LAST CALL AT THE OASIS- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “This compelling documentary explores the global water crisis, examining deficiencies in the supply system and communities affected by water shortages. Scientists, activists and social entrepreneurs shed light on this shocking and pervasive problem.”
Poor early reviews. TRDB.
5/4/12- An OK review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
Add comment April 21st, 2012
FIRST POSITION- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “This fascinating documentary follows dancers training for the Youth America Grand Prix, one of the world’s most prestigious ballet competitions. The stakes are high: Their performances will determine the success or failure of the young girls’ dreams.”
Very few reviews and they are OK. TRDB.
5/4/12- A good review in today’s NY Times that brought up a bit of controversy in the making of this documentary. TRDB.
5/22/12- A well done and interesting documentary about what it takes to make it in this field and what it’s like to be a child competitor. The controversy with this movie was related to the fact that the competition organizers had a hand in the making of the movie. In particular they helped select the subjects to be followed and were involved in other aspects as well. TRDB. Comcast On-Demand.
Add comment April 21st, 2012
THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “To make the most of their meager retirement savings, a group of British seniors relocates to India to live out their golden years at the Marigold Hotel. But upon arrival, they discover that the once-lavish resort has wilted considerably.”
Rotten Tomatoes said– “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel follows a group of British retirees who decide to “outsource” their retirement to less expensive and seemingly exotic India. Enticed by advertisements for the newly restored Marigold Hotel and bolstered with visions of a life of leisure, they arrive to find the palace a shell of its former self. Though the new environment is less luxurious than imagined, they are forever transformed by their shared experiences, discovering that life and love can begin again when you let go of the past.
Very good early reviews called this film a bit schmaltzy but well done. TRDB.
5/4/12- Today’s NY Times gave this an OK review. TRDB.
5/11/12- I agree with the reviewers. A few good lines, a great pictoral travelogue and not a heck of a lot much more. TRDB.
Add comment April 21st, 2012
SNOW ON THA BLUFF- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Set in urban Atlanta, this hyperreal gangster drama centers on kinetic dope dealer Curtis Snow, who nabs a video camera off a pair of college kids, then begins recording the deals, deliveries and shoot-outs that comprise his daily operation. Whether outrunning the police or caring for his 2-year-old son, Snow takes the constant hustle in stride, but the fast-moving gangster feels real heat after crossing a revenge-minded rival dealer.”
4/20/12- Very good reviews in general and in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
Add comment April 20th, 2012
JESUS HENRY CHRIST- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Too-smart-for-his-own-good 10-year-old Henry James Herman sets out to locate his father, an anonymous sperm donor, in this quirky comedy. Along the way, Henry uncovers family secrets that only deepen his existential quandary.”
Weak professional reviews and fair audience reaction. TRDB.
5/4/12- Weak review in today’s NY Times but I think I’ll still see this one. TRDB.
Add comment April 10th, 2012
CHIMPANZEE- 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “Spinning documentary footage into family-friendly fare, this Disneynature film follows an orphaned chimp named Oscar on his quest to find a home. In the end, he finds a new family in the unlikeliest of places.” Good early reviews. TRDB.
4/20/12- Miserable review in today’s NY Times but fairly good reviews by critics elsewhere. TRDB.
Add comment April 10th, 2012
THE LUCKY ONE- 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “This romantic drama tells the story of a Marine vet who credits his good-luck charm — a photo of an unknown woman — for saving his skin in Iraq. Back in North Carolina, he sets out to find the woman behind the smile that steered his fate.” Good early reviews. TRDB.
Add comment April 10th, 2012
GOODBYE FIRST LOVE- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this lyrical drama, 15-year-old Camille must deal with her devastation when an older boy with whom she’s fallen in love leaves to travel through South America. Over the next few years, she grows into a young woman and tries to love again.” Fair early reviews. TRDB.
4/20/12- An OK review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
5/8/12- I found the story and the acting quite believable and interesting as well. TRDB. Comcast On-Demand.
Add comment April 10th, 2012
HIT SO HARD- 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “This compelling documentary chronicles the life of former Hole drummer Patty Schemel, from childhood through her rise to fame and beyond, revealing her near-destruction by the personal demons that too often accompany celebrity.”
Mixed reviews with better ones from audiences than from critics. TRDB.
4/14/12- Good review in yesterday’s NY Times. TRDB.
Add comment April 4th, 2012
BLUE LIKE JAZZ- 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “Life in a devout family has given Don a unique view of religious hypocrisy, so when choosing a college, he picks “the most godless campus in America.” This rebellion against his upbringing changes Don, often in ways he never sees coming.”
4/13/12- OK review in today’s NY Times and excellent audience reactions so far. TRDB.
Add comment April 4th, 2012