VITA ACTIVA: THE SPIRIT OF HANNAH ARENDT- 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Jewish philosopher Hannah Arendt, who coined the controversial phrase “the banality of evil,” provides rich subject matter for this absorbing documentary that uses archival footage to chart her life and explore the evolution of her thinking.”
4/6/16– Professional reviews are excellent. Audiences have liked this movie very much as well. TRDB.
Add comment April 6th, 2016
NOTFILM- 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Noted playwright Samuel Beckett ventured only once into cinema, penning the script for a 22-minute piece simply titled “Film.” This fascinating history of the project includes rare audio recordings of the author discussing aspects of the production.”
3/31/16- Excellent reviews for this documentary. TRDB.
Add comment April 2nd, 2016
NO HOME MOVIE- 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Chantal Akerman’s mother, Holocaust survivor Natalia, has long been at the core of the filmmaker’s work. In this touching documentary, Chantal memorializes her mom through conversations recorded during the last months of Natalia’s life.”
3/31/16- Fairly good reviews for this documentary. TRDB.
Add comment April 2nd, 2016
MARINONI: THE FIRE IN THE FRAME- 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “First a bike racer and later a bike builder, Giuseppe Marinoni has long been obsessed with two-wheel travel. Now 75, he’s ready to enter the arena again in pursuit of his age-group world record for distance cycled in an hour.”
3/31/16- Good reviews from the critics and very good ones from audiences. TRDB.
Add comment April 2nd, 2016
FRANCOFONIA- 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Spotlighting the legacy and priceless art collection of the Louvre Museum, this vivid docudrama recounts many dramatic moments in the institution’s history, including the hasty caching of its treasures when German forces occupied Paris in 1940.”
3/31/16- Very good reviews for this documentary. TRDB.
7/11/16- One of the most boring movies I have ever seen–like a narrated poem that won’t quit. TRDB. Netflix.
Add comment April 2nd, 2016
THE FLIGHT FANTASTIC- 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “In the 1960s, the family trapeze troupe known as the Flying Gaonas began astonishing and thrilling circus audiences with their aerial acrobatics. This absorbing documentary traces the Gaonas’ history, from shows in their native Mexico to global fame.”
3/31/16- Just a few reviews but they are good. TRDB.
Add comment April 2nd, 2016
CATCHING THE SUN- 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Offering an illuminating look at our energy future, this topical documentary focuses on the increasing adoption of solar power worldwide, and the opportunities and obstacles faced by those hoping to accelerate the shift toward solar power.”
3/31/16- Just 4 reviews so far– 3 good and 1 not so good, but it sounds interesting to me. TRDB.
Add comment April 1st, 2016
FASTBALL- 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Kevin Costner narrates as a gallery of baseball greats — including Hank Aaron, Nolan Ryan and Derek Jeter — explain the mythos and mechanics of the fastball: what it’s like to throw one and what it’s like to face one at the plate.”
3/25/16- Very good reviews from critics and great ones from audiences for this documentary. TRDB.
4/25/16- Excellent reviews as noted and I did like this documentary. My only complaint was that it was too long and began getting a bit boring. One critic said it should have been a one hour made for TV show. TRDB. Comcast On-Demand.
Add comment March 26th, 2016
LOOK AT US NOW, MOTHER! 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Candidly recalling the abusive treatment she received from her carping mother in childhood, filmmaker Gayle Kirschenbaum turns the lens on herself and her family, trying to gain insight into and resolve the issues that made them bitter adversaries.”
4/8/16- Good to excellent reviews. TRDB.
Add comment March 23rd, 2016
THANK YOU FOR PLAYING- 2016. Synopsis by Netflix. “Devastated by the news of his 4-year-old son’s terminal cancer diagnosis, video game developer Ryan Green starts building a new game — this one designed to help ease the grief of his entire family, and potentially many others.”
3/18/16- Very good early reviews. TRDB.
Add comment March 18th, 2016