You know it’s going to be a great day on set when the first scene of the day features a cat. The cat handler…wrangler?….showed up with 3 beautiful Ragdoll cats. He went with Josephine as his top choice to pull off our scene and she did not disappoint. I dare say, she was Purrrr-fect. Who knew a cat could be so well trained?
Frozen Bde Maka Ska
One of the great views of downtown Minneapolis—no matter the season!
Between Two Ferns: The Movie
Love the web series. Was skeptical it would work in a longer format. Well…it did….for me at least. Had me laughing throughout. Unbelievable parade of celebrity cameos.
The Pacific Ocean
When you live in the midwest and it’s winter, this is always a welcome site.
Dolemite Is My Name
It’s a familiar story of determination, reinvention and commitment…but who ever gets tired of that? Especially when it’s delivered by Eddie Murphy in a fresh, bright, exuberant, wild, crazy, heartfelt and inspiring package like this.
Walvis the Whale
This is the 9th straight year 3 Twin Cities area brothers lead an effort to build a giant snow sculpture in their front yard. They are absolute pros and have gotten recognition from local and national media sources. Along the way, they have parlayed their notoriety and skills into raising a lot of money for charity. This year’s masterpiece is Walvis the Whale. Definitely looking forward to next year! Excellent use of snow.
Dracula (Netflix)
I’ll watch anything Dracula related and when you tell me Netflix is releasing a Dracula mini-series created by the team behind the incredible and stupendous Sherlock series, I’m ready to binge like a hungry Count. Unfortunately, I found this series pretty uneven. Well cast and an intriguing start, but eventually it fell flat. I thought it presented some interesting ideas in the final couple minutes, but I was certainly ready for it to end. Totally fine if this is a one-and-done that remains dead vs undead.
The Crown
One word to describe this outstanding series: sumptuous
The look they have achieved is absolutely stunning. Extremely fitting for going behind the scenes with the British Royal Family. Doesn’t hurt that the acting and writing match the cinematic brilliance of the visuals. Despite all the opulence, I have one take away that I think Kermit said best: it’s not easy being Queen.
Spies in Disguise
Whoa, had no idea I’d enjoy this movie so much. Funny, engaging, relentless pace, killer action, killer soundtrack. Highly entertaining.
Kansas City, MO
The Paris of the plains!
Marriage Story
Geez, I’m watching a lot of grown up movies these days. Gonna need something lighter after this one. Compelling, complex, certainly moments of humor…but mostly pretty gut wrenching. Supremely well acted.
The Irishman
This 3 and a half hour epic really grew on me. The great Martin Scorsese keeps the style very controlled, putting all focus on the acting of the legendary lead actors. It becomes almost hypnotic. Brilliant performances. Really get the sense that you are watching absolute masters of their crafts make a movie completely on their terms. And if you take away one lesson from this film, “never put a fish in your car.”
Orange Is the New Black
Just finished watching and thoroughly enjoyed this eye-opening series. Great and immense cast. Profound performances. Very thought-provoking stories of hope and hopelessness of these women who fair, unfairly and sometimes very unfairly are thrust into making the best out of a soul crushing and corrupt system.
Snow!
With the first legit snow fall, it is time to embrace Minnesota’s winter wonderland. Excluding the plow piles, a significant, fresh layer of snow can be a beautiful thing. Maybe not in April, but fun for now…
Stranger Things - Season 3
Take everything that was right in music, television, film and literature from the greatest decade (the 1980s), throw it in a blender and come up with an extremely well-written, directed, acted and shot series that is fun, funny, intense and often scary. Like a fine wine, Season 3 was a nuanced blend that, among many others, gave us hints of The Thing, The Terminator and a nod to Spies Like Us. On a scale of 1 - 10, I give Stranger Things…Eleven.
Michael Connelly Novels
I just finished Michael Connelly book 32. This is an amazing series. Extremely impressive world building of a cast of highly compelling characters. As the series goes on, there has certainly been no decline in the quality of plot lines. Only an increase in intensity. A true master of his craft. Keep ‘em coming!
San Francisco
With all due respect to Duluth, MN, San Francisco is the most scenic city in the US. The bay, the bridges, the architecture, the topography—so much to see here. Do not overlook the Pier 39 sea lions. The constant barking draws you in and the antics keep you riveted to the action of these fascinating, graceful and often hilarious creatures.
The Bold North
October 12 in Minnesota. Winter is coming.
BlacKkKlansman
Still catching up on my movies of 2018: BlacKkKlansman—powerful, disturbing, intense. There’s even a surprising amount of humor in this movie. I did not see that coming. All these elements combine for a very impactful and relevant experience.
Minnesota Bridges
3 days. 3 iconic Minnesota bridges:
