Rushmore (1998)

Jan 20, 2007 by Mr. Nau Max Fischer is a sophomore at an exclusive private school. He’s the quintessential nerd, founding and chairing numerous clubs, while flirting with expulsion due to low grades. His war with a local businessman over the affection of a pretty teacher is brilliant. Well-scripted, this comedy delivers laughs aplenty. Grade: […]

Sophie Scholl: The Final Days (2005)

Jan 15, 2007 by Mr. Nau The White Rose was a resistance group who distributed leaflets in Germany during World War II. This biopic of Sophie Scholl, one of the leaders of the small group, is riveting and believable. The arrest, interrogation, and trial of Sophie, her brother, and their friend is brilliantly scripted and […]

Pan’s Labyrinth (2006)

Jan 13, 2007 by Mr. Nau This beautifully written piece features some of the most imaginative cinematography, creature effects, and screen writing ever filmed. The story is a fairy tale, set during the Spanish Civil War. It’s quite dark and violent in places. The acting performances and visuals in this masterpiece make this an unforgettable […]

Children of Men (2006)

Jan 11, 2007 by Mr. Bye This movie shows a dystopian look at the near future. A cynical former activist (Clive Owen) attempts to save a young woman (Claire-Hope Ashitey) and her unborn child from exploitation. This is a thought provoking look at a very possible future. It is beautifully shot with subtle special effects. […]

The Proposition (2005)

Jan 08, 2007 by Mr. Nau Guy Pearce and an impressive cast trek around Australia in this period piece about a family of murderous outlaws and the attempts of one to kill his older brother. The film is stark, dirty, bloody, and violent—sometimes senselessly so—which will make it somewhat difficult for some audience members. Grade: […]

Charlie Byrd – Solo Flight (2004)

Jan 04, 2007 by Mr. Nau This beautiful set of jazz standards by Charlie Byrd demonstrates a great musician’s technical fluency and easy-going style. Each song is fairly short, but very pretty and listenable. A wide variety of songs is featured, from uptempo numbers to ballads, and provides a good introduction to this great master. […]

Art Tatum – The Tatum Solo Masterpieces, Vol. 1 (1992)

Jan 04, 2007 by Mr. Nau Art Tatum is arguably the greatest piano player of all time, in any genre. This first of a series of recordings shows off his astonishing virtuosity and a style that has been emulated for 50 years. A beautiful collection of jazz standards, the set is timeless, important, and thoroughly […]

Transamerica (2005)

Jan 04, 2007 by Mr. Nau Felicity Huffman brings the character of Bree, a transgendered woman who learns that she has a teenage son, to life with such perfection and sensitivity that it hardly seems like acting. This funny, poignant journey of discovery comes to a satisfying conclusion, thanks to great scripting and a brilliant […]

Donna Summer – Gold (2005)

Jan 01, 2007 by Mr. Nau This massive collection of remastered hits includes almost all of the chart toppers and many more obscure tracks of one of the most successful female vocalists of all time. The song-writing is unforgettable, Donna’s vocals set the bar high for other singers, and the choice of tracks is superb. […]

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