The Astronaut Farmer (2006)

Aug 06, 2009 by Mr. Nau A down-on-his-luck former astronaut spends years trying to build a rocket in his barn, mostly out of spare parts, in this feel-good adventure, starring Billy Bob Thornton and Virginia Madsen. While the story is inspiring, there are believability gaps in parts and excessive silliness in others. Grade: C+. IMDB: […]

W (2008)

Aug 05, 2009 by Mr. Nau Oliver Stone directs this interesting biopic about one of the most controversial presidents in American history. Josh Brolin plays George W Bush in an examination of his life from his college days to the White House. An all-star cast completes the lineup in this riveting and eye-opening picture. Grade: […]

The Big Lebowski (1998)

Aug 03, 2009 by Mr. Nau Jeff Bridges is perfectly cast as the Dude in this hilarious Coen Brothers picture about a lazy slacker who finds himself caught up in a caper due to mistaken identity. His sidekick, Walter, played by John Goodman, helps the Dude sort out run ins with nihilists and villains and […]

Every Time We Say Goodbye (1986)

Jul 29, 2009 by Mr. Nau Tom Hanks stars as an American aviator flying for the RAF in this historical romance, set in Jerusalem during World War II. While the interplay between the new couple is endearing, the loud angry drama between the pilot and his love interest’s protective Sephardic Jewish family gets tiring pretty […]

Touch the Sound (2004)

Jul 29, 2009 by Mr. Nau Evelyn Glennie is one of the world’s finest percussionists. She also happens to be profoundly deaf. This insightful documentary explores her life, both personally and professionally, and follows her nearly childlike fascination with sound of all kinds. It’s rare to see someone so enchanted by life as this incredible […]

Ladder 49 (2004)

Jul 28, 2009 by Mr. Nau In this thrilling action-adventure, we follow the exploits of Jack Morrison, a rookie firefighter assigned to his first truck in Baltimore. Joaquin Phoenix fills the starring role perfectly, a brawny blue-collar fireman trying to balance the danger of his chosen vocation with staying safe for his growing family. Grade: […]

The Great Debaters (2007)

Jul 27, 2009 by Mr. Nau Denzel Washington leads a wonderful cast in this historical drama, based on the true story of the debate team of Wiley College, an African-American university in Texas in the 30s. The four debaters struggle against racism in this inspiring story that chronicles the birth of the Civil Rights movement. […]

Oldboy (2003)

Jul 26, 2009 by Mr. Nau In this exceptionally well-made, but bizarre, Korean film, Oh Dae-Su is locked in a cell for 15 years and tortured continuously. When he gets out, he seeks his revenge. This well-scripted psychological thriller is full of all kinds of twists and turns—sometimes satisfying and sometimes infuriating. Grade: A. IMDB: […]

Deconstructing Harry (1997)

Jul 26, 2009 by Mr. Nau Woody Allen wrote, directed, and starred in this hilarious comedy about an oversexed neurotic novelist suffering from writer’s block, who needs a date to a gala honoring his work. With a star-studded cast and an endearing script, this is a fun romp through the life of an aging playboy. […]

Munyurangabo (2007)

Jul 24, 2009 by Mr. Nau In this gorgeous, unpretentious, low-budget ISA-nominated drama, two young men travel together across modern Rwanda on a quest to avenge the murder of the family of one. The recent Rwanda genocide looms large in this picture, which is memorably recounted in a wonderful poem recited about midway through. Grade: […]

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