STEP UP TO THE PLATE- 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “Acclaimed French chef Michel Bras passes the torch (in this case his namesake restaurant) to his son Sébastien in this intimate documentary. The eatery, its mouth-watering cuisine and Michel’s mammoth reputation are all virtual co-stars.”
Very early reviews are a bit weak. TRDB.
9/14/12- OK review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
Add comment August 29th, 2012
WORDS OF WITNESS- 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “Witness Hosni Mubarak’s ouster through the eyes of reporter Heba Afify, who engaged in the protests while writing for an Egyptian newspaper. Amid the fervor and danger of the Arab Spring, Afify also copes with her mother’s growing disapproval.”
Excellent audience reviews but I’ve not found a single professional review as yet. TRDB.
9/7/12- I saw this today at the Martha’s Vineyard Int. Film Festival and liked it very much. TRDB.
Add comment August 25th, 2012
DEATH BY CHINA- 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “This frank documentary chronicles the growing power and global ambitions of China, and concludes that its strength threatens America’s own future. The film views the loss of American jobs to China as one more facet of a one-sided economic rivalry.”
8/24/12- Poor review in today’s NY Times and elsewhere as well. Audiences haven’t liked it either. TRDB.
Add comment August 24th, 2012
DETROPIA- 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “As the focus of this sobering documentary, the decline of Detroit also reflects the nation’s larger failure to keep up in a modern global economy. The film also examines the efforts of its residents to maintain Detroit’s vibrant cultural base.”
Good professional and audience reviews. TRDB.
9/7/12- I read today’s NY Times review and have NO idea if it was a good one or a bad one. Others have liked it a lot. TRDB.
Add comment August 19th, 2012
BROTHER, CAN YOU SPARE A DOLLAR?- 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “Drawing a comparison between the Great Depression and today’s economic woes, this documentary explores how our lessening commitment to personal responsibility and community has affected our economic survival strategies.”
8/17/12- Weak review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
Add comment August 17th, 2012
SPEAK- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Focusing on the well-spoken participants at the intense and highly competitive Toastmasters World Championship of Public Speaking, this talky documentary profiles those who excel at one of the most universally feared activities there is.”
8/17/12- A very good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
Add comment August 17th, 2012
THE AMBASSADOR- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Filmmaker Mads Brügger poses as a diplomat in central Africa and secretly films his wheeling and dealing in a corrupt society. With forged diplomatic papers, he claims to be opening a match factory, but tries to gain access to the area’s diamonds.”
Mixed review from both audiences and professionals. TRDB.
Add comment August 15th, 2012
THE LION OF JUDAH- 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “Recounting painful memories from his past, Holocaust survivor Leo Zisman leads a group of young people through Poland — and the remains of Auschwitz. Along the way, they learn that anti-Semitism still lingers in the region.”
8/10/12- A so-so review in today’s NY Times and from others as well. TRDB.
Add comment August 10th, 2012
WILD HORSE, WILD RIDE- Synopsis by Netflix. “An annual contest challenges 100 people across the United States to tame a wild mustang in 100 days. Following this dangerous and harrowing feat is a public showcase that determines whether these horses can be saved from a life in captivity.”
8/24/12- Excellent review in today’s NY Times and audiences have loved this movie as well. TRDB.
3/18/13- A very good documentary about several horse trainers and their love for their horses. TRDB.
Add comment August 7th, 2012
SOMEWHERE BETWEEN- 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “Questions of race, identity and heritage are explored through the lives of young American women growing up as adoptees from China. These four distinct individuals reflect on their experiences as members of transracial families.”
8/24/12- Weak review in today’s NY Times but fairly good critical reviews otherwise. Audience reviews are mixed. TRDB.
Add comment August 7th, 2012