Dexter (TV) - 5 stars

I'm riveted by this show. It's VERY creepy, so not for the faint-hearted. I also don't recommend watching it before you go to bed, which I do.

Dexter is a TV series about a sociopathic serial killer. The characters are complex and there are surprises around every corner. It stars Michael C. Hall, who played the younger brother in 6 Feet Under. Dexter is as high quality as 6 Feet Under was in the early years. Supporting cast is all great. The direction is absolutely brilliant. I especially love the opening sequence, which is almost sensory overload. I'm completely riveted by the storyline and can't wait to see what these crazy characters do next.

UPDATE (1/24/08)- I've just upgraded this show from 4.5 stars to 5 stars. Season 2 is even better than Season 1. In fact, I'm obsessed. If you want to get started, Season One will be airing on CBS starting Sunday, Feb. 17 at 10PM ET. If you can handle the anxiety, you MUST watch.
You can also rent Season One at your favorite DVD rental establishment. Let me know what you think!

Last King of Scotland - 4 stars

We just watched the Last King of Scotland about the rise and rule of the brutal Ugandan dictator Idi Amin's regime as seen by his idealistic personal physician during the 1970s. It gets its name from the homeland of the physician and Amin's affection for the country.

Forest Whitaker is excellent in the film as Amin, along with James McAvoy as the young doc. The film is quite graphic, certainly the end is not for the faint of heart.

It's one of the better biopics I have seen, a very good film in its own right.

Charlie Wilson's War - 4 stars

It's lots of fun being off work and getting to see movies!

Today Jim & I saw Charlie Wilson's War, starring Tom Hanks. Since Joe Versus the Volcano, I can't remember Hanks making a bad movie. This one is certainly worth watching. It's a very well told story of the US involvement in removing the Russians from Afghanistan. It's very easy to follow and very entertaining. The characters are all a lot of fun. Philip Seymour Hoffman is brilliant, as always, playing a spy with no manners. Julia Roberts is again miscast as a southern debutaunt-power broker.