The Mule – Clint Eastwood

I can’t recall a Clint Eastwood film I didn’t enjoy. He is a master storyteller.

He’s a curmudgeonly Republican in real life. And is very believable as a politically incorrect old man in his recent films.

It is Eastwood’s first acting project since 2012’s Trouble with the Curve, and his first starring role in a film directed by him since 2008’s Gran Torino. …

He is facing financial ruin and is estranged from his ex-wife Mary and daughter Iris, for always putting work before family. … Desperate for money, he … becomes a “mule” transporting cocaine through Illinois for a Mexican drug cartel. …

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

Planning to cycle part of the Continental Divide

I was inspired by Lael Wilcox to pencil in a date on my personal calendar:

Friday, June 12th at 8AM – Banff, Alberta

That’s the start of the 2020 Great Divide Mountain Bike Race.

It’s free. No registration. No commitment in advance. I could show up … or not.

The Tour Divide roughly follows the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route (GDMBR) is the most recognized and important off-pavement cycling route in the United States, if not the world.

The route crisscrosses the Continental Divide from north to south starting in Banff, Alberta, Canada and finishing at the US/Mexico border in Antelope Wells, New Mexico.

I don’t have time or talent to do the whole thing. But I’m hoping to ride the start down into Montana. Then divert over to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho (via the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes) where I stopped off on last summer’s bikepacking adventure.

MIGHT do some hiking in Montana. Then head for the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

Here’s the Lael Wilcox documentary from last year’s Tour Divide that got me started planning.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

related – Lael Wilcox Is the Best. Why Does Anyone Else Bother?

(via Adventure Blog)

Agent Running in the Field – John le Carré

At age-87, he’s still a master of the genre. One of our best living authors.

The audio version of Agent Running in the Field is read by le Carré. That makes it even more meaningful, for me.

The book is set in 2018. Le Carré obviously hates Brexit, Boris Johnson (whom he calls pig-ignorant) and Trump.

The plot is simpler than usual for le Carré. I can actually follow the story easily, … for once.

 

 

This Is Us – season 2

One of the most important shows on TV. 

So many life issues addressed.

Casting director Tiffany Little Canfield did an amazing job finding younger versions of the family. I find them very believable.

No other entertainment I can recall has done such a good job switching between multiple timelines.

Season 2 is 92% on Rotten Tomatoes. I’d say it’s even better than season 1.

This Is Us continues to follow the lives and connections of the Pearson family across several time periods …

The ensemble cast is all good. Perhaps Chris Sullivan as Toby Damon is my favourite.

Milo Ventimiglia as Jack Pearson is fantastic too.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

 

 

 

Once upon a time in Hollywood

Once upon a time in Hollywood is a fictionalized version of the Manson murders.

I’ve seen all the Tarantino films.

My reaction to this one is similar to the rest. He’s a talented director with important things to say — but each movie would be better if he wasn’t so self-indulgent.

The highlight is his version of Hollywood 1969. It was a weird and special time and place.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

I did enjoy the ensemble cast.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds an approval rating of 85% …

The Hollywood Reporter said critics had “an overall positive view”. Some calling it “Tarantino’s love letter to ’60s L.A.'”, praising its cast and setting. Others were “divided on its ending.”