The Pelican Brief (1993)
May 16, 2009 by Mr. Nau Law student Darby Shaw, played by Julia Roberts, deduces a conspiracy in the assassination of a pair of Supreme Court justices and reaches out to a reporter, played by Denzel Washington, for help. This thriller features a great story by John Grisham, wonderful acting, and intricate well-thought-out suspense Grade: […]
The Missing (2003)
May 15, 2009 by Mr. Nau Tommy Lee Jones and Cate Blanchett star in this thriller about a man trying to help his estranged daughter recover her daughter from an Apache brujo. Set in rural New Mexico in 1885, the story is tight and focused, with good acting, gritty realism, and a very menacing antagonist. […]
The Road Warrior (1981)
May 12, 2009 by Mr. Nau A very young Mel Gibson stars in this post-apocalyptic classic about a group of people surrounded by a roving gang of bandits, mostly clad is leather chaps and other bondage wear. While the acting is what you’d expect from an action movie, this explosive story is fun and memorable. […]
Dreamland (2006)
May 08, 2009 by Mr. Nau This beautiful coming-of-age story features some deliciously real, gorgeous, heart-breaking acting performances against the dusty backdrop of a desolate trailer park in the desert. With a dreamy soundtrack, a well-crafted script, and a surprisingly original story, this obscure character-driven drama is well worth checking out. Grade: B+. IMDB: Dreamland. […]
The Best of the Gerry Mulligan Quartet with Chet Baker (1991)
May 08, 2009 by Mr. Nau Gerry Mulligan and Chet Baker anchor a pianoless quartet in this collection of tracks from various recording sessions from the early 50s. With the pair tackling a number of familiar standards and a few original charts, this laid-back straight-ahead West Coast jazz record is an mellow, entertaining listen. Grade: […]
India.Arie – Acoustic Soul (2001)
May 08, 2009 by Mr. Nau India.Arie delivers an incredible debut with this record, fusing guitar-driven soul with hip-hop, funk, and R&B. The songwriting here is first rate and all of the songs are infectious and unforgettable. Her voice, her lyrics, and the arranging make this a record worthy of many repeated spins. Grade: A+. […]
Black Orpheus (1959)
May 06, 2009 by Mr. Nau Antonio Carlos Jobim and Luis Bonfa wrote a sublime soundtrack on this very original retelling of the Greek myth of Orpheus and Euridyce against the lively backdrop of Carnaval in Rio de Janeiro. The acting performances are wonderful and this beautiful picture feels like stepping back fifty years in […]
The Diving Bell and the Butterfly (2007)
May 04, 2009 by Mr. Nau In this absolutely gorgeous and unforgettably heart-breaking film, a high-powered fashion magazine editor has a stroke, rendering him completely paralyzed, except for the movement of an eyelid. Based on a true story, this masterpiece chronicles his writing, with assistance, a best-selling book about life in his condition. Grade: A+. […]
In the Valley of Elah (2007)
May 04, 2009 by Mr. Nau Tommy Lee Jones and Charlize Theron star in this police procedural about a retired Army sergeant who decides to investigate the brutal murder of his son, accompanied by a disrespected police detective. The tension in this crime thriller is palpable and the story keeps the audience guessing to the […]
Norah Jones – Feels Like Home (2004)
May 04, 2009 by Mr. Nau In this followup to her award-winning debut, Norah Jones delivers a beautiful set of torch songs—relaxed, laid-back, and full of blues and country influence. Dolly Parton guests on one of the tracks and there are covers and rearrangements of the music of Tom Waits and Duke Ellington. Grade: A. […]
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