06/06/2026
I went to see Pressure last night and give it a rare 4 out of 4 stars. The acting was superb. Eisenhower was portrayed powerfully, and the two meteorologists, Stagg and Crick, brought to life a battle over forecasting philosophies that still exists today. Their performances were so convincing that you could feel the intensity, uncertainty, and pressure that comes with making a forecast when so much is at stake.
As a meteorologist, this movie hit home. The tension when one forecast appears to be failing, and the relief when the atmosphere finally reveals the answer, was portrayed flawlessly. One of the central debates in the movie involved whether the best forecast comes from analog years or from understanding the unique atmospheric pattern unfolding right now. That discussion resonated with me because it touches on some of the same questions I have spent decades studying through the Lezak Recurring Cycle (LRC).
The photo below is of me with Dr. Roland Madden (MJO), one of the most respected atmospheric scientists in the world. Next week we will meet again as we continue our research into the LRC and the question that drives every meteorologist: How can we better predict the future?
Overall, a GREAT movie. Highly recommended. And, yes, you can go back to the movie theaters. The ticket cost was $11.99, but my food was $44.99. Yes, I got an Icee, bunch a crunch, and popcorn.