Glory (1989)

Apr 23, 2007 by Mr. Nau We follow the exploits and difficulties of the 54th Massachusetts in the American Civil War from the unit’s inception to the heroic attack on Fort Wagner. An exceptional cast bring this magnificent epic to life. Wonderful performances and a reasonably accurate script show us an important part of American […]

Meet the Robinsons (2007)

Apr 23, 2007 by Mr. Nau This unexpectedly smart animated adventure is a visual smorgasbord, full of intricate little details and amazing computer-generated animation. A story that could easily have devolved into silliness maintains a subtle sophistication with effective jokes and hilarious action. Some overdone sappiness lingers too long, but doesn’t ruin a fun flick. […]

The Dancer Upstairs (2002)

Apr 19, 2007 by Mr. Nau John Malkovich makes his directorial debut at the helm of an intriguing political crime drama, centered around a police detective trying to find the center of a terrorist revolutionary cell in Latin America. The superbly intelligent script provides plenty of surprises and the cast brings the story magnificently to […]

The Thin Red Line (1998)

Apr 19, 2007 by Mr. Nau Full of gritty realism, shockingly authentic battle scenes, and poetic moments of pastoral music and philosophical music, this epic World War II picture chronicles the Battle of Guadalcanal. This picture is huge in scope with a superb all-star cast and shows how brutal war is, without demonizing the enemy. […]

High Art (1998)

Apr 18, 2007 by Mr. Nau This gritty, powerful drama brings us into the world of a famous photographer, a young assitant editor, and a seductive world of drugs and debauchery that swirls around them all. The acting is understated but completely real, the story is well-written, and the tone is grungy and sublimely pained. […]

But I’m a Cheerleader (1999)

Apr 18, 2007 by Mr. Nau Despite a few laugh-out-loud moments and funny kitsch, this satirical farce comes off as a mean-spirited barrage of stereotypes. RuPaul cameos in an inexplicable role as an obviously gay ex-gay camp counselor. The story revolves around a cheerleader who is sent to reparative therapy by her parents. Grade: C-. […]

Yesterday (2004)

Apr 18, 2007 by Mr. Nau This slow-paced independent film acted entirely in Zulu tells the story of a young mother named Yesterday trying to walk miles to the nearby doctor to find out what ails her. A marvelous cast, beautiful camera work, and a first-rate script tell a poignant and heart-breaking story. Grade: A-. […]

Guinevere (1999)

Apr 15, 2007 by Mr. Nau Harper is a shy, young college graduate from a family of lawyers. She meets and becomes involved with a photographer, Connie, who nurtures her as an artist while giving her a sometimes cringeable level of drama. The acting performances are good, but the story lags a bit in some […]

Wide Sargasso Sea (1993)

Apr 10, 2007 by Mr. Nau The insanely beautiful Karina Lombard plays Antoinette, who inherits her mother’s estate in Jamaica in the 1840s. She marries an Englishman to retain her estate, where her mother’s former slaves seek to burn them out. While well-intentioned, this clunky and melodramatic romantic drama is mostly a tedious let down. […]

Thelonious Monk: Straight, No Chaser (1988)

Apr 08, 2007 by Mr. Nau Clint Eastwood directs this documentary about one of the most important musicians of the twentieth century, Thelonious Monk. We follow the span of Monk’s career, his descent into mental illness, and his phenomenal compositions. Lots of interviews with friends, band members, and colleagues paint a picture of this astonishing […]

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