By Bruce McKinney

We get our information in myriad ways: through books, the internet, television and conversation to name some. We see movies on television, occasionally online and of course in theatres. With books we tend to take in words and sometimes images. Unless we mouth the words information enters our brains almost exclusively through the eyes. Movies offer a different paradigm: seeing and hearing. In some theatres the chairs shake and a few even provide intentional [as opposed to unintentional] smells. In all these ways we experience the information or story. In the skill of writing it is high art to so envelope the reader that the story comes to life. In the movies it is easier because more of the human keyboard is played although it is never easy as is witnessed by the many movies that fail to resonate with audiences.

I'm a serious reader as is evidenced by the list of books I've already requested be slipped into my coffin before consignment to the next world. I do not go a day without reading, do not intend to and assume the trip won't take longer than Columbus' 28 days to the new world. As I read fast and may not have anything else to do thirty books should be about right. As to a reading light I take it on faith power will be provided. God should be able to light a 60 watt bulb.

While I'm on earth I have more options and movies on the big screen is one of them. For me nothing quite compares with the complete involvement that movies offer and great movies take advantage of to reach me at the deepest levels. So I'm usually looking for interesting flicks. I tend to rely on the online site www.sfgate.com for reviews although I personally interpret / re-interpret their 1 to 5 symbols since they periodically lose their minds and need, like the visually and mentally impaired, occasional help crossing the street.

This year I've been seeing many movies and offer here a brief assessment and rating of some currently available. For those who are looking for an opportunity, reason or excuse to put down the TV controller and venture out here goes. These movies, at least in the San Francisco Bay area, are now playing.