Paul Vargis
TyA random collection of thoughts that don’t really fit anywhere else. What one would term a true free fall if you will. Letting the thoughts tumble out of your head.
The joy of Boxing Week movie bins brings you John Wick 2. A sequel due to well John Wick doing so well. It is much of the same on this assassin’s journey to escape his past life that just won’t let go. Where Wick 1 would be a 4/5; I’d say 2 is about 3.5/5. Fun, but the originality has worn off. The ending is pure production company where it could end there, or leave the door slightly ajar for a 3 depending on box office.
From Star Trek: The Next Generation season 3 gem’s (thanks Netflix). “Deja Q” that brings up the ultimate philosophical question what makes one human? This is not done through the usual foil of Data, but rather the Q-tinum has grown tired of Q’s chaos across the universe and punted him, his last thought was to be human. He is now on the Enterprise, and trying to discover among many things the joy of 10 chocolate sundaes, what it means to be human? (oh and feeling pain, and fear of death).
“Yesterday’s Enterprise” is a time travel episode, where a past Enterprise-C is thrown forward, and due to not completing its rescue mission the new reality is a timeline at war with the Romulans. It is the episode that brings Tasha Yar back to life, and the deeper question about life…what happens if a death doesn’t mean anything? How does one ensure their entire life from cradle to grave has meaning?
I do know it was an empty death, a death without purpose.
-Guinan, “Yesterday’s Enterprise”
The newest Stephanie Plum novel by Janet Evanovich finally made the pick up shelf at my library. I discovered Evanovich during my time working at Smithbooks, and then Coles, at Sunridge Mall way back when. She has a quirky-dry sense of humour for her Trenton, NJ lingerie salesgirl turned bounty hunter with the former working girl sidekick Lula. Look Alive Twenty-Five brings the between the numbers mystery magicus, Wulf, to the numbered books as he involves himself in a weird mystery. Plum & Lula are now managing a deli, where managers have a tendency to vanish by the dumpster leaving behind only 1 shoe? And what does a grunge-rock band, a pickled senior wanting her cat back, and a chicken breeder that runs a breakfast burrito truck have to do with the mystery? Oh and as always there is Ranger and Morelli, attempting to keep Plum safe from Plum luck.
I’ve had a love-hate relationship with Paramount’s Star Trek movies reboot. To hear though that the fourth may be scuttled because of Pine and Hemsworth not signing on, I think is a loss on what could be a new direction. Off-camera promote Kirk off the Enterprise. Make Sulu the captain, you can do either a Harry Mudd as antagonist movie, or a Guardian on Edge of Forever movie. I did not find Pine embodied Kirk, as well as the other cast had taken to their roles, and seeing Sulu as captain would allow for new helms and navigator, with where CGI is at would be great to see Arex come to life on the big screen.
Ontario Federal riding of Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes by-election was no surprise with the Conservatives holding this extremely safe party turf. What was a shock was the 24 votes seperating the deadlock for 3rd place of the NDP and Green Party. It could be a sign that the supporters of the Greens (really a Red Tory-Blue Grit party to use old vernacular) may not abandon their party at the polls. The Greens have always polled decently between votes, but on vote day have a knack to collapse. Here’s hoping 2019’s federal election can see them scoop votes from both the old 2 mainliners and present well, the diverse voice is needed in the House of Commons.
Finally, it was worth the wait. The Equalizer 2, Robert John McCall is back after Denzel Washington’s first tour in the film reboot of the old television series. This time the fun has a bit of international flare for the man who sends the most convoluted mixed messages when attempting to help. It was worth the wait, and is definitely a good movie that holds ones attention. From the subplots of the help he spreads throughout the main plot of the movie as someone strikes close to home for him. A bit more of his mysterious past is revealed (and yes I am trying not to give away spoilers). Though flour ignites beautifully.
May your 2019 be better than your 2018.
A Monk's Musings 