ICEBERG SLIM: PORTRAIT OF A PIMP- 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “Blending archival elements with recent interviews, this biographical portrait tells the remarkable tale of pimp turned author Iceberg Slim, whose gritty books based on his life became bona fide literature.”
7/19/13- Mixed reviews at best including the one in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
Add comment July 22nd, 2013
NICKY’S FAMILY- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Prior to World War II, Briton Nicholas Winton masterminded the rescue of more than 600 Jewish children from Nazi-occupied Prague. This emotional documentary recounts Winton’s selfless heroics as well as his 50-year silence about his efforts.”
7/19/13- A very good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
Add comment July 22nd, 2013
COLOSSUS- 2013. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Framed by a pixilated montage of the history of Russia since Lenin (scored by Frank Zappa) and filmed in the louche world of St. Petersburg and Moscow (including Bunker 47, a Khrushchev Era nuclear bunker 18 stories below street level repurposed as a private club) Mark Hendrickson creates a tightly nested narrative for the ex-pat confidence man, CLARK LARSON (played by Hendrickson), who spent the last 17 years wheeling and dealing in Russia’s twilight of commerce and graft. Now, at the top of his game and before his soul has completely vanished, he decides to “give back” something in return for all he has taken: a film as cautionary tale to illustrate and instruct the audience in “the power of bullshit, lies and intimidation”. To teach this lesson and post this warning, Hendrickson sets out (with no money) to invent a heavy-metal artificial rock band, launch its first national tour across Russia, and make a film to tell the tale.”
7/19/13- A good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
Add comment July 22nd, 2013
BORN TO ROYALTY- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this insightful documentary, we celebrate the birth of William and Kate’s baby, the great-grandchild of Elizabeth II with a fascinating portrait of the life that lies ahead for the child who is born to reign.”
7/19/13- An OK review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
Add comment July 21st, 2013
RISING FROM ASHES- 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “This film follows Rwanda’s first national cycling team as they struggle to move past their country’s horrific genocide and make it to the 2012 Olympics. Coached by cycling legend Jock Boyer, the eclectic group fights against huge obstacles.”
7/15/13- Early reviews appear good. TRDB.
8/2/13- A weak review in today’s NY Times and mixed reviews from others. TRDB.
Add comment July 16th, 2013
ASSAULTED- CIVIL RIGHTS UNDER FIRE- 2013. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “A documentary that brings audiences to the center of the controversy over the issue that is dividing our nation – gun control. Narrated by Ice-T, critically acclaimed rapper and actor, the film takes a critical look at current gun laws and the rising movement to restrict the rights guaranteed by our Second Amendment.”
7/12/13- Today’s NY Times review said that this documentary was too one-sided to be good and most other reviewers agreed. TRDB.
Add comment July 15th, 2013
OF BY FOR- 2013. Synopsis by IMDB. “A journey across America’s Route 66 finds a country united in disappointment with the status quo in Washington. Citizens from all walks of life discuss money in politics, divisive campaign tactics, broken promises and the helpless feeling that as the election nears they must choose between the lesser of two evils”
7/5/13- Reviewed in today’s NY Times with a weak review. I couldn’t find any others. TRDB.
Add comment July 6th, 2013
A GIRL AND A GUN- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “A symbol of power and danger, the gun has served as an American cultural icon since the nation’s founding — but nearly always in the hands of men. This documentary moves the focus to women and their changing attitudes about guns in society.”
7/5/13- A weak review in today’s NY Times and elsewhere as well. TRDB.
Add comment July 5th, 2013
BLACKFISH- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “This fascinating documentary examines the life of performing killer whale Tilikum — who has caused the deaths of several people while in captivity — and questions the safety and humaneness of confining these intelligent creatures.”
7/3/13- Just a few reviews and they are all good. TRDB.
7/19/13- A good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
3/5/14- A wonderful documentary/expose that also paid tribute to the whales. TRDB. Netflix.
Add comment July 3rd, 2013
THE ACT OF KILLING- 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “This unique documentary recalls the bloody era in Indonesia when pro-government death squads slaughtered more than a million suspected Communists. Now in positions of power, two ex-squad leaders gleefully reenact their atrocities for the filmmakers.
7/3/13- Excellent reviews. TRDB.
7/19/13- The NY Times liked this movie very much. TRDB.
7/27/14- A breathtaking documentary that must be taken seriously. Creative and bold in its scope. TRDB. Netflix.
Add comment July 3rd, 2013