Things that make me happy... Homeland

Things that make me happy... Homeland on Showtime

Homeland is a TV drama that follows a CIA agent named Carrie Mathison (played by Claire Danes) as she investigates a rescued prisoner or war named Nicholas Brody (actor Damien Lewis) who she suspects is a terrorist turned by the enemy. The Showtime series just finished its second series and is the plot is still going strong. Homeland won six Emmy awards in 2012 included TV Best Drama, Best Actor for Lewis, and Best Actress for Danes. 

 The show has the feel of Kiefer Sutherland's 24 but with more suspense since in season one there are so many unknowns and multiple plot lines to follow. But Danes character is more complex because she doubts her sanity at times due to a medical condition. She consistently follow her instincts despite the rules which puts her at odds with her superiors in the Agency.

The character Brody is played to perfection by Lewis as a war hero returned from capture but with the subject of Carrie's suspicions. But by the end of the Season when much is revealed there is still doubt in this character which sets up the second season.

Pros

1. The team that brought you "24" is responsible for this high paced drama. It delivers.

2. Plot twist and great lead cast. Danes and Lewis are top notch in this series.

3. The relationships that evolve in the series are well develop for this type of thriller drama. You get invested in characters along the way.

Cons

1. This series is on Showtime... So it is time you order it. It's just one of many shows worth watching including Dexter, House of Lies, and Weeds.

2. The subject of this series is terrorism in America. It is a bit disturbing to think that art may be imitating life. This series may touch a bit close to home for some in a post 911 world.

S.F. Guru

Things that make me happy... Breaking Bad

Things that make me happy... Breaking Bad on AMC

Breaking Bad has been on TV since 2008 on AMC and was one of the best kept secrets on TV. But the secret is out... if you pay attention to the Emmy awards. Much like Battlestar Galactica on SciFy or Madmen on AMC, its a great show on a cable channel with limited viewers. But there is no doubt that it is one of the best dramas on TV over the past 4 years.

Bryan Cranston stars as Walter White, a high school chemistry teacher that becomes a Crystal Meth drug dealer.  Aaron Paul is Jesse Pinkman his former high school student, a drug user, and his partner in their criminal dealings.  What makes this series work is the realism and dark humor of trying to run an illegal drug operation while hiding this from your friends and family.  The series is filled with awkward moments, amateur mistakes, and tragic misunderstanding as they build their criminal empire.

The writers explores the morality of criminals and whether ends justify the means. The supporting characters add dramatic depth to the series and round out this outstanding ensemble cast. But the stars are Pinkman and Cranston both give their best performances and drive the series at a frantic pace.

Too funny.. But you'll get the point of the series.

Breaking Bad Tribute (Story Line summary - Spoiler Alert)

I am the one who knocks...

Pros
1. Excellent drama. Great Plots. Gifted Actors.
2. The style of storing telling is amazing.
3. The progression of the main characters. Each season they change.

Cons
1. Very dark drama. Its extremely violent and not for kids or those with that are faint of heart.
2. Its on AMC... If you know the channel number by heart... I'm amaze.

If you want to catch up on a great drama, Breaking Bad is worth a watch.

S.F. Guru

Things that make me happy... Silver Linings Playbook

Things that make me happy... Silver Linings Playbook... the movie

This Oscar season is well underway and filled with another set of star studded movies. Silver Linings Playbook stars Bradley Cooper as Pat Solitano, a bipolar husband whose wife has left him after he was committed to mental health hospital for eight month. Jennifer Lawrence costars as Tiffany, a recent widow and sister of a friend's wife.  They develop an interesting relationship is both heart warming and chaotic as they help each other cope with the challenges in their lives.  But the funny thing about life... there is always a silver lining.

First of all, this movie is smart, funny, and quite heart warming. But it also deals with the realities of families that must cope with mental illness. Robert De Niro stars as Pat Solitano Sr. and gives a great performance as a father struggling to deal with his son's condition. To round out the cast, Chris Tucker is Danny's friend the hospital and Tucker brings is controlled maniac comedic energy to the big screen in this great comeback role and hopefully this is a sign of a more to come in the future for this talented comedian.

The story is definitely a romantic comedy full with ups and down and several dramatic scene that will be sure to get it some consideration for awards. But more importantly, this movies explores how people deal with love, life, and loss. The film is a dark comedy and Cooper is wonderfully charismatic and funny... he still has his Hangover comedic skills at work here. Lawrence is the real surprise of the movie. At first someone may think this is role is miscast, but watch the whole movie and judge for yourself. She holds her own with De Niro and Cooper in several scenes and she might even get a nomination for her work.

Chris Tucker... First film in forever.. and he's good in it. There is potential for more serious roles.

Film Trailer...

Pros
1. The cast is excellent in the movie, but especially Jennifer Lawrence a very unexpected performance from young a surprisingly talented actress. Her she might of stolen the movie in her first scene.
2. The plot of the movie is familiar but the treatment of the mental health is done warmly and with heart. It shows the funny and sad sides of this condition that affects so many families.
3. The "Parley"... Love the word.... and better use to drive the plot.

Cons
1. The Solitanos are Eagle Fans... Okay we will have to ignore this sad fact.
2. This is an art house film so it may not be in many theaters so you might have to look for it. But its a Weinstein film so you know it will get Oscar marketing post Golden Globe.

SF. Guru