A Few Good Men, a film review.

 This 1992 military crime drama stars Tom Cruise, Jack Nicholson, & Demi Moore. It paints a picture of a complicated web of legal issues that involve the controversial holding area Guantanamo Bay. Tom is his edgy, feisty persona that he is known for in hits like Top Gun. Some of this type of film is propaganda and much of Hollywood's content is also. One thing I think it points out is the complex nature of the relationship between government and military. Despite this Tom is well known to be an artist with a great career even though he has shortcomings. Overall I give it a 5 out of 5.

Independence Day, a film review.

 This 1996 sci-fi action film was written & directed by Roland Emmerich. It stars Will Smith, Jeff Goldblum, Mary McDonnell & more. It is yet another movie that has content about contact with life beyond Earth. Of course this is interesting to note that the might of military is dwarfed by higher powers. It went on to be developed into a sequel. Overall, I enjoyed this movie & give it a 5 out of 5.

Gremlins. a film review.

 This 1984 horror comedy was directed by Joe Dante and written by Chris Columbus. It stars Zach Galligan. It features Gizmo, a small fuzzy white & beige creature that, after awhile is found out if it gets water on it, it turns into a Large Green Monster. The visual effects were all studio crafted, and it is a very well done movie in its entireity. It makes me wonder if I prefer cottage cheese in my pirogies, or cheddar. Overall, I very much enjoyed this movie. I give it a 5 out of 5.

Brave, an animated film review.

 This 2012 animated film is a Disney production. It tells the story of Merida, a princess from the Highlands of the Uk. In true Disney fashion it is steeped in rich visual imagery of folk-lore, including the much fawned over Stone Effigies used in ancient rituals. It is interesting to note that the Vikings were trading with the North from a very early time period. The characters are infectious, and the banter is light. And a wee bit of flare in the air, in this movie that I think a lot of North Americans can appreciate. Overall, I very much appreciated this film, and give it a 5 out of 5.

Braveheart, a film review.

 This 1995 historical drama was written and directed by Mel Gibson. It tells the story of the tenacious William Wallace & his dealings with the Monarchy of England. I realize the American portrayal of this Scottish Legend is somewhat of a stretch, since his legacy is sentimental. Separatism is sometimes about wanting an original identity, apart from hegemonic powers. Despite this, the Red Rose still shyly takes the breathe away. This movie was well worth watching, and a pleasure to watch. Overall, I give it a 5 out of 5.

Pingu, a tv series review.

 This animated tv series  was created by Swiss artists Otmar Gutmann & Erika Bruegemann. It features the character of an emperor penguin living on the South Pole. It is mainly intended for a younger audience. The sound effects & visual stylings are unique and somewhat abstract. I very much am drawn to penguins as symbols for open source & nonprofit organizations. I give it a 5 out of 5.

Gargoyles, a tv series review.

 This animated tv series was produced by Disney & originally aired between 1994 and 1997. It features a host of the mythological creatures that were often found on heritage buildings in old world countries. There is a kind of ethos to them as being creatures of nobility & versed in the dark arts. Since they turn to stone during the day and at night they come alive their legends are well-known in the Americas. The 3 seasons were produced in the US, Canada & Japan. Overall I very much enjoyed the episodes I did watch. I give it a 5 out of 5.