enliv: entertainment & books


The Last Samurai December 5th Who's in it? Tom Cruise, Tony Goldwyn, and Ken Watanabe	What's it about? Captain Nathan Algren (Cruise) is sent from America after the Civil War to Japan by the Emperor to train new soldiers and make the old Samurai order disappear. But once Algren gets to know the Samurai order after being “kidnapped” by one (Watanabe), he discovers the Samurais are worth fighting for.	Good or Bad? Good IF you liked movies like Glory and Dances With Wolves, you will like this one. It’s filled with epoch combat and historical ambience. Translation: Action-packed fight scenes in the past (hee hee).
Stuck on You December 12th Who's in it? Matt Damon, Greg Kinnear, and Cher	What's it about? The Farrelly Brothers are up to no good again! This time, they’ve joined Matt Damon and Greg Kinnear at the hip. Damon and Kinnear play Walt and Bob Tenor. When Walt wants to be in show business, he has to convince his conjoined brother to help him.	Good or Bad? Good! As always, I expect the Farrelly brothers to make me laugh until I hit the floor holding onto my sides. Besides, it’s a good movie for both guys and girls, as long as you got a good sense of humor!
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King December 17th Who's in it? Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, Ian McKellen, Orlando Bloom and Viggo Mortensen (hot hot hot!).	What's it about? Sad, but true, this is the last film in the LOTR trilogy (Sob!). Sauron will wage its final siege against the humans, who need a king. Aragorn (Mortensen) must take his place as the king. But will he do it?	Good or Bad? Great! I loved the first two films of the trilogy, and this one I expect to be no different. It is, though, the last one, so, not only there are no more great stories and battles coming, but no more Orlando Bloom with long, white hair. Can you hear me crying?
Mona Lisa Smile December 19th Who's in it? Julia Roberts, Julia Stiles, and Maggie Gyllenhaal	What's it about? Julia Roberts plays a teacher at the prestigious Wellesley College in 1953, challenging her female students to think differently than the sexist society around them.	Good or Bad? Ehhh… For women, it is an empowering movie. For guys, maybe not the best ticket to buy, unless you’re forced to by your date. Then, I will feel sorry for you.


		I Wish Someone Were Waiting for Me Somewhere Fiction or Non? : Fiction Who wrote it? : Anna Gavalda What’s it about? : It’s a collection of short stories about how we long to be and connect with someone. Good or bad? : The reviews are great for this book and it was a bestseller in France. It has been hailed as witty and stylish. It has also been a long expected book, but the wait is over. So, go get it!
		Lookout Cartridge Fiction or Non? : Fiction Who wrote it? : Joseph McElroy What’s it about? : Two friends make a seemingly innocent tape, but someone wants it… bad. When the main character tries to find out why, the clues point out to an international melee. Good or bad? : McElroy has won many prizes for previous work. This book has received wide acclaim as depicting mystery, paranoia and suspense with engaging description. Are you in the mood for something creepy and mysterious? Here’s your ticket.
		Deep in a Dream: The Long Night of Chet Baker Fiction or Non? : Non Who wrote it? : James Gavin What’s it about? : Gavin writes the biography of famous jazz trumpet player Chet Baker. This talented jazz musician is described as the best trumpet player with the nastiest heroin addiction. His tumultuous life ended in 1988 when he mysteriously fell from an Amsterdam hotel window. Good or bad? : It is a very tragic true story that has readers giving it a rating of five stars. Gavin succeeds in narrating Chet Baker’s life and his music together. It has been described as a must-read, according to most critics and readers.