Luther (2010)

This series is to BBC what Terriers is to FX and Fox. Good guys doing bad things for all the right reasons. I love it. Three words could describe this series. Wicked. Smart. Addictive. I can't stop watching. Seriously.

Deliciously wicked because, while all the regular characters are more or less loveable, they are deeply flawed and guilty of, what in this country would be, felonies. Perfect.

Cunningly smart because a few of the characters are truly genius. The dialogue is quick and limited to only that which is necessary. There is no idle banter. Every word means something.

Addictive because the clever people at "The Beebe" give just enough of a glimpse of the next episode while the end credits play to make ones imagination soar and mouth water. Well done.

Bottom line, this is very well done television.

Idris Elba, Ruth Wilson, Warren Brown, and Indira Varma are brilliant. I can't say enough very nice things about this cast.

Watch this series with your favorite crime solving friends.

The Way Back (2010)

Sometimes surprises come from odd places. Plot descriptions for this movie do not do it justice. Yes, a group of prison camp escapees walk 4000 miles to freedom, but there is so much more than that. There are character evolution, surprises, humor, stunning photography, and great survival tips.

Dragos Bucur, a relative newcomer, is surrounded by veteran stars and still manages to hold his own. Ed Harris plays the lone American in this international group of escapees. Colin Farrell plays a Russian thug who helps facilitate the escape but does not make it to the promised land. Spoiler you say? Not so fast. See for yourself.

Saoirse Ronan is the sole woman with any significant role here and she holds her own very well. In fact, one might say she is key to getting the survivors to India. You will also likely recognize Mark Strong in a role that is very uncharacteristic for him.

This movie earned a "Best Make-up" nomination, which may surprise you. What make-up you ask? Exactly!

Watch this movie with someone who likes camping.