Tips for Tuesday - Books: Hirschfeld's Sondeim & At Last; Movie: The Correction Unit

We may have been given complimentary copies and/or access for review purposes to any books, products, and/or any other visual or audio media mentioned below. Any and all opinions expressed here are our own.

Books: Hirshfeld's Sondheim & At Last 

Today, we recommend Hirchsfeld's Sondheim by David Leopold. This book celebrates the work of acclaimed artist Al Hirschfeld, whose art graced the pages of the New York Times for more than 80 years. It particularly focuses on his work related to fellow theatrical giant, composer Stephen Sondheim. The book offers numerous examples of Hirchfeld's Sondheim-related works of art. It is quite comprehensive and also includes detailed information about each work of art displayed in its pages, including the performers featured, the show, specific details about the show, and more. It also includes information about the creature of the art itself. 25 of the pictures in the book are actually removable, ready-to-frame posters. If you are a Hirschfeld fan, a Sondheim fan, or a theater fan in general, you will want to have this book. 

Today, we are discussing At Last by Marisa Silver. This is the story of a family told mainly through the eyes of its two matriarchs. When Evelyn's daughter marries Helene's son, these two formidable women with their very different backgrounds, attitudes, and philosophies toward life reluctantly become part of the same family and an important part of each other's lives.

This book is mostly told through exposition and through the minds of its characters, particularly those of the two main characters. Accordingly, there is way too much telling and not enough showing of things through words and interactions. This makes it feel slow and draggy. It would be more interesting if more actually happened in the book and less was left to be gleaned from the characters' thoughts and from being directly told.

Movie: The Correction Unit 

Today, we are discussing The Correction Unit. This is a movie about a group of young criminals sent to a mysterious facility for rehabilitation through AI-related technology. Its focus on AI is extremely timely. However, it is also extremely violent and quite confusing much of the time. If you are in it for the action and the futuristic tone, you may enjoy it. If you are interested in more story and more character development, we recommend choosing a different movie.

And that's our view. Hirschfeld's Sondheim and At Last are available now. The Correction Unit will be available on Video on Demand next Tuesday, September 23. 

Tune in tomorrow for Where-To-Go Wednesday. 

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