A mysterious bleeding stone mask possesses a museum employee while the President is visiting. In the aftermath, Secret Service agents Pete Lattimer (Eddie McClintock) and Myka Bering (Joanne Kelly) are transferred to a super-secret detail in South Dakota. Working for the seemingly immortal Mrs. Frederic (CCH Pounder), they're tasked with tracking down and neutralizing various artifacts that have taken on supernatural aura.
The premise to SyFy's newest show is familiar by now (The X-Files, Men in Black, The Middleman), but I'll watch for smart writing from the likes of Jane Espenson and David Simkins acted naturally by McClintock, Saul Rubinek, and Kelly.
Wednesday, July 08, 2009
Monday, July 06, 2009
JACK WAKES UP by Seth Harwood
One-hit-wonder action star Jack Palms, on the rebound from a trashed reputation and a heroin addiction, agrees to help his old friend Ralph with a drug deal. Jack is just supposed to be window dressing, maybe show the prospective buyers a good time. The next morning, though, Jack finds Ralph brutally murdered and sets out on a personal quest for answers.
If you remember the B action flicks of the 90s as fondly as I do, you'll appreciate Jack Wakes Up. The book's third-person present narration brings a movie to mind and, along with short, punchy chapters, keeps the plot moving. Though Jack Wakes Up may be an homage to action movies, Harwood's careful characterization and overall energy made Jack and his world seem new to me. And now I'd gladly visit them again.
If you remember the B action flicks of the 90s as fondly as I do, you'll appreciate Jack Wakes Up. The book's third-person present narration brings a movie to mind and, along with short, punchy chapters, keeps the plot moving. Though Jack Wakes Up may be an homage to action movies, Harwood's careful characterization and overall energy made Jack and his world seem new to me. And now I'd gladly visit them again.
Federer's Fifteenth
Tuning in midway through the second set, yesterday's Roddick/Federer Wimbledon final was still the best match I've ever seen. Crisp play throughout, not to mention in the 30-game fifth set. In the end, unfortunately for him, Andy Roddick flinched. Roddick's play has definitely improved since previous losses to Federer, but Federer still has a mental edge on him.
Commentators have been saying how well Roddick handled the loss, but to me he seemed to be mocking Federer in the post-match ceremonies. He probably couldn't believe he had lost. I wish he had more self-control, but then he might not be the same player.
Nitpickers say Federer hasn't faced Nadal in these past two Grand Slams, but history is often as tough an opponent as the one across the net. Congrats to him.
Commentators have been saying how well Roddick handled the loss, but to me he seemed to be mocking Federer in the post-match ceremonies. He probably couldn't believe he had lost. I wish he had more self-control, but then he might not be the same player.
Nitpickers say Federer hasn't faced Nadal in these past two Grand Slams, but history is often as tough an opponent as the one across the net. Congrats to him.
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