This was the episode that disappointed me most in the theatre because I thought story changes did injustice to some of the characters, especially Faramir and Treebeard. Even the title has a completely different meaning, with the two towers as allies instead of competitors for the ring. In the extended version the extra character development…

We’d been informed that we all had tickets to a “surprise show” for my Dad’s birthday. As we approached the decrepit old Heritage Square amusement park with it’s vaudeville-style music hall we braced for the worst, but ended up having a pretty good time. Drinks were served, which is key for this venue. The show…

I saw echoes of Heathers in this dark commentary on high school angst. The characters here have more depth, and they tackle hairier philosophical issues, but ultimately I found the premise of their motivations and behavoir an unbelievable and unsatisfying argument against free will. Still, there are parallel universes, a sexy censored schoolteacher, a hypocritical…

Ann pegged it as soon as the opening credits came up, “Oh, it’s got a noir soundtrack.” This is film noir meets the gay 1970’s. Pedro Almodovar stays true to the genre with a few key reversals. Instead of murky black and white, he assails you with bright, garish oranges and yellows. That, and all…

Robert McNamara was involved in much of the warfare of the 20th century. This documentary is an undeniable success at conveying McNamara’s perspective on war based on his experiences. I don’t think I’ll ever be an expert on warfare, but if the subject is thrust upon me for whatever reason, I will watch this film…

This is a surfing documentary that has enough diverse, awe-inspiring moments to capture and hold the imagination of a non-surfer. In total it’s probably a little more surfing than I would usually partake of in one course, but the quality is high throughout. There are many perspectives and traditions represented that add all take a…

I was almost afraid to watch this movie because I was afraid to face to the brutality of the genocide in Rwanda. It turns out the movie is fairly gentle with the viewer. This may be a relief, but I don’t think it is entirely a good thing. We are shown a hopeful and heroic…

This was a rare opportunity – my friend Pete’s band plays the Buckhorn bar in Laramie during Jubilee Days (Laramie’s yearly rodeo and street carnival), just a few weeks before he leaves for Chicago. It was most satisfying. The uncatagorizable crowd in the Buckhorn during Jubilee Days meets the uncatagorizable band from Pete’s garage studio.…

I was amazed what some extra time for character development did for my enjoyment of this movie. It made the acting seem better due to enhanced continuity, and even the long battles are more entertaining when you care more about the characters. I can’t wait to watch the other extended versions.

After another exhausting day of moving, we pile into the Subaru with essentially no preparation to see Olga Kern play Rachmaninov’s 2nd piano concerto at the Gerald Ford Ampitheatre in Vail. We’re delirious. We don’t even bring a sweater, we’ve been so continually hot these past days. When there is something resembling a snow shower…