What's in Your Queue?

Plenty to watch from Netflix -


Promised Land stars Matt Damon and Frances McDormand. Their job is to get folks to sign over natural gas rights for money. It's a poor town and of course divided. There are folks concerned with fracking and environmental issues. And there are folks eager for some extra income. What's right? Who's right? Does Matt gain a conscience on the issue? The movie is entertaining as it covers a hot current topic.

Olympus Has Fallen - this is the not Channing Tatum/Jamie Foxx White House collapse movie. It's the other one that came out first. Gerard Butler is the Secret Service dude and Aaron Eckhardt is the President. Korean nationals manage to invade and infiltrate the White House, the bunker, computers, and security. They are holding the President, VP,etc. hostage. But they were not prepared to contend with Gerard. He's a one man army/navy/marines commando. This was a good Saturday night flick - no brainer, lots of explosions, and root for America to prevail.

Argo - I reviewed this Academy Award winner when it was out in the theaters. Now available for rental, it is a taut thriller based on the real life story of Americans during the fall of Iran. They escape to the Canadian embassy and then American agent Tony Mendez manages to get them out of Iran. Lots of twists and turns and hold your breath moments. I knew what was going to happen, and I was still engaged in the story. Whew! Great job by Ben Affleck, John Goodman, and Alan Arkin.

Three Stars - like to cook? Follow high profile chefs as they detail the hard work in attaining and keeping Michelin Guide three star reviews. This documentary is fascinating. It's a passion, not a job.

First Position - another little documentary. Here we follow kids of various ages as they compete in New York for prestigious placements in ballet companies. We see their hard work, or the pushy parent behind them. We cheer for the winners, and cry for those who just don't have that magic spring in their step. Some of these kids have that extra oomph and it's exhiliarating to watch their skill as they soar.

That Guy ...Who Was in That Thing - funny documentary on the actors who are in a zillion shows or movies, but you don't know their name. They aren't the pretty boys. They have the mugs for police work, lawyers, general character actors. They are always good, and they make a decent living in Hollywood. And all of them said they had a role in the Star Trek series. Apparently sooner or later, that was a key stepping stone. You'll get a kick out of this 1-1/2 hour flick.

Movie Review: Argo

Argo is a fast paced fact based movie. It's 1980 and Iran is seething. Finally the embassy is overrun and hostages are taken. However, six Americans manage to slip out the back door and land at the Canadian ambassador's home. Now what?

The embassy scenes of shredding, hostility, panic, and fear sets the pace for this film. As it zooms back and forth from Washington to Tehran, we feel the frustration and helplessness. What will the US do? The option discussion is hilarious, despite its serious nature. How can you get six Americans out of Iran - by bicycle across snowy mountainous landscape? Ludicrous. Or how about as a Canadian film crew scouting locations? Insane? Yes, but that's what Tony Mendez, a State Dept. super spy suggests. Phone calls and trips to Hollywood help set up a fake company for a fake movie with fake staff - it's going to be a science fantasty film named Argo.

All systems go. By this time, your heart is pounding and we haven't even started an escape scene yet. When Tony alias Kevin shows up with full packets of documentation, the six Americans have only two days to memorize new identities and knowledge on movie making. They are summoned to the Grand Bazaar, tested amidst swarms of protesters. Iranians are snapping photos, trying to match up pictures with shredded material. They are figuring out from body counts that Americans are missing. Will they tie it to this Canadian film crew?
Nerves are frayed. Chances of being killed are off the chart. Can they make it to the airport, get through three security checks, and board a Swissair plane to Toronto?

Argo is a super exciting, sweaty palms, increased heartbeat thriller. Ben Affleck has directed a probable Academy Award nominee - it is that good. Great performances by him, Bryan Cranston, John Goodman, Alan Arkin, and more. Go see it. Pay full price. And Argo...________ self (fill in the blank). When you see the movie, you'll laugh at that tag line. Argo is a winner.