Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Hugo Weaving and Carrie-Anne Moss star in this brilliant post-apocalyptic science fiction blockbuster with astonishing special effects and innumerable unforgettable moments. The incredibly imaginative, groundbreaking script anchors a wildly entertaining story—full of kick-ass fight sequences, interesting philosophical ideas, and a truly menacing villain.

Grade: A+.

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After ten years with the legendary Thelonious Monk, tenor saxophonist Charlie Rouse leads a quintet for the first time, joining Blue Mitchell (trumpet), Walter Bishop (piano), Art Taylor (drums), and Earl May (bass) in this solid set of obscure tunes. The music is very enjoyable, comfortably in hard bop territory.

Grade: B.

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Eleven-year-old Keke Palmer shines as Akeelah Anderson, a middle school student in South Los Angeles, who tries to make it to the finals of the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Laurence Fishburne lends his talent as her coach in this endearing and inspiring story with a beautifully written script.

Grade: A.

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With five original compositions and a very talented rhythm section backing him up, Lee Morgan leads a great session from the early 60s at the tender young age of 25. Joe Henderson joins in on tenor saxophone. Lots of great solos permeate this record — an imminently enjoyable hard bop set.

Grade: A-.

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Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe turn in powerful, Oscar-caliber performances in this organized crime drama, based on a true story from the late 60s and early 70s. The action is violent, as one might expect, but the intricate twists and turns in the plot keep this from being predictable.

Grade: A-.

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Rudy Ruettiger wanted only one thing in life — to play football at Notre Dame. His struggles to get into the school, onto the team, and into a game make this based-on-a-true-story sports drama compelling. With solid performances and an inspiring script, this picture is a winner.

Grade: B+.

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Bill Evans leads his trio in this sophisticated set of diverse standards. The chemistry of the group is strong and the solo work by all the players is first-rate. With standout performances on ‘Round Midnight, Israel, and If You Could See Me Now, this is a beautiful jazz album.

Grade: A.

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Andy LaVerne leads a quartet, playing half a dozen reharmonized standards and as many contrafactual compositions based on their harmonies. Sounds like a win, right? In this case, the execution is far less interesting than the concept. The music is passable, but this set feels significantly more academic than original.

Grade: C.

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Nick Nolte, Julie Christie, Johnny Lee Miller, and Lara Flynn Boyle star in this critically acclaimed and often uncomfortable marriage drama. The pace of the picture trudges at times and the script could have benefited from another revision. The central cast delivered much more than the screenplay or directing warranted.

Grade: C.

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Gerry Mulligan shares the bill with Thelonious Monk in this entertaining set of Monk’s compositions. They play through six tunes (three alternate takes are included on the CD) and complement each other well. A talented rhythm section anchors the ensemble. This beautiful set showcases the talent of two musical giants.

Grade: A-.

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