The Godfather, Part III (1990)

Posted on October 28, 2006
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Al Pacino leads an all-star cast in this final sequel of the Godfather trilogy. Well-scripted, although a bit slow-paced at times, this caps off a groundbreaking film series in style. While not as successful or as brilliant as its two predecessors, this picture still holds its own.

Grade: B+.

IMDB: The Godfather, Part III.

Flags of Our Fathers (2006)

Posted on October 27, 2006
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Clint Eastwood knocks another one out of the park in this spectacular picture about the Battle of Iwo Jima and the famous photograph. While the battle sequences were just as violent and explosive as other contemporary blockbusters about World War II, this picture was very careful to avoid glorifying war.

Grade: A.

IMDB: Flags of Our Fathers.

Robots (2005)

Posted on October 25, 2006
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An utterly predictable children’s movie with some inappropriate references, this picture is certainly delightful for young children. There are other much better crafted films out there. Robin Williams’ amusing one-liners couldn’t save this rusty piece of junk. The song and dance number at the very end falls gratingly apart.

Grade: D.

IMDB: Robots.

The Godfather: Part II (1974)

Posted on October 19, 2006
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This flawless picture, the third greatest on IMDB, is perfectly executed and flawlessly performed. Al Pacino, Robert DeNiro, and Robert Duvall provide examples for aspiring actors in the story of the evolution of a Mafia family. This masterpiece is required viewing for anyone who considers themselves a fan of film.

Grade: A+.

IMDB: The Godfather: Part II.

Luomo – Vocal City (2000)

Posted on October 18, 2006
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A beautiful set of laid-back microhouse tracks that feel ambient, but still funky, this collection of original tunes brings a grainy electro feel and a minimal techno feel together with a solid house groove. The tracks are long, but interesting, and have a stark simplicity and a European flavor.

Grade: B+.

AllMusic: Vocal City.

Toots Thielemans – Only Trust Your Heart (1988)

Posted on October 17, 2006
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Toots Thielemans fronts an incredibly talented band with a set of beautiful songs. The rhythm section flawlessly complements the harmonica master. This is quite a wonderful collection of unfortunately infrequently played tunes by very familiar names, such as Wayne Shorter, Thelonious Monk, Benny Carter, Rogers and Hammerstein, and Duke Ellington.

Grade: A.

AllMusic: Only Trust Your Heart.

Toots Thielemans – East Coast West Coast (1994)

Posted on October 17, 2006
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Belgian harmonica master Toots Thielemans plays a wistful set of ballads and uptempo jazz standards. This CD features a world-class rhythm section. The musicianship on this album makes it one of my favorites. The songs are primarily standards, easily accessible and interesting to jazz connoisseur and casual listener alike.

Grade: A-.

AllMusic: East Coast West Coast.

Various Artists – Om 100 (2002)

Posted on October 17, 2006
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Om celebrates 100 releases with this double CD compilation that features some of their best known artists. This unmixed set is split between two different genres. The first CD is a fun set of Om’s unbelievably delicious house anthems. The second CD features more funky breakbeat flavor and downtempo grooves.

Grade: B+.

AllMusic: Om 100.

The Motorcycle Diaries (2004)

Posted on October 16, 2006
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Ernesto Guevara and his friend, Alberto, decided to travel around South American on a journey of discovery. During their travels, they discover how many indigenous South Americans endure terrible poverty and injustice. This beautifully photographed and acted film chronicles the awakening of a revolutionary to the grinding oppression around him.

Grade: B.

IMDB: The Motorcycle Diaries.

Little Miss Sunshine (2006)

Posted on October 14, 2006
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An incredible cast bring this quirky comedy about a strange dysfunctional family to life. Steve Carell, Alan Arkin, Greg Kinnear, and Toni Collette shine in their roles. The script is funny, deadpan, and includes many laugh-out-loud moments. The story never felt forced, but provided hilariously believable character studies.

Grade: B+.

IMDB: Little Miss Sunshine.

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