The Reversal

A visit to the bookstore and I saw the new book from Michael Connelly. As usual, I picked it up without thinking. After I billed it, I remembered that I had not liked his previous one, the one in Hong Kong, 9 Dragons. Kinda late realization but then I have always had a soft spot for his books and so I hoped for the best. I was not disappointed.

The Story:

When Mickey Haller is invited to prosecute a case for the LA District Attorney, he knows something strange is going on. Mickey's a defence lawyer, and to switch sides like this would be akin to asking a fox to guard the hen-house. But the high-profile case of a convicted child-killer who spent almost 25 years on death row before DNA evidence freed him is an intriguing one....

What do I think of the book:

This feels like the first book where Mickey Haller and Harry Bosch work together, while in fact, it is not. The story is quite interesting. Mickey Haller is pulled into this case by the DA's office and for the first time, Mickey is prosecuting for the people instead of for his client. His first ex-wife is his co-counsel, in this daunting case. Mickey Haller chooses Harry Bosch as his investigator to investigate the missing links. The story consists of individuals who are good at what they do and believe they do not need any assistance but are forced to work together for a common good. This book enabled me to view the case from both their perspectives.

I always preferred Harry's approach to a case. He was somewhat like a dog following a scent. I always felt like cheering him on, encouraging him to find that elusive clue that would help him break the case. I frankly, did not like Mickey Haller all that much. However, in this book, I realized how Harry's attitude can be detrimental to the case.

One of the big pluses for me was that I was reading this book right after watching Lincoln Lawyer. So whenever I am reading about Mickey, I am in fact, imagining Mathew McConaughey saying those things. Of course, I was also wondering who would play Harry Bosch. Back to the book, I enjoyed it. I was quite surprised with the ending but again I felt that Michael Connelly did not shy away from stating the facts. Read it and let me know what you think.

Lincoln Lawyer and Limitless -- Addicted to Movies

After all that Gyaan 'bout reading more books and watching fewer movies, May was movie month. This time, I blame it all on the Arien. I saw Lincoln Lawyer twice, once with the Arien and once with the Taurean. Limitless had the cute Bradley Cooper and so irrespective of the reviews, there was no way I was going to say No to that movie. So, another movie weekend began and ended before we knew it and my addiction continued to thrive. *No Spoilers*

Lincoln Lawyer

This movie is based on the Michael Connelly book with the same name. I love Micheal Connelly's books and am actually surprised that he did not make his first movie with one of Harry Bosch's stories. But, no complaints.

Anyway, this movie worked for me. The movie had the right amount of style, good actors, interesting story-line --- purrfect! The Arien took a while to warm up to the movie because so many characters were added at the beginning but he liked the twists. The Taurean also liked the movie.

A big positive is that the actors chosen were perfect for the part and were ob. chosen with care. Though the movie did not promise a meaty role for most of the actors, they all did a great job. Mathew McConaughey was quite good and though he looks old, he pulls it off. Marisa Tomei is cute but looking her age. Ryan Phillippe, William Macy, Josh Lucas, Frances Fisher were perfect for the part.

Image Courtesy: www.rottentomatoes.com

Limitless

An interesting premise, a good-looking actor in the lead and a script that fails to keep up its promise. Bradley Cooper is Eddie Morra, a "highly" intelligent writer, suffering from writer's block, who after having spent his book advance and losing his girl-friend, meets his ex's bro. The bro introduces him to NZT, an untested drug that is capable of harnessing the entire brain's power. As you may already know, we only use a fraction (around 2% of the brain power).

Anyway, Eddie takes the pill, against his "sooper intelligence" and comes up with a first draft of his novel, and feels more alive than ever. Because the drug wears off in a day, he contacts his ex's bro only to find him dead and the apartment thrashed. He finds the stash that the bro had hidden (How?? - Do not bother - he is "sooper intelligent") and then begins a new life - taking a pill a day. He learns multiple languages, changes his career and becomes a Wall Street genius (Why?? - No idea). He also sleeps with and murders women. Anyway, if you ignore some of these "what-the-hell?" issues, you can actually enjoy the movie. Bradley Cooper is enthusiatic, charming, and perfect for this role. Robert Di Niro is the surprise addition in this movie that is relying wholly on Bradley Cooper's charm. Good to watch on a lazy saturday when you want to relax.

Image Courtesy: www.popcultureshock.com

Wordless Wednesdays -- Michael Connelly discusses The Lincoln Lawyer Movie.mov