absolutely adorable.

If I have time--or energy--to read anything at the end of the day, it's always apartmenttherapy.com.

I got a bit choked up watching the end of this one. If Buckeye stickers aren't on the helmet, I generally don't care about football, but this was a fascinating, inspiring story.

Twitchy!

Loved him and his relationship with Charlotte. Perhaps it's just that I really love Jeremy Davies.

Such gorgeous harmonies. They had one of the best debuts in the last few years.

It doesn't quite live up to its name, but 'Kick-Ass' is a violent and funny film that will likely appeal to the fans of 'Kill Bill' and 'Shoot 'Em Up' just as much as those who endlessly debate... more

It doesn't quite live up to its name, but 'Kick-Ass' is a violent and funny film that will likely appeal to the fans of 'Kill Bill' and 'Shoot 'Em Up' just as much as those who endlessly debate Marvel vs. DC (Marvel!). It's slow at times, but it's energized every time Chloe Moretz (aka Hit Girl) and Nicolas Cage (aka Big Daddy) are on screen.

Sam Raimi gets back to his splatstick roots ('Evil Dead 2') for this hilarious, horrifying movie that had me bouncing between shrieks and giggles. There's little in the way of gore here (check out... more

Sam Raimi gets back to his splatstick roots ('Evil Dead 2') for this hilarious, horrifying movie that had me bouncing between shrieks and giggles. There's little in the way of gore here (check out that PG-13 rating), but Raimi injects enough gross-out moments to please any eight-year-old boy. Seriously, do not eat before watching this.

Best horror movie of 2009. Take that, 'Paranormal Activity.'

This is a gritty, well-directed look at the people many pretend not to see, but it's impossible to look away when they're played by actors as good as Audrey Tautou and Chiwetel Ejiorfor. Stephen... more

This is a gritty, well-directed look at the people many pretend not to see, but it's impossible to look away when they're played by actors as good as Audrey Tautou and Chiwetel Ejiorfor. Stephen Frears ('High Fidelity,' 'Mrs. Henderson Presents') proves there's no genre he can't master, and Sergi Lopez ('Pan's Labyrinth') demonstrates a particular talent at playing a chilling villain.

Of course I like this. Why? I'm from the Midwest and there isn't a recipe that doesn't include cream of mushroom soup. My favorites? Green bean casserole with French's onions on top and a cheapo tuna... more

Of course I like this. Why? I'm from the Midwest and there isn't a recipe that doesn't include cream of mushroom soup. My favorites? Green bean casserole with French's onions on top and a cheapo tuna casserole with this, Kraft Mac & Cheese, a can of tuna, and frozen peas.

I'm proud of my usually sophisticated palate, but I'm a sucker for the tastes of home.

Not great, not horrible, but not worth going to the movies for. Unless it is really, really hot out.

Check out my full review... more

Not great, not horrible, but not worth going to the movies for. Unless it is really, really hot out.

Check out my full review:
theplaylist.blogspot.com/2010/07/review-dinner-for-schmucks-is-only.

David Lynch brings his surreal style to the myth of the American small town with this hauntingly beautiful film. Appearance and reality often collide in the director's work, but it's never looked... more

David Lynch brings his surreal style to the myth of the American small town with this hauntingly beautiful film. Appearance and reality often collide in the director's work, but it's never looked better than it does here. Kyle MacLachlan is appealingly bland as the college kid who finds an ear in a field (in a gorgeously creepy scene that references Bunuel and Dali), but Dennis Hopper is truly terrifying as Frank Booth, the gas-sucking sadist at the heart of the town's evil. It's more comprehensible than much of Lynch's later work, but it's still one of the strangest journeys committed to film.

Best. Cover. Ever.

I'm sure it's a result of the aftermath of "Smells Like Teen Spirit," but Amos's rendition sounds especially beautiful and haunting.

I love when this show devolves into people shouting. Meet the Press looks entirely well-mannered in comparison.

Love that the logo is designed by Star Trek design guru Michael Okuda.

Initially, I didn't love this as much as Soulless, but it really picks up, and the ending is great. I'm counting down to the release of Blameless.