Gran Turismo

Historical fiction story of the Nissan sponsored contest to find e-sports drivers who could make the jump to real-world racing. All the tropes show up, but it is still a fun watch. 

3 stars (out of 5)

Halo (serial)

Season 2

Following up the first season, Master Chief and his group of spartans is trying to stay one step ahead of the Covenant. This season is more about exploring the humanity of John-117, and uncovering the connection he has with the Halo. We get the humanity, and the spartan mystique wears thin. But we end with just as much mystery at the end -- which makes a good serial. Thoroughly enjoyed this

4 stars (out of 5)

Damsel

A young women is betrothed to a foreign prince. It is a political match, a necessary sacrifice for the good of her people during a time when famine is widespread. What she finds out later is that it really is intended as a sacrifice -- the foreign politics require "donation" of royal blood to a dragon as part of an ancient pact. What the dragon does not expect is that Millie Bobbie Brown (as Elodie) wants no part of sacrifice. Classic fantasy tale.

3 stars (out of 5)

Blown Away (serial)

Season 4

Another season in the Blown Away series. The challenges are tougher and everything is bigger. The artists continue to be astounding. This season every artist is a potential winner and it simply depends on performance on any given episode. 

4 stars (out of 5)

The Furies (serial)

The Paris world of organized crime is run by 6 godfathers, each with their own domain of crime. They are pretty much restricted to stay in their area of expertise and not start a war with other godfathers because they have a Fury. This person is charged with keeping the peace, and is brutal in her implementation of "peacekeeping" measures. This is the story of the Fury, and her heir who was in hiding, didn't know she was the heir and is really very good at Fury-ing. Very engaging crime thriller and is perfect in terms of timing and pacing. Well done.

4 stars (out of 5)

Out of Sight

Late 1990's release: George Clooney is a serial bank robber who does all his work with charm and charisma. Of course, having robbed over 200 banks, it is inevitable that that you spend some time in prison. But that is not the life for George so he breaks out and heads straight to his next score. Unfortunately (or fortunately), during the escape he encounters US Marshal Jennifer Lopez and the chemistry is immediate. The rest of the movie is her chasing him and him chasing her. A nice little dance. Can't believe I haven't seen this before.

4 stars (out of 5)

Coin Heist

Set at an upper crust private high school, the headmaster is arrested for embezzling money from the schools endowment. To overcome the family shame, his son and a mismatched cohort devise a plan to steal from the U.S. Mint and replenish the endowment. It's the only way to keep the school open ... right? While being both improbably and unrealistic and overly simplistic, this plays as a poor cousin to The Breakfast Club in terms of teen ensemble movies. 

3 stars (out of 5)