DESIGN IS ONE- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “As artists and visual architects, husband and wife Massimo and Lella Vignelli have been producing unique and groundbreaking work as brand designers. This up-close documentary reveals their major influence in reshaping our visual environment.”
10/11/13- Few reviews but the NY Times liked it. TRDB.
Add comment October 7th, 2013
COOPER AND HEMINGWAY: THE TRUE GEN- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Celebrating the friendship between renowned actor Gary Cooper and legendary writer Ernest Hemingway, this absorbing documentary traces their sometimes contentious bond that lasted until their deaths a few weeks apart in 1961.”
10/11/13- Very few reviews but the NY Times liked it. TRDB.
Add comment October 7th, 2013
WALTER: LESSONS FROM THE WORLD’S OLDEST PEOPLE- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Filmmaker Hunter Weeks sets out to interview six of the world’s most senior citizens, hoping to reveal some secrets and insights into longevity. Her uniquely human documentary records their reflections on a century’s worth of historical change.”
10/4/13- A poor review in today’s NY Times for this documentary. TRDB.
Add comment October 6th, 2013
A RIVER CHANGES COURSE- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Filmmaker Kalyanee Mam returns to her native homeland to follow three young Cambodians who are struggling to overcome the crushing effects of deforestation, overfishing and overwhelming debt.”
10/4/13- Very good reviews, including the review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
Add comment October 5th, 2013
LINSANITY- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Director Evan Jackson Leong profiles his longtime friend, Jeremy Lin, in this engrossing examination of the star basketball player’s humble beginnings, college days at Harvard, religious beliefs and high-scoring 2012 season with the New York Knicks.”
10/4/13- Mixed reviews, slightly more positive than negative. Today’s NY Times gave it a weak review. TRDB.
Add comment October 5th, 2013
DISLECKSIA: THE MOVIE- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “This documentary focuses on understanding dyslexia and minimizing its effect on children’s reading and learning abilities. Interviews with physicians, educators and autistic adults reveal diverse experiences and perspectives.”
10/4/13- Very few professional reviews so far but they are all good. Today’s NY Times gave this movie a favorable review. TRDB.
Add comment October 5th, 2013
AKA DOC POMUS- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “While childhood polio robbed Doc Pomus of the use of his legs, it couldn’t constrain his spirit — or his songwriting instincts — as documented here. Home movies and interviews with rock luminaries paint a picture of the singer-turned-songsmith.”
10/4/13- Very good reviews from all critics and from today’s NY Times also. TRDB.
Add comment October 5th, 2013
ENZO AVITABILE MUSIC LIFE- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Jonathan Demme helms this musical documentary that shines a light on the eclectic sounds of songwriter-musician Enzo Avitabile. The film blends performance footage with interviews that reveal Avitabile’s independent spirit.”
10/18/13- Good professional reviews in general and an OK one in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
Add comment September 29th, 2013
BLOOD BROTHER- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “After traveling to India, American tourist Rocky Braat wound up finding new purpose in life helping children with HIV and AIDS. This inspiring film documents the challenges he faces and the love he finds as he creates a meaningful life.”
9/29/13- Very good reviews. TRDB.
10/18/13- An excellent review for this documentary in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
Add comment September 29th, 2013
AMERICAN PROMISE- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “A detailed examination of race, education and opportunity in America, this documentary follows two African American boys — and their parents — for 12 years, starting as they enter kindergarten at a prestigious private school.”
10/18/13- Reviews for this film are highly positive but in today’s NY Times the reviewer felt that the film was exploitive and did not know what to make of it. TRDB.
Add comment September 29th, 2013