Throughout this next week, film fanatics and avid readers alike can look forward to a plethora of action-filled adventure stories, ranging from purely fictional to those based on true stories.
Coming to theaters Jan. 11, Brian Miller's film "Officer Down" explores the exciting dream lives of a doctor and a security guard whose paths converge when the security guard is hit by a car and brought into the doctor's emergency room. Playing with elements of dreams and unconsciousness, the film links together art, crime and drama.
Director Ruben Fleischer's film "Gangster Squad" will also be released on Jan. 11 and stars a number of A-list actors such as Sean Penn, Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone. Set in 1940s Los Angeles, "Gangster Squad" tells the real life story of the Los Angeles Police Department's battle to keep mobsters off the streets and crime under control. Mickey Cohen (played by Penn) takes the center role as a Brooklyn-born mob king aiming to expand his crime empire in every large city of the West Coast. Good guys Jerry Wooters (Gosling) and Sgt. John O'Mara (Josh Brolin) come together to tear down Cohen's business, but not without some classic elements of film noir action.
Dave Barry is releasing his first book in a decade titled "Insane City." Coming to bookstores on Jan. 9, "Insane City" the novel features chases, gangsters, a Haitian refugee and an albino python. Fast-paced and action-filled, "Insane City" will satisfy any reader's pleasure for excitement and drama, even from the comfort of your snowed-in dorm room.
