Sterlin Harjo writes and directs this wonderful low-budget independent film, his feature film debut, about a young Seminole man, trying to find himself after his father unexpectedly commits suicide. Full of heartfelt and engaging performances, this lovely drama never feels anything but completely authentic — sometimes melancholy and sometimes optimistic.

Grade: A.

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We follow the great chess game of the Cold War in this three-part mini-series and follow CIA agent Jack McCauliffe (Chris O’Donnell) as he carries out missions in various countries, trying to stay ahead of the KGB. Unexpectedly great acting and scripting make this a very solid rental.

Grade: A-.

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Stan Getz joins forces with Bob Brookmeyer (valve trombone) on this early recording from 1954 with a couple of studio tracks tacked onto the end. The music quality is very high on this disk, with the cataclysmic talent of Getz evident throughout, and makes this live set an enjoyable listen.

Grade: C+.

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While nowhere near the top of the list of his most memorable or innovative recordings, there’s still quite a bit to enjoy in this inessential album. Bill Evans and bassist Eddie Gomez trade solos on a few familiar standards, a couple of short multi-song medleys, and an original composition.

Grade: C.

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This television movie in the Battlestar Galactica storyline follows the Battlestar Pegasus from the Cylon attack on the colonies through its joining Adama’s fleet. Hard-hitting and action-packed, this adventure follows a small group of familiar characters and a new one through issues relating to war, morality, and redemption.

Grade: A.

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This jaw-dropping fictional documentary chronicles the aftermath of the assassination of George W. Bush, using stock footage and unknown actors to fill in an engaging and dramatic story. Written and edited in a style reminiscent of Frontline, this ballsy picture is brilliantly crafted and exciting, with several unexpected twists.

Grade: A-.

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Gael García Bernal stars, under the brilliant direction of Pedro Almodóvar, in this drama about a young man who writes a movie script about being molested by his priest, his friend who produces movies, and the priest in question. Well-written and crafted, this film features good acting performances galore.

Grade: B+.

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With long gazing filler shots of a walk through columns or staring at marble floors, this yawner trudges us through the lives of some unremarkable art lovers in New York, all centered around an exhibition of the work of Vermeer. This skippable piece feels like a film student’s junior project.

Grade: D.

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This gritty character study follows a drug addict through various crack houses and an attempt to get clean. The grainy cinematography indicates an exceptionally low budget and the picture feels like a film school project. The characters are flat and it’s difficult to care what happens to any of them.

Grade: D+.

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This Golden Globe-nominated period picture from Germany tells the story of two women, a Jewish activist in the German Resistance and the wife of a Nazi officer, who find love during World War II. The script is interesting and the story, based on the actual events, is very engaging.

Grade: B+.

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