Unprecedented Power: Jesse Jones, Capitalism and the Common Good
Book
As President Obama began to unveil sweeping government programs to restore the crippled economy, the...

Gareth von Kallenbach (980 KP) rated Operation Finale (2018) in Movies
Jul 2, 2019
This is the incredible true story of the capture of one of the top Nazi officials. The story is set up well by Director Chris Weitz (About a Boy, The Golden Compass). Ben Kingsley and Oscar Isaac give outstanding performances. Kingsley’s character and how his story develops is interesting. The entire supporting cast does well and Nick Kroll (Sing, The House) brings a surprising bit of fun to a heavy story line. Some may say the bits of humor might be a little odd given the subject matter but I thought it brought a realness and humanity to the film. The balance between the humor and showing the horror of World War II was really well done. At a little over two hours it does run a little long and there are flashback scenes that are at inconsistent times.
I was pleasantly surprised by this film. Not having heard this story before I enjoyed how this film was laid out for the audience. It definitely made me want to learn more about this unique true story. I think this is a film that shows the importance of people fighting to bring truth and justice to the world regardless of the odds.

Mein Rant - A Summary in Light Verse of 'Mein Kampf'
R.F. Patterson and Heath Robinson
Book
R F Paterson was a great fan of Gilbert and Sullivan, and when Germany invaded Poland on 1st...

Phillip McSween (751 KP) rated Saving Private Ryan (1998) in Movies
Apr 13, 2020
Acting: 10
Where do I start? With Tom Hanks and his brilliant performance as Captain John Miller? Vin Diesel in probably one of his best roles as Private Caparzo. Tom Sizemore…Matt Damon…There are so many amazing performances that contributed to the greatness of this movie. You usually see it in glimpses as each character doesn’t get much in the way of their own screen time. The movie is packed with so many of those glimpse moments from these stellar actors, it’s hard to forget each of their roles.
Beginning: 10
Boasts one of the best opening twenty minutes in movie history. It’s violent, touching, and sucks you right in to the meat of the movie. There is so much intensity here, from the raucous sounds to the visceral feel of everything, that it’s hard to catch your breath afterwards.
Characters: 10
Cinematography/Visuals: 10
Conflict: 10
If you want knock-your-socks-off action from beginning to end, Saving Private Ryan is absolutely the movie for you. The battles are amazing giving you a front row seat to World War II. Steven Spielberg relies on a number of different camera angles to give you the full effect. Every scene is heartstopping as you realize the stakes and understand that no one is safe in this ultimate battle to stay alive. This movie has more action in the first twenty minutes than most films do through their entirety.
Entertainment Value: 10
Memorability: 10
Pace: 10
Plot: 10
For the most part, the story is pretty linear. There is a mission. Go and complete the mission. The end. However, there are two existing twists within the movie that definitely make things more interesting and entertaining. Those small tweaks were enough to satisfy my craving for originality.
Resolution: 10
Overall: 100
There is a scene on the beach where the camera shoots from underwater then repeatedly rises and falls in the water showing the grit of everything happening. This is one of a number of shots that makes Saving Private Ryan one of the all-time movies to ever exist in cinema. This movie is flat out amazing.

What it Looks Like: An Awakening Through Love and Trauma, War and Music, Sports and History, Politics and Spirituality
Book
Marta Maranda, despite not having the substance or behavioral addictions generally associated with...

Mathematician for All Seasons: Recollections and Notes, (1887-1945): 2015: Volume 1
Hugo Steinhaus, Robert G. Burns, Aleksander Weron and Irena Szymaniec
Book
This book presents, in his own words, the life of Hugo Steinhaus (1887-1972), noted Polish...

DC-8 and the Flying Tiger Line
Charles Kennedy and Guy Van Herbruggen
Book
The story of a pioneering airline and a historically significant aircraft; the combination changed...

Rejected Mate (Shifter World: Royal-Kagan #5)
Book
Going from a shunned mate to top pack female… Has never been more satisfying. Born human and...
Paranormal Romance
The I in Team: Sports Fandom and the Reproduction of Identity
Book
There is one sound that will always be loudest in sports. It isn't the squeak of sneakers or the...

The Island of Sea Women
Book
A new novel from Lisa See, the New York Times bestselling author of The Tea Girl of Hummingbird...