Slackers (2002)

Feb 08, 2007 by Mr. Nau Another college movie about three merry pranksters blackmailed into getting the hot chick for the socially inept nerd. This funny comedy isn’t very believable, but there are laughs galore. The cast is talented and fill their roles well. The screenplay completely lacks originality and panache, but delivers low-brow chuckles. […]

Factotum (2005)

Feb 06, 2007 by Mr. Nau Matt Dillon stars as an alcoholic writer who struggles to hold down entry-level unskilled jobs and stay in relationships with broken women in order to continue to write short stories. The movie is very gritty and low rent. The talented cast play their roles well in an unusual screenplay. […]

Why We Fight (2005)

Feb 05, 2007 by Mr. Nau In his farewell address, President Eisenhower warned about the dangers of allowing the military-industrial complex too much power and government influence. This documentary examines the close ties between defense contractors, government officials, and large corporations. We see the evolution of American foreign policy and the profitability of military action. […]

Prozac Nation (2001)

Feb 03, 2007 by Mr. Nau Based on a best-selling novel, this drama about a girl’s downward spiral into depression and addiction is rambling and self-indulgent. Some parts are difficult to watch, some are just whiny. Empathizing with the protagonist or her shrill mother is nearly impossible. The 95 minutes here consitute an endurance event. […]

Natural City (2003)

Feb 02, 2007 by Mr. Nau This dystopian science fiction thriller turns a small budget into a visual feast. A Korean film, the crew in this homage to Blade Runner gets very creative with the lack of American special effects houses. The story trudges in some spots, but the script is engaging and the acting […]

Ambrose Bierce: Civil War Stories (2006)

Jan 30, 2007 by Mr. Nau With the ambience of a made-for-TV movie, this biopic of Ambrose Bierce ineptly presents three of his most famous short stories. The acting is barely passable, the costumes and makeup work are absurdly amateurish, and the hacks that wrote this utterly infuriating screenplay should quit writing such garbage. Grade: […]

Who Killed the Electric Car? (2006)

Jan 30, 2007 by Mr. Nau In a fuel-starved country where government officials, corporations, and consumers are scrambling for alternatives to fossil fuels, there have been successes and failures. This documentary examines the electric car project, from its initial success to its ultimate demise. The DVD also features lots of interesting deleted scenes and interviews. […]

American Me (1992)

Jan 27, 2007 by Mr. Nau Edward James Olmos stars in this look at thirty years of the Mexican Mafia in Los Angeles. The picture never pulls its punches, depicting in startling realism the gangster life and the experience in prison. Many of the actors and extras in this feature actually live in this violent […]

My Family (1995)

Jan 25, 2007 by Mr. Nau A multi-generational epic, this powerful piece of cinema features a stunning all-star cast and follows the joys and sorrows of a Mexican-American family. Gregory Nava wrote a beautiful story and draws powerful performances from the actors. This was a thoroughly enjoyable film, evoking the full range of emotions. Grade: […]

Superman Returns (2006)

Jan 24, 2007 by Mr. Nau The visual effects in this action-adventure flick are astonishing. Unfortunately, the script is predictable, full of clichés, and totally forgettable. Kevin Spacey and Kate Bosworth are both hopelessly miscast in this utterly unnecessary waste of money. This just felt like an unreasonably modernized remix of the original 1978 classic. […]

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