Ryan Gosling- A Man of Few Words and Several Fists

Movie Review: "Drive"

Director Nicola Winding Refn has made some questionable choices with 2011’s Drive. What isn't up for question is his choice of actors; Carey Mulligan effortlessly slides into the role of the young, abused mother, Ryan Gosling emulates a main character who speaks bountifully to the audience with few words (though he is given no formal name- just “Driver”), and Albert Brooks portrays a slimy middle man (who would be easier to hate if his voice wasn't so recognizable from Finding Nemo). Though beautifully shot, the violence is often alarming, and the 80’s themed music will stick with you for days.

Rating: 7/10

Drive

Based on the book by James Sallis
Directed by Nicola Winding Refn
2011

One Kill, One Big Web

Dexter Season 7 Premiere: "Are You...?"

With nine months given to us to ruminate over the season 6 finale where Deborah witnessed Dexter murder Travis, the season 7 premiere proved itself to be a satisfying reward. Jennifer Carpenter played the foul-mouthed Deb’s reactions to par, while Michael C. Hall’s main character scavenged for mediocre answers to her prodding questions. The death count was up to two by the end of the episode, which isn't anything for Dexter fans to squeal over. The final minute of the episode is the real kick-starter for the rest of the season, with Dexter giving Deborah the answer she’s been dreading.

Rating: 8.5/10

Dexter

Showtime
Sundays at 8pm central

Guns, Swearing, and.....Story?

Theatre Review: "Black Watch"

The critically acclaimed Black Watch by the National Theatre of Scotland made a brief pit-stop at the Broadway Armory in Chicago during October and was welcomed with open arms by....everyone (but me). Flashing strobe lights, explosions, constant movement, and an overwhelming number of occurrences involving the C-word were used to berate and blind the audience of the fact that behind all of the smoke and mirrors, there was little to chew on after the actors took their final bows. NTOS scores high for choreography and beautiful visual storytelling, but unfortunately leaves me wanting more meat and less potatoes.

Rating: 5/10

Black Watch

by Gregory Burke
Directed by John Tiffany
National Theatre of Scotland

Theatre Review: Wasteland

If you like plays about the human psyche and people being pushed to their absolute physical and emotional limits, you should spend an evening with Wasteland. A 20-something POW, Joe (Nate Burger), clings to shreds of sanity after being underground for 6 months when Riley (Steve Haggard) is dumped into the hole next door. These two men squabble, bicker, joke, and bond over the shared experience of captivity and their differing views of the current Vietnam war. Two people who would repulse each other in any other circumstance find themselves holding on to each other for dear life.

Rating: 8/10

Wasteland

by Susan Felder
Directed by William Brown
Timeline Theatre through December 30
TimeLineTheatre.com

Welcome to 100 Words or Less!

Each week, I will be using this blog to post short reviews of movies, television shows, productions and books. In these reviews I will strive to cram in as much information, opinions, and sass in 100 words or less. Stay tuned for upcoming posts and if you have a recommendation for something I should review, let me know!