Author Archives: davetcourt

Reading Journal 2024: Drowning Author: T.J. Newman I might end up in the minority here, and I would have my suspicions/theories on why, but while this follow up to the blockbuster Falling retains much of what made that book successful- propulsive action, a feverish pace, a strong cross section of characters, genuine tension- I foundContinue reading “Reading Journal 2024: Drowning”

Film Journal 2024: Hit ManDirected by Richard Linklater If we are talking about a simple, easy, entertaining enough comedic blockbuster, Hit Man is perfectly fine. A reasonable way to spend a few hours with a likeable star, a passable script and a mix of eye rolling moments and fun banter. The problem is, the filmContinue reading “Film Journal 2024: Hit Man”

Reading Journal 2024: Storyworthy: Engage, Teach, Persuade, and Change Your Life through the Power of StorytellingAuthor: Matthew Dicks Simple, straightforward, immensely applicable and practical. The essential premise basically goes like this- we all have stories to tell, learning how to tell the stories of your life, and learning how to tell them well, is bothContinue reading “Reading Journal 2024: Storyworthy: Engage, Teach, Persuade, and Change Your Life through the Power of Storytelling”

Reading Journal 2024: Hearing the Message of Ecclesiastes: Questioning Faith in a Baffling WorldAuthor: Christopher J.H. Wright I would recommend this to anyone interested in studying the book of Ecclesiastes (this is broad theological reflection mixed with a verse by verse exegetical approach) from a distinctly Christian perspective. Christopher Wright is known for his embraceContinue reading “Reading Journal 2024: Hearing the Message of Ecclesiastes: Questioning Faith in a Baffling World”

Film Journal 2024: Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1Directed by Kevin Costner Horizon is essentially taking an episodic format and giving it a cinematic mold to play within. Whatever one ultimately thinks of this grand experiment I think you have to admit the risk is bold, intriguing and, in my opinion, ultimately worth seeingContinue reading “Film Journal 2024: Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1”

Reading Journal 2024: Animal Rights: Current Debates and New DirectionsCass R. Sunstein (editor), Martha C. Nussbaum (Editor) There are a handful of topics, ones that represent particular convictions, leanings, or  preferences in my own  life and understanding (relating of course to the desire for knowledge and truth) that have consistently left me isolated in conversationContinue reading “Reading Journal 2024: Animal Rights: Current Debates and New Directions”

Film Journal 2024: Fancy Dance Directed by Erica Tremblay As the story unfolds in Fancy Damce it starts to gradually find its rhythm and its voice, slowly cutting through the general set up to narrow in on the simplicity of its road trip motif. The more this film simplifies its focus the better it becomes,Continue reading “Film Journal 2024: Fancy Dance”

Reading Journal 2024: Once a Queen Author: Sarah Arthur Reminiscent of Lewis, George Macdonald and Madeleine L’Engle, just with a modern twist. Follows parallel stories, each occupying different sides of a door, one telling the tale of a magical world of Queens and stags the other a story of the real world, mundane happenings ofContinue reading “Reading Journal 2024: Once a Queen”

Film Journal 2024: Wild Goat Surf Directed by Caitlyn Sponheimer An impressive debut, made all the more worthwhile given its distinct flavor of Canadiana, set along the coastal area of British Columbia. It’s a coming of age film that explores the challenges of growing up in the face of adversity- single parent family, grief, beingContinue reading “Film Journal 2024: Wild Goat Surf”

Film Journal 2024: I Am: Celine DionDirected by Irene Taylor Did not expect this. Really well made. Touching, vulnerable, revealing. And that’s coming from someone who’s only real knowledge of Dion is her most popular songs. It is from the Director of Leave No Trace, so I guess the quality shouldn’t be that surprising.