Entertainment: Movies, Books, Games

.:What I'm Watching:.

I'm Not There. [Six actors portray six personas of music legend Bob Dylan in scenes depicting various stages in the musician's life. Chronicling Dylan's rise from unknown folksinger to international icon, the film reveals how he reinvented himself many times. Todd Haynes directs this stylized portrait, the first biography approved by the singer-songwriter. Marcus Carl Franklin, Ben Whishaw, Heath Ledger, Christian Bale, Richard Gere and Cate Blanchett (in an Oscar-nominated role) star. ~netflix] i think i would've liked this movie more if i actually gave two craps about bob dylan. what? i'm just being honest here. but it was worth a watch just to see cate blanchett work her magic. she was amazing. 3 outta 5 stars.

A Man Named Pearl. [A Man Named Pearl tells the inspiring story of self-taught topiary artist Pearl Fryar. It is a subtle and intriguing film that is certain to open hearts and minds. It offers an upbeat message that speaks to respect for both self and others, and shows what one person can achieve when he allows himself to share the full expression of his humanity. ~imdb] i saw shrubs in a whole different way. hehe. he truly is amazing. if i ever find myself in bishopville, south carolina (or somewhere thereabouts) i'm definitely making a stop to check out his amazing garden. 4 out of 5 stars.

The True Story of Charlie Wilson. [Charlie Wilson was a Texas congressman who became part of an unbelievable stunt in which he helped funnel more than $300 million into a covert effort to fund Afghanistan's war against the Soviet Union. Going beyond the Hollywood dramatization Charlie Wilson's War, this eye-opening film details the whole shocking story of Wilson's involvement in the scheme, along with CIA agent Gust Avrakotos and socialite Joanne Herring. ~netflix] since i watched Charlie Wilson's War a few weeks ago, i felt like i should watch the documentary. it's still a fascinating story the second time around. i guess it just goes to show you what you can do if you set your mind to it... 4 out of 5 stars.

.:What I'm Reading:.

House of Chains (The Malazan Book of the Fallen, Book 4) - Steven Erikson. i am a fantasy dork. i love me some thick ass fantasy books. that continue on and on... through different books that go through the entire history of some fake civilization. hehe. while i'm waiting for george rr martin's new book to come out (supposedly in the fall) i figured i ought to get caught up on steven erikson's books. i'm several behind now. i am about a quarter of the way through with this one... i'm not sure when i'm going to finish it since i'm just reading it while the kids nap... and i'm not reading it straight through their naptime. maybe i should... then i could finish it faster and tackle the next one... ANYWAY, the series is even better than i remember it being (the last time i read one it was a WHILE back) and i thought it was pretty good back then! i'm really enjoying it.

.:What I'm Playing:.

Mah Jong Quest Expeditions. [DS] yay! a new puzzle game for me! i'm really enjoying them. kinda like your old computer mah jong game that you'd play when you were bored at work... oh, was that just me? heh. anyway, it's like it, but they add new twists to keep it fresh and interesting. i'm really digging it.