The 21-Word Review: TinTin (DVD)

Not nearly as creepy as the train movie or the awful Beowulf thing, this motion-capture animation thing has real promise.

The 21-Word Review: Captain America (DVD)

Since I don't get to the movies much, I rent the prequels of the current blockbusters so I appear somwhat cooler.

The 21-Word Review: The Husband by Dean Koontz

Finally a superhero we can all get behind! He mows the lawn in straight lines while balancing the household budget similarly!

The 21-Word Review: Cirque de Soleil Mystere at Treasure Island

You know how at a circus, you try to look behind the scenes to see how they work? Not an option.

The 21-Word Review: The Lost City of Z: A Tale of Deadly Obsession in the Amazon by David Grann

So many notes and references that I thought I had at least two more chapters to go when the book ended.

The 21-Word Review: Wild Bill Donovan: The Spymaster Who Created the OSS and Modern American Espionage by Douglas Waller

Sometimes it takes a person with some significant personal flaws to get an important job done in a time of war.

The 21-Word Review: Culture Making: Recovering Our Creative Calling by Andy Crouch

Better than I expected and than most that our study group has picked up. You can't change the world, just you.

The 21-Word Review: Sucker Punch (DVD)

Thinks it's much cooler than it is. I recommend just watching the trailer for 60 minutes instead. You won't miss much.

The 21-Word Review: IP Man (DVD)

Perhaps the coolest and most complex and interesting "martial arts" movie out there. Very loosely based on a real man. Loosely.

The 21-Word Review: The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao

I believe I would have gotten more out of this book if I’d known more Spanish. Or perhaps more Puerto Ricans.

The 21-Word Review: Dance, Dance, Dance by Haruki Murakami

My first Murakami, based on a friend’s recommendation. All I can think of is “The Stranger” – based on tone, not content.

The 21-Word Review: Creepers by David Morrell

Entertaining and frothy summer reading. (Yes, I am aware that the review is being written in winter. I have been busy.)

The 21-Word Review: Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy by Jean LeCarre

Why did I wait so long to read LeCarre? I would not have appreciated him as much when I was younger.

The 21-Word Review: The Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins

Margaret Atwood meets The Lottery. Surprisingly violent for tween fare, but I read it all in 2 flights and a weekend.

The 21-Word Review: The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

One of my family’s favorites. Utterly innovative, but so natural that you are convinced you should have thought of it yourself.

The 21-Word Review: The Year of the Flood by Margaret Atwood

Atwood’s books are certainly science fiction, but seem like something different, something more like literature. (No complaints from sci-fi fanboys, please.)

The 21-Word Review: Horns by Joe Hill

He’s not his father, but he’s certainly related and give him credit for not trying to capitalize on the family name.

The 21-Word Review: The Poisoner’s Handbook by Deborah Blum

So why exactly did my wife highlight passages throughout her copy of the book, then force me to buy my own?

The 21-Word Review: The Winner by David Baldacci

Not your typical Baldacci, which is scary. I had him pegged in a certain genre and am intimidated by his range.

The 21-Word Review: Rise of the Planet of the Apes (DVD)

This beginning make a lot more sense than the old time travel ploy, and I appreciated the more subtle plot points.

The 21-Word Review: Gnomeo and Juliet (Netflix on Demand)

A somewhat happier ending than the original, but I can’t imagine it being a success with Gnomeo caught by the lawnmower.

The 21-Word Review: Prince of Persia (Netflix on Demand)

Why complain that a Disney video game movie isn’t deep? Happily, my daughter wants to be a Hassansin, not the princess.

The 21-Word Review: Absolute Monarchs by John Julius Norwich

Too dense to possibly remember all the details, yet almost totally engrossing throughout. I learned two new words: Antipope and Pornocracy.

The 21-Word Review: In Time (In-Flight Movie)

A thinly veiled criticism a la the Occupy movement with some interesting ideas and action. Plus Justin is to die for.

The 21-Word Review: Cowboys and Aliens (In-Flight Movie)

I think if Daniel were to actually smile in a movie, his face would break. Harrison should teach him to smirk.