Derek Recommends
derekdorr recommended this 2 years, 9 months ago
A cinematic masterpiece that still sends chills down my spine when I watch it. Masterfully done. It launched Pacino's career.
Cons: Glorifies organized crime to an extent not remotely matched by reality.
derekdorr recommended this 2 years, 9 months ago
One of Jack Nicholson's best performances. Nurse Ratchett may be one of cinema's most villainous antagonists.
derekdorr recommended this 2 years, 9 months ago
Easily my personal favorite of Shakespeare's tragedies. The deviousness and depth of plot for the antagonist, Iago, is hard to match.
derekdorr recommended this 2 years, 9 months ago
Jonathan Swift is known for his satire and this no exception. Each part of the book lampoons and exaggerates the failings of many segments of society, failings that continue to persist.
derekdorr recommended this 2 years, 9 months ago
Thrilling and masterfully portrayed. Hopkins shines despite his brief screen appearances as the charismatic cannibal. Ted Levine plays Buffalo Bill with all of the creepiness of Ed Gein.
Cons: Take or leave Jodie Foster, this is about the minds of murderers.
derekdorr recommended this 2 years, 9 months ago
Oh, sweet, sweet revenge.
derekdorr recommended this 2 years, 9 months ago
His wit and humor continue to resonate in modern times. His short story, "Journalism in Tennessee," could be read as an accurate depiction of modern media, albeit, without the violence.
derekdorr recommended this 2 years, 9 months ago
If heaven does exist, there is no better work attempting to figure out exactly how it works.
derekdorr recommended this 2 years, 9 months ago
Red, grey, strips, or hash...it's all good.
derekdorr recommended this 2 years, 9 months ago
A revolutionary food stuff that has become an art form.
derekdorr recommended this 2 years, 9 months ago
Graceful and still fast after months of using it. I have no real complaints about the browser, save...
Cons: Needs broader support across the web. I also don't know how many times I've gone to close one tab and closed the whole program accidentally.
derekdorr recommended this 2 years, 9 months ago
Funny and irreverent. Usually a good time.
Cons: One, maybe two, episodes in a sitting. Then it's time to put it away for a while.
derekdorr recommended this 2 years, 9 months ago
Dim-witted but incredibly fun. The plot doesn't change much, but that's one of the joys of a good sitcom.
Cons: Many will dismiss it based on the premise, but should remember that a comedy does not have to be high-brow to be funny.
derekdorr recommended this 2 years, 9 months ago
The Export is my go-to, my standby when I'm not looking to be adventurous. I have yet to try an offering I did not like.
Cons: Haven't seen much of it outside of Maine and I've never seen it outside of New England.
derekdorr recommended this 2 years, 9 months ago
The UFO Hefeweizen is particularly tasty.
Cons: Often times when you ask for it in a bar, bartenders will ask, "What's a hefeweizen?" Then again, it may just be the class of bar I tend to attend.
derekdorr recommended this 2 years, 9 months ago
I've tried many brands and enjoy each from time to time, but I always find myself in the mood for Dogfish Head.
Cons: The 120-minute IPA, the tastiest of the IPAs, is more expensive than going to a bar.
derekdorr recommended this 2 years, 9 months ago
Consistently great throughout 11 (?) seasons.
Cons: Situations would occasionally become so incredibly awkward I could not bear to watch.
derekdorr recommended this 2 years, 9 months ago
Every episode is self-contained, somewhat offensive, and amazingly funny. Some have complained that it gets worse over time, but I find it has just taken on a new, funnier life since Season 6.
Cons: Go to a college campus. Every guy quotes South Park and Family Guy endlessly. I should know, I was among them.
derekdorr recommended this 2 years, 9 months ago
I'm not generally into surreal depictions, but I can't get enough Ralph Steadman. Reminiscent of an acid-fueled psychosis with a bit of depravity.
derekdorr recommended this 2 years, 9 months ago
Russell Crowe at his dramatic best. Entertaining and extremely thought-provoking throughout.
Cons: Glosses over many of the undesirable character traits of John Nash, though they might have taken away from our sympathy for the character.