Star Wars: Clone Wars – The Animated Series (2003 – 2005)

Posted on June 12, 2006
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Star Wars Clone Wars (2004)
This two volume series is fast paced, well written and more enjoyable than the prequels. Set between Episodes II and III, we find out what happened during the Clone Wars and watch Anakin drift closer to the Dark Side. Worth watching for the lightsaber duel between Anakin and Asajj Ventress.

Color: Green

Imdb: Star Wars: Clone Wars

A Prairie Home Companion (2006)

Posted on June 12, 2006
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Garrison Keillor brings his radio show to the big screen: an “alternate reality” of the goings-ons on and off stage during the show’s broadcast. A wide spectrum of incredible actors bring to life the characters familiar to avid listeners. All the while, the Angel of Death stalks the show.

Color: Blue

IMDB: A Prairie Home Companion

Matishyahu – Live At Stubb’s (2005)

Posted on June 9, 2006
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Matishyahu’s sophomore effort is much tighter and more powerful than his first release. His incredible energy comes across more clearly in concert. His religious beliefs are stated strongly but briefly – he’s vocal enough so you understand some of who he is, brief enough that it doesn’t come across as preachy.

Color: Green
Allmusic: Live At Stubb’s

Waking Life (2001)

Posted on June 7, 2006
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This Richard Linklater film in Rotoscope style follows a young man as he listens to a series of extremely heavy philosophical monologues from people he encounters in Austin, Texas. The multitude of animation artists and the material make this a film that bears watching a few times to get it.

Grade: B+.

IMDB: Waking Life.

Girls Town (1996)

Posted on June 5, 2006
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Three high school friends find themselves coming to terms with the suicide of a close friend in this coming-of-age drama set in Queens. Primarily a character study, this picture shows a range of emotion, but often seems improvised, and has some hilarious moments amid the sorrow and anger.

Grade: C+.

IMDB: Girls Town.

To Hell and Back (1955)

Posted on June 5, 2006
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The story of Audie Murphy, this World War 2 movie stars the man himself.  The well written story tells of a man who is a true hero even before he became a war hero.  The acting is passable if a bit over-melodramatic.  Overall, this is a mildly entertaining film.

Grade: B.

IMDB: To Hell and Back.

Zero 7 – When It Falls (2004)

Posted on June 5, 2006
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Beautiful instrumentation, solid songwriting, and delicious vocal tracks make this follow-up to Simple Things a tighter and more mature sophomore effort. Vocal harmonies are lush with complex melodies. Fewer instrumental songs on this album give us a chance to hear Sia Furler, Sophie Barker, and newcomer Tina Dico shine.

Grade: A.

Allmusic: When It Falls.

Munich (2005)

Posted on June 5, 2006
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Directed by Steven Spielberg, this powerful suspense thriller chronicles the secret Israeli response to the Munich massacre. Superbly acted and scripted, the rising levels of tension and fear in this picture are impossible to ignore. The film is shot like an old spy thriller, lending a sense of historic realism.

Grade: A.

IMDB: Munich.

George Washington (2000)

Posted on June 4, 2006
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This character study set in a very decayed region of the rural South presents a view of childhood, tragedy, pain, and poverty in a way that often feels quite aimless and unfocused. An interesting soundtrack and a handheld cinematographic feel contribute to a stark and unique picture, although frequently directionless.

Grade: C.

IMDB: George Washington.

Soldier’s Girl (2003)

Posted on June 4, 2006
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Based on a true story, this Showtime-produced romantic drama features stunning acting performances from the two leads, Troy Garity and Lee Pace. The script is respectfully written and competently directed. It tells the story of a soldier, his transgendered girlfriend, and the circumstances that led to his brutal murder.

Grade: A-.

IMDB: Soldier’s Girl.

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