Must see: HBO's Generation Kill

Updated: HBO is showing the first two parts, back to back, tonight starting at 8:30. That, combined with part three, which is repeating all week, and you can catch up (or set your TiVo) with the series. Trust me, do it - you'll be glad you did.

HBO is right in the middle of its mini-series, Generation Kill, based on the book of the same name by Evan Wright.

In short, this series is another triumph by HBO. It's not another run-of-the-mill, cheer leading flick about the U.S. Military. In fact, in many ways, it's the exact opposite of that. The 1:10 episodes really bring the horrifying, ill-advised and tragic invasion and occupation of Iraq by our country into sharp focus. Every time I watch a new episode, I can't help but think that the War in Iraq is my generation's Vietnam (and I suppose Gen Y's, too); both tragedies that will be looked back on 50 years from now as having devastating consequences for our economy, and standing in the world.

Anyway, the series is superbly cast, and its sometimes callow sense of humor, especially from the mouth of Cpl. Josh Ray Peterson, actually provides some much needed levity to the horrors of the invasion.

Part four of the seven-part mini-series airs the Sunday night on HBO. Even if you're missed the first three, you can quickly catch up on the official Website, and it won't take long to catch on. (In addition, HBO reruns the episodes during the week, so it's not too late to catch part three this week.)

I never cease to be amazed that groundbreaking movies like this continue to be produced by our corporate media (Time-Warner is the parent of HBO). Call the cable network an island of reality in a sea of diarrhea.

I own Wright's book, and I plan on reading it over vacation, so when I'm finished with it, I'll bring you a review. If the book is half as good as the movie, it's going to be a riveting read.

HBO's Recount premieres May 25

Speaking of the 2000 election, I'm really looking forward to watching Recount, an HBO movie about the 2000 election and the subsequent Florida recount. The cast looks excellent, and HBO's films in the past four or five years have rarely disappointed. In fact, I'm pleasantly surprised that a movie network owned by media giant CNN Time/Warner is churning out such thought-provoking, compelling productions. Kudos, HBO.

I'm happy that this film is coming out this year, because people need to be reminded and educated about the possibility that their vote might not get counted this fall. I don't care if you're a Democrat or a Republican - your vote should be counted on time, every time, no exceptions. Sadly, far too often in our country's history that has not always happened, and both sides have been guilty. Although in recent history, it's been mostly Republicans have been very successful at suppressing votes that would go against their candidates, and they have accomplished this using all sorts of tactics, including Caging.

Anyway, check out this movie - I will watch it the first night it's out, and I'll bring you a review shortly afterward. (I'll be done teaching by then, so I'll have much more time to write than I do right now.)

Another great HBO film: Generation Kill

Speaking of movies, here's another HBO film that's coming out this summer that looks like a dandy - it's the screen adaptation of Evan Wright's book by the same name. The movie is due out in July on HBO.

If the movie is half as good as the book, this one should be a stunner. Wright's tome has received very favorable reviews, both in the media and by readers on Amazon.

Even though the network is owned by a media conglomerate, I have to tip my hat to HBO; it's been the source of some very powerful, thought provoking films in the past few years. I have several on my DVR that I haven't yet watched, but I will soon, including Hacking Democracy, a film about electronic voting machines and how easily they can be rigged and tampered with.