TEENAGE- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “With narration by actors Jena Malone, Ben Whishaw, Julia Hummer and Jessie Usher, filmmaker Matt Wolf explores the origins of the modern-day “teenager” — a demographic that didn’t even exist until the mid-20th century.”
3/14/14- Fairly good reviews. TRDB.
Add comment March 15th, 2014
EXPOSED- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “The stars of New York’s new underground cabaret scene take the stage in this over-the-top documentary by acclaimed filmmaker Beth B. The film captures outrageous performances at the Slipper Room, where gender bending is only the beginning.”
3/14/14- Fairly good reviews and the NY Times liked it. TRDB.
Add comment March 15th, 2014
BIG MEN- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Where oil flows, money follows. This documentary picks up the trail of that liquid gold as it streams through Western Africa. Shot over a four-year period, the film looks at the nascent oil industry in Ghana and the more established one in Nigeria.”
3/14/14- Excellent reviews all around. The NY Times liked it very much. TRDB.
Add comment March 15th, 2014
THE ANONYMOUS PEOPLE- 2014. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Directed by Greg Williams, The Anonymous People features prominent people who are living publicly in long-term recovery, like former NBA star Chris Herren, award-winning actress Kristen Johnston (3rd Rock From the Sun, The Exes), Miss USA 2006 Tara Conner, best-selling author William Cope Moyers, former congressmen Patrick Kennedy and Jim Ramstad – and many others. Their brave testimonies dispel long-standing clichés about addiction and recovery.”
3/14/14- Audience reaction has been mixed but the NY Times definitely did not like it. TRDB.
Add comment March 15th, 2014
FATAL ASSISTANCE-0= 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Haiti’s 2010 earthquake generated global support and monetary donations, but documentarian Raoul Peck — the nation’s former minister of culture — argues the resources were poorly applied, detailing the obstacles that have hampered Haiti’s recovery.”
2/28/14- Good reviews and today’s NY Times liked it very much as well. TRDB.
Add comment March 4th, 2014
KIDS FOR CASH- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Seeking to dampen the appeal of youthful rebellion, juvenile court judge Mark Ciavarella starts handing out harsh sentences for trivial crimes. After a prisoner’s parent questions the judge’s practices, more questions arise in this documentary.”
2/28/14- Very good reviews from nearly everybody. TRDB.
Add comment March 4th, 2014
SON OF GOD- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “A follow-up to the landmark 2013 miniseries The Bible, this feature follows the life of Jesus Christ from his humble birth to his resurrection. Filmed in authentic historical locales, this epic presentation brings new life to the miraculous story.”
2/28/14- Weak reviews all around. TRDB.
Add comment March 4th, 2014
THE STANDBYS- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Cast as “standbys” to fill the shoes of big-name stars who can’t go on, three talented Broadway understudies wait patiently backstage for the dream they’ve been chasing their whole lives.”
1/21/14- Just a few reviews so far but they are good. TRDB.
Add comment March 3rd, 2014
ELAINE STRITCH: SHOOT ME- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Still refreshingly caustic at 87, Broadway legend Elaine Stritch looks back on her life and career in this feature-length portrait composed of candid reflections, rare archival footage and testimonials from her dearest friends.”
1/21/14- Excellent reviews all around. TRDB.
Add comment March 3rd, 2014
THE GREAT FLOOD- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “This documentary explores the chain reaction set off by the great Mississippi flood of 1927 that led to the creation of Chicago blues and rock ‘n’ roll. An inspired selection of tunes accompanies footage of the flood and its aftermath.”
2/10/14- Excellent reviews. TRDB.
Add comment February 10th, 2014