Superman / Batman: Apocalypse

SUPERMAN / BATMAN: APOCALYPSE
I’ve never read the source, but this re-introduction of Supergirl into the DC Universe feels rushed, not to mention a bit far-fetched, even within superheroic context (Batman holds his own against Doomsday and Darkseid?). Uncharacteristically weak design and some tepid voice acting (recitation) don’t help this disappointing animated DC movie.

Idiot America

IDIOT AMERICA: HOW STUPIDITY BECAME A VIRTUE IN THE LAND OF THE FREE by Charles P. Pierce (Anchor)
Chronicling an 1882 treatise on Atlantean civilization through Intelligent Design proponents and Sarah Palin, Pierce’s vastly entertaining (but inevitably maddening) tome lays waste to the elevation of the moronic. Essential reading for anyone who ever wanted to punch George Bush in the “gut” that made his decisions.

Pariah

PARIAH by Bob Fingerman (Tor)
Visceral proof that the zombie genre is well capable of fresh meat, as the singular Mr. Fingerman (satirically sharp as ever) crafts a truly creepy, funny and disturbing vision of a group of NYC zombie-holocaust survivors trapped in an upper east side walk-up. The movie begs to be made.

Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time

PRINCE OF PERSIA: THE SANDS OF TIME
Perhaps an unfair review, as I couldn’t finish this movie, which felt exactly like watching someone else play a video game (I kept waiting for “NEXT LEVEL” to pop up onscreen). Clichéd stock characters and a charmless lead left me reaching for the exit button after fifteen minutes. Painfully unwatchable.

Sherlock Holmes

SHERLOCK HOLMES
Guy Ritchie's twitchy, kinetic style of filmmaking usually leaves me cold, but I found his take on Sherlock Holmes fresh, exciting and fun (although the climax surprisingly lacks punch). Robert Downey Jr. has charm to spare as the brilliant but abrasive detective and Jude Law makes for a sturdy Watson.