Category: Reviews Books and Movies

  • Book Reviews: Berry, Cussler, and WW2 Gold

    Steve Berry’s The Atlas Maneuver innovatively merges WWII treasure hunting with cryptocurrency, creating a compelling espionage thriller, while Clive Cussler’s The Solomon Curse offers a more conventional, less impactful adventure.

  • From Mysticism to Resistance: How Andor Reframes the Star Wars Rebellion

    The post argues for a pedagogical shift to viewing Andor Season 2, Rogue One, and A New Hope as a trilogy, emphasizing material resistance and moral complexities of rebellion against authoritarianism.

  • Star Trek, May Day, Haymarket, and History

    The “Past Tense” episodes of Star Trek highlight parallels between labor struggles of the late 19th century and contemporary social issues, emphasizing ongoing fights for workers’ rights and dignity.

  • Excalibur (1981): The Myth, the Dark Fantasy, and the Classroom

    John Boorman’s Excalibur is a towering cinematic achievement that reimagines the Arthurian legend with a gritty, dreamlike quality. Released in 1981, the film arrived during a pivotal cultural moment when geek culture, mythological storytelling, and dark fantasy were gaining global traction. Its evocative imagery, Shakespearean dialogue, and unapologetically raw depiction of chivalry, betrayal, and redemption…

  • Book Review for Demon of Unrest

    This book chronicles the Civil War’s beginnings, focusing on key figures like Edmund Ruffin and the cotton aristocracy, illustrating how pride and ideology led to tragic conflict.

  • The Godfather Part III: An Unnecessary Epilogue to a Complete Tragedy

    The Godfather Parts I and II exemplify tragic storytelling, while Part III’s attempt at redemption undermines Michael Corleone’s perfect character arc, complicating its emotional depth and coherence.