Nope. My enlistment contract isn't up for another four years, so I can pretty much expect a free trip to Iraq or Afganistan in my near future.

I'm certain "Stop-Loss" is a fine movie and worthy of attention, but I just got back from a year in Iraq and I'm not really anxious to see a movie about it.

I think mass marketing has a lot to do with it. Instead of a few people sitting around and picking out something that looks cool, you have committees trying to sell readers on a concept. Shadowy figures on thrillers imply danger, some guy with a sword tells you it's fantasy and glossy pastel colors make a book stand…

My Verdict
I found this to be an excellent movie, well-told, well-acted and interesting. Henry Fonda was The Man.

Actually, the "extended cut" of The Stand is quite good, depending on how much you like Stephen King. The climax drags out a bit, but the suspense generated during the rest of the story holds up really well, particularly with some of the more likable heroes. Bit of an unconventional ending, as well. You should give it…

I just want to thank Mr. Nader for bringing me laughter with my morning newspaper headlines today.

The motif in all of the above references originate with Night of the Hunter. One of the early pop culture reference shorthands, I suspect. And an excellent one, at that…

PRAISE BOB! Slack for all…

The Black Dossier
I know the previous A.V. Club review for Mr. Moore's latest was not glowing, but I still think it worthy of inclusion. Like much of his work, it gets better every time you read it.

I hate to digress…
I feel like I sat down in front of the television, all set to see my favorite show, only to find out that it's been bumped for an infomercial.

Probably me. But you might want to check the mirror since you knew what we were talking about.

Don't brag too much about keeping your head yet, we've still got a few books to go.

Movies like these…
… are why I read a lot.

Hand me a Subtle Knife
Yes, the movie isn't as good as the book and feels really too rushed in parts. But … I actually enjoyed the movie. Like any other fan of the book, there are things I would have like to see done differently (especially the narration) but I would like to see this movie succeed.

Lexicondevil,

PSA correction?
Did you mean comfortable or uncomfortable?

'Stop Me',

Good movie. It made a serious impression on me when I was a kid — especially the ending.

Good comics

Blood Meridian
Since they are working on a film version of this fine Western, I would like to nominate Daniel Day-Lewis for the role of The Judge.