The Two Towers (2002)

Oct 11, 2009 by Mr. Nau In this second volume of the epic fantasy trilogy by JRR Tolkien, Peter Jackson directs a stellar cast in an installment wrought with menacing danger, terrifying villains, and valiant heroes. The huge siege in the climax near the end ranks as one of the most engrossing battle sequences on […]

The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)

Oct 10, 2009 by Mr. Nau Peter Jackson brings the first volume of the masterpiece trilogy of JRR Tolkien to astonishing eye-popping life, with an outrageously talented cast, unbelievable backdrops, and special effects that set a new standard for realism. The three hour run time sprints by in an epic without a single dull moment. […]

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008)

Oct 08, 2009 by Mr. Nau Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett lead a wonderful cast in the perfect adaptation of an F. Scott Fitzgerald short story. Pitt is Benjamin Button, a man who ages in reverse, starting life looking elderly and ending as an infant. The timeless love story Benjamin shares with Blanchett’s Daisy is […]

Risky Business (1983)

Oct 08, 2009 by Mr. Nau Tom Cruise stars in this teen party comedy about an enterprising teenager who gets himself into trouble when his wealthy parents leave town for vacation. Rebecca De Mornay lends supporting work as a gorgeous prostitute that the teen can’t quite get rid of, alongside Joe Pantoliano, playing her menacing […]

Krush Groove (1985)

Oct 07, 2009 by Mr. Nau In this dated musical adventure, a rap trio are trying to gain attention in the nascent hip-hop industry, centered around the fictional Krush Groove Records. Onscreen performances by Run DMC, LL Cool J, Shiela E, and Kurtis Blow make this a fun, if sometimes goofy, blast from the past. […]

The Double Life of Veronique (1991)

Oct 07, 2009 by Mr. Nau Irène Jacob stars in this gorgeous Krzysztof Kieślowski picture about a pair of identical women, one lives in Paris and the other is a singer in Kraków. While they never meet or know each other, they are alike in many other ways, which raises questions about free will and […]

Snow Cake (2006)

Sep 28, 2009 by Mr. Nau Sigourney Weaver and Alan Rickman star in this story of a man trying to console the autistic mother of a girl who died in his car in an accident. The characters here are very rich, nuanced, and believable. Good writing and solid acting make this tumultuous story a compelling […]

Thirteen Conversations About One Thing (2001)

Sep 21, 2009 by Mr. Nau A collection of intertwined stories have variously afflicted characters pondering the seeming randomness of life in this engaging independent film. A host of familiar faces bring the highly engaging story to life. A beautifully-written script by the Sprecher sisters and Alan Arkin’s performance garnered a pair of ISA nominations. […]

The Wind that Shakes the Barley (2006)

Aug 25, 2009 by Mr. Nau In this wonderful independent gem set in Ireland in the early 20s, two brothers fight for Irish independence against menacing squads of elite British soldiers sent to crush the rebellion. The script here is first-rate, the sense of danger palpable, the scope vast, and the acting performances utterly unforgettable. […]

The Libertine (2004)

Aug 24, 2009 by Mr. Nau Johnny Depp stars in this historical drama about the poet John Wilmot, the Earl of Rochester, whose huge appetite for wine, women, and the stage is legendary. With good supporting work from Samantha Morton and John Malkovich, a well-written script, and a stunning backdrop, this is worth a look. […]

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