TIM’S VERMEER- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Teller, of Penn & Teller fame, directs this absorbing film about inventor Tim Jenison’s quest to solve one of art’s greatest mysteries: How did Dutch master Johannes Vermeer paint so photo-realistically 150 years before the invention of photography?”
1/31/14- Good reviews in general and the NY Times liked it also. TRDB.
7/20/14- Excellent reviews but I just could not get into this movie. TRDB.
Add comment January 25th, 2014
BAND OF SISTERS- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “This inspiring documentary illustrates the turbulent journey of Catholic nuns in the U.S. following Vatican II in the early 1960s, when they began to leave behind their sheltered lives and become vocal advocates for social justice and civil rights.”
1/17/14- The NY Times gave this a fair at best review. Audiences have liked it. TRDB.
Add comment January 17th, 2014
THE GROUNDED- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “A photographer and native of Haines, Alaska, learns that physical contact with the ground can heal pain in this intriguing documentary. Those helped by the technique share their stories as the discovery draws the curious from around the globe.”
1/10/14-Poor early reviews. TRDB.
Add comment January 11th, 2014
MAIDENTRIP- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Critics called her delusional. Child welfare agents tried to intervene. But Laura Dekker would not be denied her shot at sailing round the world. This documentary captures the 14-year-old’s solo feat through footage she shot on her two-year voyage.”
1/17/14- A good review in today’s NY Times but they commented that sailing alone Laura obviously could not film the real action while dealing with it. TRDB.
Add comment January 5th, 2014
IN NO GREAT HURRY: 13 LESSONS IN LIFE WITH SAUL LEITER- 2013.Once part of a renaissance in art photography, Saul Leiter chose to avoid the limelight in later years while continuing to take pictures. This affectionate documentary captures the reticent octogenarian living amid piles of his work.”
1/5/14- Mixed critical review and audiences have not cared for this documentary. TRDB.
Add comment January 5th, 2014
A SONG FOR YOU- 2013. Synopsis by IMDB. ““A song for you” tells a story of defiance, courage, creativity and love. Processing her family history, filmmaker Sharon Karp weaves interviews with her mother, fragments of a book her father wrote, photographs, documents and historical footage. In 1943 the Karp family escaped the Nazis by crossing the Pyrenees on foot with the help of the French Resistance. Now the filmmaker and her sisters retrace the escape route, trying to separate history from present day reality. The impact of the Holocaust on the daughters is revealed. The film provides an uplifting message while raising questions of responsibility in our choices. ‘A Song for You’ underscores the bravery of the righteous ones who risked their own lives to save the family.”
1/5/14- I couldn’t find any reviews at this time. TRDB.
Add comment January 5th, 2014
IF YOU BUILD IT- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Hoping to renew the economic health of a rural North Carolina town, a designer and architect together create a new kind of high school design class. This documentary records their unique approach to the art of design and the positive results.”
6/11/15- Very good reviews. TRDB.
Add comment January 5th, 2014
ROLLING STONES: SWEET SUMMER SUN- 2013. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Captured live in the summer of 2013, the Rolling Stones historic and triumphant return to Hyde Park was without doubt the event of the summer. Over 100,000 fans of all ages packed into the park for two spectacular outdoor concerts to watch Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Charlie Watts and Ronnie Wood do what they do best.”
12/18/13- I found just one critical review and it was good. Audiences have liked it. TRDB.
Add comment December 18th, 2013
THE UNBELIEVERS- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Richard Dawkins and Lawrence Krauss — the dynamic duo of science — travel the globe seeking to promote a scientific worldview and the rational questioning of religious belief, with celebrities, professors and ordinary folks supporting their work.”
12/13/13- Poor critical review from most professionals including the NY Times. Audiences have liked it very much. TRDB.
Add comment December 14th, 2013
TRICKED- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “This in-depth documentary examines all sides of America’s sex-trafficking trade, which destroys lives as it generates $3 billion a year. Prostitutes (both voluntary and forced), law enforcement, pimps, and johns discuss the enterprise and its impact.”
12/13/13- The NY Times liked this film but other reviews are mixed. TRDB.
Add comment December 14th, 2013