The counselor should be ashamed of what he did in Vegas

  The Counselor (2013) An anonymous lawyer (Michael Fassbender) goes into business with drug dealer Reiner (Javier Bardem) only to find he’s taken on more than he can handle, endangering his life and the life of his fiancee, Laura (Penelope Cruz). Malinka (Cameron Diaz), Reiner’s girlfriend is a master criminal planning to double cross him. Westray (Brad… Continue reading The counselor should be ashamed of what he did in Vegas

Barbosa made Brazil cry when he deceived them with the Rimet Trophy

  Deceptive Practice: The Mysteries and Mentors of Ricky Jay (2012) This biography traces the influences of magician Ricky Jay, one of the most prolific magicians in Hollywood, appearing in dozens of films and consulting on many more. David Blaine, David Copperfield, Penn and Teller, and Criss Angel are household names, but there’s a significant gap between… Continue reading Barbosa made Brazil cry when he deceived them with the Rimet Trophy

Garrincha went on a fantastic voyage to the stars; it ended in a massacre

  Fantastic Voyage (1966) Working in the Soviet Union, scientist Jan Benes has discovered how to miniaturize items permanently. He escapes to the west to share this information, but an attempted assassination causes a blood clot in his brain and leaves him comatose. A submarine containing several scientists is shrunk to a micrometer and placed inside… Continue reading Garrincha went on a fantastic voyage to the stars; it ended in a massacre

Decoding basketball and soccer stories while racing around the world looking for the love of your life

  Decoding Deepak (2012) Deepak Chopra has made a fortune as a spiritual advisor to the rich and famous. This film directed by his son, Gotham Chopra, follows Deepak as he goes through Blackberry withdrawal while visiting monks in India, obsesses over his next book, meets with the powerful in corporate boardrooms, and works on a spiritual video game. In a rare… Continue reading Decoding basketball and soccer stories while racing around the world looking for the love of your life

A soccer crowd goes to war and John Milius approves

  Drug War (2012) When he’s arrested, drug lord Timmy Choi provides evidence against his partner to avoid the death penalty.  It’s a decent movie, but identical to countless other warnings about the dangers of the drug business.     Milius (2013) This film is a chronicles one of the greatest, unheralded directors in Hollywood history, John… Continue reading A soccer crowd goes to war and John Milius approves