Babylon AD (2008)

Feb 28, 2009 by Mr. Nau Vin Diesel leads a surprisingly star-filled cast in this science fiction action flick. Diesel is a mercenary hired to smuggle a young woman into America, accompanied by her guardian, played by Michelle Yeoh. With huge scope and amazing action and effects sequences, this is most entertaining with suspended disbelief. […]

Dead Like Me: Life After Death (2009)

Feb 28, 2009 by Mr. Nau Ellen Muth returns to Dead Like Me in this straight-to-DVD movie, featuring most of the cast of the cancelled TV show. This picture is a fun diversion—an extended length episode that gives the series closure. Fans of the show will love this, but it might lose newcomers. Grade: A-. […]

Harsh Times (2005)

Feb 22, 2009 by Mr. Nau Christian Bale stars as a troubled former Army Ranger in this crime thriller about a guy who can’t avoid getting into all kinds of trouble in South Central Los Angeles. With a decent supporting cast, including Freddy Rodriguez and Eva Longoria, this frequently uncomfortable buddy picture is very well-written. […]

Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song (1971)

Feb 21, 2009 by Mr. Nau Melvin Van Peebles directs and stars in this astonishingly groundbreaking blaxploitation picture, complete with a soundtrack by Earth, Wind, & Fire. Full of action, sex, and attitude, this racial thriller was single-handedly responsible for launching an entire genre of film, empowering African-American filmmakers to make bold, political statements. Grade: […]

Los Hermanos – Traditions and Concepts (2008)

Feb 16, 2009 by Mr. Nau Detroit-based Los Hermanos release their second album on the Submerge label, a bumping collection of Detroit techno tracks. The first track has an annoying Spanish voice over, but otherwise this record grooves along nicely. Some of these songs will get frequent plays in DJ mixes and at night clubs. […]

On the Outs (2004)

Feb 16, 2009 by Mr. Nau Three women from the Jersey City ghetto struggle with drugs, crime, and poverty in this extraordinarily low budget and stark double Spirit Award nominee. The cast portrays their characters very believably and the grainy cinematography brings a palpable sense of realism and grit to this often depressing biographical drama. […]

The Day After (1983)

Feb 14, 2009 by Mr. Nau This made-for-TV movie from the 80s tells the story of the aftermath of a Soviet nuclear attack on the United States. Starring Jason Robards, Steve Guttenberg, and John Lithgow, this drama shows the destruction in graphic detail. This really reminds us why it terrified us 25 years ago. Grade: […]

Pavel Tsatsouline – Enter the Kettlebell (2006)

Feb 14, 2009 by Mr. Nau Pavel Tsatsouline, a former trainer in the Soviet special forces, introduced the kettlebell, an indispensible tool in Russian strength training, to the United States. In this simple program, he teaches the exercises that build hard muscle — the swing, snatch, Turkish get up, clean and press — with his […]

Tulia, Texas (2008)

Feb 11, 2009 by Mr. Nau In this documentary, a small town in West Texas seeks to solve their drug crime problems by hiring an undercover police officer to infiltrate the criminal underworld and bring people to justice. Unfortunately, the officer in question framed a significant proportion of the African-American community, who understandably want justice. […]

Andy Caldwell – Late Night with Andy Caldwell (2005)

Feb 09, 2009 by Mr. Nau Andy Caldwell throws down a beautiful house set in this mix CD from Swank Records. His set wavers between vocal deep house tracks and funky electro jams. This is a solid foot-tapping disc of luscious grooves—a baker’s dozen back-to-back songs that will satisfy through numerous plays. Grade: A. AllMusic: […]

keep looking »