Somehow Extract slipped past me when it first came out in 2009. But I finally caught up with it and was pleasantly surprised by the quality of this indy movie. The cast is impressive: Jason Bateman, Mila Kunis, Kristen Wiig, Dustin Milligan, J. K. Simmons, and Ben Affleck. The plot revolves around Jason Bateman’s company that sells a variety of cooking extracts: almond, vanilla, etc. But General Mills makes an offer to buy the company. This leads to some funny consequences. The subplot is less interesting. Jason Bateman and his wife, played by Kristen Wiig, are having problems. Ben Affleck, Bateman’s friend, suggests Bateman hire a “gigolo.” The results are head-shaking. But there’s plenty in this movie to enjoy. Worth a look. GRADE: B+

Some Bills fans think their team can still make the Playoffs. There is still a remote mathematical probability of this happening. But the Bills–who haven’t won two games in a row all season long–would have to win FIVE straight games. Not likely. The Bills are 3-point favorites in this “home game” played in Toronto, Canada. Atlanta has problems defending against the run so I suspect the Bills’ ground game will be featured this week. The Bills are coming off a Bye with most of their players healthy. How is your favorite NFL team going to fare today?

Patrick was interviewed about passwords here.

During 1966 to 1972 Michael Critchton wrote a series of thrillers under the pseudonym of “John Lange.” Critchton was learning how to write and finally, with The Andromeda Strain and The Terminal Man, Critchton became a best-selling writer under his own name. HARD CASE recently reprinted the John Lange novels. I read them when they were first published (I didn’t know at the time they were written by Critchton). I found them entertaining. You will too.

As we get ready for Thanksgiving, it should also be time to give thanks to the veterans who sacrifice for us. Yes, I know Veterans Day is supposed to cover that, but Thanksgiving is another opportunity to express our gratitude to our veterans. And, if you aren’t aware of what veterans face returning from Active Service to Civilian Life, David Finkel’s Thank You For Your Service shows the struggles our service men and women have to contend with.
He was shot in the head and the bullet ruined the part of his brain that regulates such things as emotions and impulse control. It also left him partially paralyzed… he has no sensation on his left side. He can’t easily stand. He can’t move his left foot or toes. He can’t straighten his left arm. He can’t wiggle his left fingers. He can’t wink his left eye. (p. 92)
The wives of veterans deal with husbands with emotional and mental problems. Widows deal with crushing losses. I have a heightened appreciation for military veterans after reading Thank You For Your Service. MSNBC’s MORNING JOE picked David Finkel’s book for their Book Club. GRADE: A

Catching Fire earned more than $161 million its Opening Weekend. I can’t say its success surprised me. When I watched Catching Fire last Friday, the theater was packed with teenagers. I suspect most read the enormously popular Hunger Games trilogy. The main attraction for me in these movies are Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen who’s handy with a bow and arrow, Josh Hutcherson as Peeta the guy who adores her, Liam Hemsworth as the guy Katniss really loves, and Philip Seymour Hoffman as the Game Master. For those of you not familiar with plot of this series, basically the future is a dystopia where once a year “volunteers” from the 12 Districts fight to the death in the Hunger Games. There is one winner (survivor) and they are showered with money, comforts, and fame. The old 1% vs. the 99% antagonism highlights almost every scene. The gladiatorial aspects of this 75th Anniversary of the Hunger Games comes with a switch. Former champions will fight in this special event. Although the movie is too long (2 hours and 20 minutes), most of the audience loved every minute of it. GRADE: B+

Katie just returned from a week visiting a friend in Singapore. She loved Singapore but the 88-degree days were not to her liking. I’ve encouraged both of my children to travel while they’re young. Patrick is headed to a conference in South Korea in February. In March, Patrick is attending a wedding in India (Art Scott is hoping it has elephants!). My traveling days are pretty much over, but I enjoy the travel stories my kids share. How do you consider travel? A blessing…or a curse?

The Mentalist: Red John–The Final Chapter airs tonight with Patrick Jane finally confronting the serial killer who murdered his wife and daughter. The Red John search has dominated the TV series from the beginning. I like the more humorous and whimsical episodes rather than the grim and murderous Red John episodes. Simon Baker, who plays police consultant Patrick Jane, stated in interviews that he’s “relieved” that this plotline is being resolved. I’m still skeptical that the eerily powerful and cunning serial killer can be brought down so easily. But I’ll be watching tonight to see how this story arc gets resolved…if it does. This may not rival the end of the search for the on-armed man on The Fugitive but it holds some drama for long-time fans of The Mentalist. The Buffalo Bills are on a bye this Sunday. How is your favorite NFL team going to do today?