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Reading fiction is a one way to escape today's harsh reality. However, sometimes you can also do that with a non-fiction book as well. From my experience, this is particularly true of travel books, which take us to locations both known and unknown, and see them through the eyes of another. In this travel diary by Roz Morris, we get all of that, and so much more, including large doses of humor. You can read more about what I thought of this book in my review here (which includes a cliffhanger for a future blog post as well). https://tcl-bookreviews.com/2017/09/16/the-guestbook-spy/
  
Kingsman: The Secret Service (2015)
Kingsman: The Secret Service (2015)
2015 | Mystery
I have to admit - it wasn't the best movie I've ever seen, but it was seriously high quality content.

Unlike any other spy movie, this one is unique and shows the same sort of storyline, just in a way better way, with more anticipation, more action, more danger and always keeps you guessing. You think all main characters will survive until the end? Guess again!

I loved how brutal it was, and how relevant it was, even though made a few years ago. Definitely will watch the second one - and very soon!

P.S. Samuel L. Jackson's noticeable lisp was done in an impeccable way.
  
Bridge of Spies (2015)
Bridge of Spies (2015)
2015 | Drama, History, Thriller
This is not a traditional "war" film by any stretch.

The Cold War ran long and strenuous and many people on every side made sacrifices and gave everything they had in an effort to do what they believed was right (in many cases.)

Tom Hanks is brilliant (as usual) in demonstrating the mental gymnastics and anguish required to fill the role of a spy during that time in our world.

I won't go into detail about the story in the movie because there is an awful lot to unpack and all of it is relevant to the overall payoff, but please do yourself a favor and watch this movie.
  
Salt (2010)
Salt (2010)
2010 | Action, Mystery
8
6.5 (15 Ratings)
Movie Rating
Twist turny spy action thriller, with an initially blonde Angelina Jolie taking on the role of Evelyn Salt, a CIA operative who has to go on the run for plot reasons.

And, once she does, the film hardly pauses for breath, hurtling from one set piece to another to another...

Angelina Jolie (in full own action girl mode) capably holds her own in this, with a supporting cast that included the likes of Liev Schrieber and Chiwetel Ejiofor (and a pre Brooklyn-99 Andre Braugher popping up in a small role), in a film that doesn't outstay its welcome and was seemingly made for more (as yet unmade) sequels!
  
The Spy Who Dumped Me (2018)
The Spy Who Dumped Me (2018)
2018 | Action, Comedy
The buddy comedy has long been a staple of Hollywood films. In the 80s it became common in the buddy Cop format after the success of “Lethal Weapon” amongst others.

In the new film “The Spy Who Dumped Me”; audiences are introduced to Audrey (Mila Kunis), and her friend Morgan (Kate McKinnon). Audrey is in a funk as she was dumped by text by her boyfriend Drew (Justin Theroux) and spends her Birthday wallowing in pity and doubt about her life. Morgan is ever optimistic and energetic encourages her to burn the items Drew left behind as a form of starting over.

Empowered by the idea; Audrey texts her intentions to Drew who has ignored repeated contact attempts from Audrey so she can get closure. Unknown to either Audrey or Morgan is the fact that Drew is actually a Spy and is currently being hunted by some very dangerous people overseas.

Audrey and Morgan meet a man named Sebastian (Sam Heughan) who claims to know the situation with Drew and offers to help the girls with a situation they are now entangled within.

When Drew shows up unexpectedly to retrieve an item and ends up in a bad way, Morgan and Audrey follow his instructions and head to Vienna with a statute and find themselves on the run from spies, assassins, and all manner of dangers.

The plot of the film is convoluted and there is not much in the way of character growth. But the film does have some funny moments and many of them come from the frequent riffing of McKinnon who is just a non-stop spark of energy who fires off snappy comments no matter if facing a psychotic gymnast or in a high-speed chase.

Heughan is good stepping out from his Outlander character and it is nice to see him mixing in some comedy with the action scenes. Kunis and McKinnon work well with one another and seem to be having a great time working with one another on the film.

Despite some issues, the film was a pleasant and fun piece of entertainment as long as you are willing to just sit back and enjoy the ride.

http://sknr.net/2018/08/03/the-spy-who-dumped-me/