Terminator Genisys: Big, dumb fun

Do not go to this movie if you are seeking a plot that makes sense.  Do not go if you are seeking good acting, though Emilia Clarke does a credible turn as Sarah Connor.  Do not go if you're seeking a mental challenge.

Do go, however, if you'd like to turn off your brain for a couple of hours and watch things, in the immortal words of Billy Bob Briggs, blow up real good.

The film is both a reboot of the Terminator franchise and an ode to the first installment in that series.  Arnold is back, but through the magic of this-makes-no-fucking-sense-whatsoever, he's now a good-guy terminator whom Clarke affectionately calls "Pops."  Oh, yeah:  he's her daddy.  Not physically, of course, but emotionally.

Did I mention the movie makes no sense?

The effects are good, the many villains are interesting, and I do love watching Clarke.  Arnold trying to learn to show emotion also provides some high points.  I enjoyed myself.

Just don't go without being clear on what you're signing up for.

Servers and roses, oh my

Yes, it's time for another episode of Now with PT.  This one, the twenty-first and the last before we take a break and prepare for our season two reboot, is probably my favorite.



Enjoy.

A movie quiz for this weekend

Will you go see a nearly talent-free male star try to keep his career going in a weak franchise vehicle

OR

will you skip Channing Tatum in Magic Mike XXL and go see Arnold in Terminator Genisys?

Decisions, decisions.

Dashi comes through again

I wrote a couple of months ago about my first visit to Durham's ramen house and izakaya, Dashi.  Tonight, a small group of us tried it again.

I'm happy to report that the food was even better this time, with all add-ins mixed well with the rest of each bowl's contents and superb, rich flavors in each type of ramen we tried.  As before, the local pork meatballs were particularly outstanding; add them to any dish you get there.  The edamame appetizer was also tasty, and the cobia sashimi was delicious.

I definitely recommend a trip to Dashi when you're in the mood for ramen.

Another reason you need Onward, Drake!

I've mentioned this book before, but I'll be discussing it again many times between now and its early October release.

If the names on the cover aren't enough to persuade you to buy this nifty tribute to Dave, consider this:  the book contains the first new Hammer's Slammers story in nearly a decade.

Oh, yeah.

The story, "Save What You Can," is an excellent piece that in my opinion ranks among the best of the Hammer's Slammers tales--and that's saying something.

Yup, you need this book.

So do your friends.  Spread the word.

A simple social tip

If you are contemplating doing something in a group gathering or a public area, and you find yourself thinking, "I wonder if it would be rude for me to...", the answer is almost always, yes.