Update

I finished the Harry Potter books 1 - 6, and am looking forward to next book, which will hopefully complete the series.

These days, I am reading C.S. Lewis' space trilogy opener Out of the Silent Planet, and J.R.R. Tolkien's The Silmarillion, continuing in the British fantasy author theme, but returning to older classics written in a more mature voice.

Here's some films I've appreciated recently:

Seven Samurai - Akira Kurosawa's samurai epic about a village on the brink of overthrow by foreign bandits. To defend their homes, the villagers enlist the skills of men from different walks who have in common the cunning skills of warriors in matters of tactics and combat. I think Yojimbo held my attention a little better, but I like the survival story here and the both the samurais the villagers are enjoyable as people.

THX 1138 - George Lucas' film school student project that turned into a feature length. Very interesting to watch now in the later stages of his career. He was highly talented as a visual designer. Skilled at creating a world. The characters are strange and their interactions are odd, but the emotion shows through and each of the story arcs are developed enough to keep the viewer interested. If Lucas was able to bring back some of this early edge, I think he could redeem himself from the recent silliness.

United 93 - I avoided this for awhile because of the subject matter. I have been very cautious about turning the tragedy into entertainment. Thankfully, the film is well made and allows the viewer to become both emotionally and physically involved without turning the event into a big "Hollywood" production. The film gives a sense of reality and documentation that benefits the viewer who desires to spend their time reliving one story from September 11, 2001 in a meaningful way.