Professional Critic's Media Picks

What it is, reader! Here are some of my recent media picks:

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. I started but didn't finish the popular book by the late Stieg Larsson, and too bad, because this was a thoroughly captivating thriller, albeit a bit violent. Fantastic chemistry between Michael Nyqvist and Noomi Rapace, so more to look forward to, as this is part one of a trilogy. The second book, The Girl Who Played with Fire, is in theaters now. This is in Swedish with English subtitles so be warned this isn't multitasking friendly.

Also in theaters now is a surprisingly enjoyable documentary, Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work. I had somewhat unkindly relegated Joan Rivers into the plastic surgery freak/has-been category but at 77 (and with more energy than you can imagine) she is very much back in the game, and hilariously funny.

Another documentary recommendation, The Great Happiness Space, about Japanese host boys, who are paid astonishing sums to entertain wealthy women. This movie takes unexpected twists and turns; at a brief 75 minutes, definitely worth a look.

My only exposure to comedian Louis CK was in his turn playing cop boyfriend to Leslie Knope on Parks and Recreation. His great character was written out of the show, but for a good reason--he now has his own show on FX called Louie. Here's a clip:



Enjoy, reader!