JIA ZHANGKE, A GUY FROM FENYANG- 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Focusing a lens on trailblazing director Jia Zhang-ke, this incisive documentary follows the auteur as he returns to his hometown of Fenyang. While revisiting shooting locales from his films, Jia ruminates on his career and China’s uncertain future.”
5/27/16- Very good reviews for this documentary. TRDB.
Add comment May 27th, 2016
HOLY HELL- 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Through more than two decades of footage that he shot while a member of the Buddhafield spiritual community, documentarian Will Allen recounts his gradual immersion into the Southern California cult and his eventual disenchantment with it.”
5/27/16- Mixed reviews from critics and terrible ones from audiences but I read enough positive comments to warrant a recommendation. TRDB.
Add comment May 27th, 2016
AS I AM: THE LIFE AND TIMES OF DJ AM- Synopsis by Netflix. “This absorbing documentary charts the rocky road to fame and success taken by Adam Goldstein, the mash-up master known as DJ AM in the world of electronic club music, whose life was cut short at age 36 after a drug overdose.”
5/27/16- I’ve seen just 4 reviews of this documentary and they are all very positive. Audiences have liked this movie very much as well. TRDB.
Add comment May 27th, 2016
UNLOCKING THE CAGE- 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Animal rights activist Steven Wise takes his work seriously, so much so that he heads to court in an attempt to expand legal “personhood” to encompass particular animals, including chimps (and plaintiffs) Tommy and Kiko.”
5/25/16- Mostly good reviews so far for this documentary. TRDB.
Add comment May 25th, 2016
WEINER- 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “After resigning from Congress amid a sexting scandal, Anthony Weiner sets out to make a comeback in a 2013 campaign for mayor of New York City. Yet, as chronicled in this incisive documentary, his ambitions get derailed when a new scandal erupts.”
5/20/16- Very good reviews for this documentary. TRDB.
5/30/16- Painful to watch but it was a very good study of self-destruction that seems to affect lots of public figures. Worth seeing. TRDB. Comcast On-Demand.
Add comment May 20th, 2016
PERVERT PARK- 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “This unflinching documentary examines the often-difficult lives of convicted sex offenders, who must cope with vilification and severe restrictions on their public movements long after their sentences have been served.”
5/20/16- Excellent reviews for this documentary. TRDB.
Add comment May 20th, 2016
THE OTHER SIDE- 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Living beyond the reach of “civilized” society, a community of drifters, drug addicts and disillusioned veterans hang on together amid poverty and frustration, sharing a bitter awareness that the U.S. government and society have left them behind.”
5/20/16- No professional reviews as yet but audiences have uniformly liked it. TRDB.
Add comment May 20th, 2016
O.J.: MADE IN AMERICA- 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “O.J.: Made in America is an essential examination of the rise and fall of Orenthal James Simpson, and parallels between his incredible story with that of race in America. This critically-acclaimed documentary series reveals how he first became a football star, why America fell in love with him off the field, what happened in the trial for his ex-wife’s murder, and finally, why he is now sitting in jail for another crime 20 years later. His is a story that divided America like few things before or since, and it is perhaps the defining cultural tale of twentieth-century America.”
5/20/16- Just a few reviews but they are all very good. TRDB.
Add comment May 20th, 2016
A MOMENT OF SILENCE- 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “After President Sánchez de Lozada is forced to step down, Bolivia’s new socialist government strives to lead the nation to a brighter future, but internal conflicts and the re-emergence of corruption threaten to cripple reform efforts.”
5/20/16- Just 2 reviews– 1 up and 1 down.
Add comment May 20th, 2016
ALMOST HOLY- 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “This absorbing documentary paints an intricate portrait of Ukrainian pastor Gennadiy Mokhnenko, whose unorthodox approach to rescuing drug-addicted homeless juveniles has earned him admirers and detractors during the 15 years he’s pursued his cause.’
5/20/16- Great reviews from both critics and audiences. TRDB.
Add comment May 20th, 2016