In this low budget independent film, an alien drops into Harlem and tries to hide out among the residents. The alien doesn’t speak, but goes around fixing video games and trying to evade a pair of alien bounty hunters. While occasionally cheesy, this picture is hilarious, irreverent, and very strange.

Grade: B-.

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Take 6 has owned vocal jazz outright for more than two decades. They approach a set of standards on this album in their unique style and feature special guests to help them out — giants like George Benson, Al Jarreau, Jon Hendricks, Ella Fitzgerald, Aaron Neville, Roy Hargrove, and Brian McKnight.

Grade: A.

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In this mix set of rereleased Fania Latin soul singles, DJ Sake1 throws down a wonderful set of funky tropical grooves and jazzy soul, full of well-known names. The music here is accompanied by samples of lectures about the origins of Afro-Caribbean music, blended in with great effect.

Grade: A.

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DJ Rumor mixes up twenty tracks of blistering Latin soul grooves and tropical funk in this wonderful compilation of tracks from the 60s and 70s. With heavyweight names like Tito Puente, Mongo Santamaria, Eddie Palmieri, and Ray Barretto, this jazzy set delivers a very satisfying, and remarkably unique, musical experience.

Grade: A-.

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Two former lovers meet at a wedding party in this interesting character piece, starring Aaron Eckhart and Helena Bonham Carter. They leave the party and end up in a hotel room, talking about their relationships and getting naked. Interesting camera work and a tight story make this an entertaining flick.

Grade: B.

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Nine years have passed since their fateful night in Vienna. Jesse and Celine meet once again, this time in Paris, at a small bookstore where he is signing his new book about their night. A beautiful reunion, this serves to explain the gap and what has happened in their lives.

Grade: A.

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Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy star in this small picture, directed by Richard Linklater, about a pair of travelers who meet on the train to Vienna and spend the night walking around getting to know each other. The chemistry between the actors is electric and makes this endearing story unforgettable.

Grade: A.

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David Lynch directs this very unique murder mystery, starring a gaggle of well-known stars, like Kyle MacLachlan, Laura Dern, Isabella Rossellini, and Dennis Hopper. The casting is nearly perfect and the cinematography and set design are amazing. With strong acting performances, this is a must-see for Lynch fans.

Grade: A-.

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In this French classic, two scheming men attempt to swindle the neighbor out of his (and his heirs’) land by blocking his spring, so they can use his water to start growing carnations. The story is well-written and ably acted and gives a glimpse of life in rural Provence.

Grade: B.

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Tommy Lee Jones stars in this crime procedural, leading a great cast that includes Peter Sarsgaard, John Goodman, and Kelly MacDonald. Jones is a Louisiana sheriff investigating the murder of a local prostitute, with the help of a dead Confederate general. Solid storytelling and acting make this a surprising rental.

Grade: B+.

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