Review Day

There are no major spoilers in these reviews.

Lie to Me, Season Three:
This final, abbreviated season (cancelled by FOX, of course) has a different, more serious edge to its tone, but remains watchable as a treadmill show. The characterizations don't always work, and it sometimes feels like the writers were trying to channel House a little too closely. Free on Amazon Prime.

Final Grade: B-

Chef (R):
This movie about a chef who starts a food truck is a meandering plot thread containing cameos of everyone Jon Favreau has ever worked with. It takes a long time to get moving (the food truck pictured in the cover art doesn't even make an appearance for the first half of the movie), has a pleasant end-game, and then quietly peters out. Free on Netflix.

Final Grade: C+

House of Cards, Season Three:
This season was just as over-the-top and soap-opera-ridiculous as the second season, but I found myself enjoying it much more. The season explores the idea that Frank Underwood actually loses power, the higher he climbs, and maintains its brooding, cynical energy. The only jarring misplay is the abrupt throwaway of Benito Martinez's steadily developing storyline, probably done so he could go work on another show. Free on Netflix.

Final Grade: B

State of the Art by Hilltop Hoods:
This album has a full plate of uniquely interesting songs, although it's a bit less polished around the edges and more full of swearing. The final track, Nosebleed Section, is one of several worth listening to.

Final Grade: B