Read the synopsis of “Rent” and ‘sexy, spectacular, and one of the best movies of 2005’ may not be the words that immediately come to mind. But don’t make the mistake of judging “Rent” by the few lines used to sum up the film in the movie’s official synopsis. “Rent” can’t be defined in a matter of 25 words or less. There’s so much going on, so much to take in, it requires you to sit back and absorb the experience. And what an experience it is.

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Trust your instincts. Listen to that little voice inside that whispers this sequel has ‘bad idea’ written all over it. “Basic Instinct” didn’t deserve a sequel immediately following its release back in 1992, and now in 2006 there’s even less of a reason to make a follow-up. The only explanation as to why this thing exists is as a vanity project for Sharon Stone. There simply can’t be any other legitimate excuse for “Basic Instinct 2.”

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The film is the story of an undercover agent who, after failing to protect an important government scientist, learns the man’s family is in danger. In an effort to redeem himself, he agrees to take care of the man’s children only to discover that child care is his toughest mission yet. Written by Risin’ Outlaw

Xander Cage is your standard adrenaline junkie with no fear and a lousy attitude. When the US Government “recruits” him to go on a mission, he’s not exactly thrilled. His mission: to gather information on an organization that may just be planning the destruction of the world, led by the nihilistic Yorgi. Written by Ryan McIntosh

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Beginning in the 1930’s, “The English Patient” tells the story of Count Almasy who is a Hungarian map maker employed by the Royal Geographical Society to chart the vast expanses of the Sahara Desert along with several other prominent explorers. As World War II unfolds, Almasy enters into a world of love, betrayal, and politics that is later revealed in a series of flashbacks while Almasy is on his death bed after being horribly burned in a plane crash. Written by Anthony Hughes {husnock31@hotmail.com}

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This movie features the collaborative directorial efforts of four new filmmakers, each of whom directs a segment of this comedy. It’s New Year’s Eve at the Mon Signor Hotel, a former grand old Hollywood hotel, now fallen upon hard times. Often using physical comedy and sight gags, this movie chronicles the slapstick misadventures of Ted, the Bellhop. He’s on his first night on the job, when he’s asked to help out a coven of witches in the Honeymoon Suite. Things only get worse when he delivers ice to the wrong room and ends up in a domestic argument at a really bad time. Next, he foolishly agrees to watch a gangster’s kids for him while he’s away. Finally, he finishes off the night refereeing a ghastly wager. Written by Tad Dibbern {DIBBERN_D@a1.mscf.upenn.edu}

Harry Angel has a new case, to find a man called Johnny Favourite. Except things aren’t quite that simple, and Johnny doesn’t want to be found. Let’s just say that, amongst the period detail and beautiful scenery, it all gets really, really nasty. Written by David Carroll {davidc@atom.ansto.gov.au}

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Drugs. They consume mind, body and soul. Once you’re hooked, you’re hooked. Four lives. Four addicts. Four failures. Doing their best to succeed in the world, but failing miserably, four people get hooked on various drugs. Despite their aspirations of greatness, they succumb to their addictions. Watching the addicts spiral out of control, we bear witness to the dirtiest, ugliest portions of the underworld addicts reside in. It is shocking and eye-opening but demands to be seen by both addicts and non-addicts alike. Written by Jeff Mellinger {jmell@uclink4.berkeley.edu}

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A rap version of “Saturday Night Fever.” B-Rabbit, a wannabe rapper from the wrong side of Detroit’s 8 Mile, has problems: he dumps his girlfriend when she tells him she’s pregnant; to save money to make a demo tape, he moves into his alcoholic mom’s trailer; his job’s a dead end, and he’s just choked at the local head-to-head rap contest. Things improve when he meets Alex - an aspiring model headed for New York - and a fast-talking pal promises to set up the demo. Then new setbacks: Alex isn’t faithful, mom rejects him, rifts surface with his friends, and he’s mugged by rivals. Everything hinges on the next rap showdown at the club. Can B-Rabbit pull truth out of his cap? Written by {jhailey@hotmail.com}

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When her son disappears and is believed to be dead, a single mother blames an African-American man from the projects for the kidnapping, creating a racial controversy. An African-American detective (Jackson) and a white missing child researcher team up to investigate the case, which they discover may be more complicated than they expected. Written by ljl5@aol.com

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