Sigourney Weaver and David Strathairn star in this melodrama about a woman falsely accused of child molestation after another child drowns in her pond. Terribly cast, ineptly directed, absurdly clunky, and full of ridiculous cringe-inducing moments, this is a difficult movie to watch and a relief to have finished.

Grade: C-.

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Bill Evans leads his famous trio in a live performance from 1972 of unparalleled beauty. Many of his original compositions are featured, along with some great standards, and the playing is fluent, easy, and virtuosic. This is a great introduction to the genius of Bill Evans and jazz in general.

Grade: A++.

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The legendary Battle of Thermopylae is depicted in this wonderful war film, based on a graphic novel by Frank Miller. The action sequences between the Spartans and the Persians are unbelievably stunning, with gorgeous sets and cinematography. Full of bravado, the courage of the characters defending their homeland is inspiring.

Grade: A+.

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This interesting album features Herbie Hancock on piano and Wayne Shorter on soprano saxophone in a collection of ten original compositions. The music is primarily free improvisation. Each musician plays well off the other and the talent behind the notes is obvious. However, the tracks might lose easily novice listeners.

Grade: B-.

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Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Connelly, and Djimon Hounsou lead a phenomenally talented cast in a thriller set in Sierra Leone’s violent civil war. The entire conflict is funded by the diamond trade and we get inside the war, the slavery, the smuggling, and the violence—from three intertwined points of view.

Grade: A.

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During World War II, several countries in North Africa were French colonies. In this war epic, four young Algerian men enlist in the French army to fight the Nazis, enduring discrimination from native French soldiers. This engaging picture is beautifully scripted and well-acted by a group of relative unknowns.

Grade: B+.

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In an indisputably spectacular album, John Coltrane leads a group of musicians in one of the finest collections of instrumental improvisation ever recorded. With seven original compositions and several alternate takes, these incredible tracks require multiple spins. The solo work is exquisite and the ensemble is nothing short of magical.

Grade: A++.

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Cate Blanchett and Giovanni Ribisi star in this Krzysztof Kieslowski-penned crime drama. Blanchett and Ribisi do a surprisingly good job at speaking convincing Italian. The cinematography, sets, and script are wonderful and it’s easy to care about the characters, even the one who has committed an inconceivably horrible crime.

Grade: A.

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This compilation of tracks from Lionel Hampton’s sessions with other greats, like Gerry Mulligan, Dexter Gordon, Woody Shaw, Charles Mingus, and Teddy Wilson, is a solid introduction to the genius of Hamp’s virtuosity and flexibility, maintaining his swing style even with bebop players. Great solo work fills this sweet album.

Grade: B.

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Sonny Stitt joins the Oscar Peterson trio in this scorching set of standards. Stitt’s alto is absolutely on fire in these sessions, dating from late 50s. Oscar Peterson gives a good run for his money on piano. Great artists inspire exceptional performances from each other and the music never disappoints.

Grade: A.

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