Tag: Reviews

The Foreigner – Jackie Chan

On By Author Edmond GagnonIn EntertainmentLeave a comment

JackieJackie Chan is no stranger to action films, but he is The Foreigner to serious thrillers. I’m not alone in thinking this is one of Chan’s best performances ever. Granted, many of his previous action films were serious, but they had a cheap feel to them, like the old martial arts movies where the voices didn’t match lip movements.

Although the story seems familiar – former military special forces guy seeks revenge for missing or murdered family member, it’s credibility is bolstered by Chan’s humble character. With the exception of one scene where he should have produced a few tears, Jackie’s acting was superb.

Former James Bond, Pierce Brosnan plays a believable bad guy who’s involved with the IRA. Jackie may be older and grayer, and his moves may have all been choreographed, but he’s still got the moves. Mr. Chan is still quick as lightning. The movie moves well and is loaded with lots of action. It’s great entertainment – Cathryn got so excited at one point she tried blocking the kung fu punches from her seat.

We both enjoyed the movie and give it a 9 out of 10.

 

American Made

On By Author Edmond GagnonIn EntertainmentLeave a comment

American madeWith all the political crap that is going on in the United States I think the timing of this movie’s release is perfect. Reviews are all over the map on this one with Tom Cruise lovers and haters. I’m not sure why the latter would see the movie in the first place.

Cruise plays Barry Seal, a TWA pilot who is recruited by the CIA to help Americanize certain third-world countries in Central America. In the interest of democracy Seal plays errand boy between the U.S. government and Manuel Noriega, running money and guns into Nicaragua. To supplement his personal income he helps the Medellin Cartel export cocaine to the U.S.

While messing in political and government affairs in Nicaragua, the CIA turns a blind to Seal’s extra-curricular activities. Although the story material is dead serious, the movie is almost comical. The role is not typical for Cruise, but he personifies the true all-american.

If nothing else, the movie was highly entertaining. Anyone who follows politics will recognize the names of Escobar, Ollie North, Noriega, and certain  U.S. presidents.

Cathryn and I both enjoyed American Made. She gives it a 9 and I an 8 out of 10.

 

Wind River

On By Author Edmond GagnonIn EntertainmentLeave a comment

wind riverThis movie is tough to review. To say that Cathryn and I enjoyed it, would be using the word to describe that fact that it was well received. The plot is deep and dark, but like my novel, Finding Hope, the Highway of Tears, it’s another sad and true story about the lack of caring and respect for aboriginal women across our continent.

This story is about two women who die on the Wind River Reserve in Northern Wyoming. A fish and wildlife tracker, reserve cop, and a lone FBI agent team up to investigate the latest rape/homicide. The remote location of the crime challenges the team.

Jeremy Renner, Elizabeth Olsen, and Graham Green play the dream team. Stellar performances were delivered by all. I’m personally tired of seeing the plight of first nations people on reserves –  all other previously oppressed races have learned to move on. Having said that this movie will drag you into their misery and make you wonder why this type of crap still goes on in this day and age.

Cathryn and I both give the move an 8 out of 10.

The Clinic

On By Author Edmond GagnonIn Book Reviews, EntertainmentLeave a comment

ClinicThe Clinic (Alex Delaware, #11) 
by Jonathan Kellerman, John Rubinstein (Narrator)

 

Edmond Gagnon‘s review

Sep 18, 2017

 

Big yawn!
I really tried to finish this book just to see who did it, but three quarters of the way through I didn’t care any more and gave up. I’ve read previous works by Kellerman and love his characters, but for a murder mystery novel, this one made want to fluff my pillow instead of turning the page.
There was way too much fluff…useless descriptions of everyone, hypothesizing between characters, and painfully dull dialog.
If you’re looking for a good read to help you sleep, The Clinic is for you.

The Hitman’s Bodyguard

On By Author Edmond GagnonIn EntertainmentLeave a comment

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The Hitman’s Bodyguard is an action movie that allows you to laugh out loud in certain scenes and with certain dialogue, comparable to to Bruce Willis’s Die Hard series. The action is pretty well non-stop throughout the movie, an on-going pursuit plot with a couple of outstanding car chases.

Does anyone know why bad guys on motorcycles think they can somehow stop a speeding car? You know they’re always going to lose. The cinematography showcases Amsterdam and the Netherlands, with a lot of the chase footage filmed along and in the canals and narrow streets alongside.

Ryan Reynolds’s character is a bit of a sap, but it’s a perfect fit with Jackson’s opposite and bad-ass character. Gary Oldman always makes a good bad guy, and doesn’t let us down in this movie. I think Salma Hayek’s character is over the top and a bit ridiculous, but it adds to the comic relief.

Cathryn and I both enjoyed viewing this flick on the big screen, but had trouble rating it. We both settled on a 7 out of 10.

 

Favorites – Venice

On By Author Edmond GagnonIn Entertainment, TravelLeave a comment

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I can’t count how many times I’ve been asked where’s my favorite place I’ve visited. And, for those of you who know me personally, I don’t really do favorites. So why, you ask, am I posting Venice as one of my favorite places? Well, I must shyly admit that it is. Right now it’s the number one tourist destination in the world. That’s big.

Continue reading “Favorites – Venice” →

More Reviews for Finding Hope

On By Author Edmond GagnonIn Book Reviews, EntertainmentLeave a comment

High Res4 & 5 Star Reviews from Goodreads and Kobo:

My favorite book thus far by Ed. I intended on reading just a few chapters today but his writing kept me so captivated and wanting more, I finished the book in hours. Looking forward to the next novel by this wonderful story-teller.    Dawn S.

 Captivating story based on the circumstances which unfortunately continue to occur on the infamous Highway of Tears in Northern British Columbia. While reading this book, I found myself re-processing the events well after I had put the book down, and then I couldn’t wait to get back into it! Compassion for the victims, as well as trying to analyze the thoughts of an isolated bushman, topped off with a touch of romance, Finding Hope will not disappoint.  Brenda B

This novel is based on the abused and murdered women in British Columbia. Precisely route #16. It held my interest, trying to figure out one of the killers—which I was able to do early on. It’s a Norm Strom book by Edmond Gagnon. Norm is a retired police officer who gets caught up in the search for one young woman who disappears. He helps the RCMP to find her and to solve some of the murders. It’s a hard book in some parts as the language is crude and some violence graphic. If you’re into crime and resolve you will enjoy this book of fiction based on fact.  Jackie R

The book was a good read, fast, and kept my interest going. The characters were just enough to identify with each one. A human story of all the girls that were lost and never found. The main characters were serious and funny. The writer wrote about highlights along the highways that made you feel like you were right there. The ending was suspenseful and kept me wondering. Edward G

See Early Acclaim for Finding Hope