BEING EVEL- 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Chronicling the life and lore of motorcycle daredevil Robert “Evel” Knievel, this revealing documentary details the triumphs and bone-crushing failures of his spectacular career, his humble origins and his personal battles.”
8/18/15- Great reviews for this movie. TRDB.
Add comment August 18th, 2015
ROSENWALD- 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “This engaging documentary profiles businessman and philanthropist Julius Rosenwald, who rose from immigrant roots to become the president of Sears in 1908. In addition, he committed millions to improving educational opportunities for black children.”
8/14/15- Fairly good reviews by critics and less so by audiences. TRDB.
Add comment August 17th, 2015
HOW TO SMELL A ROSE- 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this documentary about a documentarian, filmmaker Les Blank visits cinema verité pioneer Richard Leacock in Normandy, France, to talk movies, food and life. Footage from Leacock’s films and his personal reminiscences round out the portrait.”
8/12/15- I’ve seen just 4 reviews and they are all excellent. TRDB.
Add comment August 12th, 2015
WE COME AS FRIENDS- 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Crisscrossing war-torn Sudan in a small plane, director Hubert Sauper creates a documentary record of the human tragedy taking place there. Among the film’s grim discoveries is a village slowly being poisoned by pollution from a nearby oilfield.”
8/10/15- Excellent reviews. TRDB.
Add comment August 10th, 2015
TANGO NEGRO: THE AFRICAN ROOTS OF TANGO- 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Angolan director Dom Pedro surveys the broad influence of African culture on South America’s musical heritage — particularly the role played in the evolution of tango, which is based on styles imported to the region by African slaves.”
8/10/15- Just 2 reviews and both are positive. TRDB.
Add comment August 10th, 2015
MERU- 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Taking on one of the most extreme challenges in mountaineering, three elite climbers set out to scale the imposing Shark’s Fin on India’s Mount Meru. This high-altitude documentary follows the tenacious team as they experience heartbreak and triumph.”
8/10/15- Great reviews. TRDB.
1/6/16- One more thing that I never want to do no matter how long I live. A well done documentary with some good insight into why or how people continue to place themselves in such danger. Also, a big question as to why they attempted the final climb with a handicapped partner. TRDB. Netflix.
Add comment August 10th, 2015
HOMME LESS- 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Delving into the flip side of the American Dream, documentarian Thomas Wirthenson trains his lens on New York City fashion photographer Mark Reay, whose prosperous and elegant veneer hides the truth: He’s homeless.”
8/7/15- Just 4 reviews— 2 up and 2 down. TRDB.
Add comment August 7th, 2015
CALL ME LUCKY- 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Flame-throwing comic and social critic Barry Crimmins shocked and delighted audiences for decades with his caustic view of America and its leaders. Over time, his rage would give way to a calmer but committed life as a peace activist.”
8/4/15- Fairly good reviews for this documentary. TRDB.
Add comment August 5th, 2015
THAT SUGAR FILM- 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Filmmaker Damon Gameau experiments on himself in this documentary look at the ubiquitous presence of sugar in the typical diet of Americans. Under medical supervision, Gameau begins a 60-day, high-sugar regimen that produces disturbing results.”
7/29/15- OK reviews- the naysayers said that there was too little new material in the documentary. TRDB.
11/8/15- I agree with the review just above. I found the movie gimmicky and really no better than the host of films on the same topic in the last few years. TRDB.
Add comment July 29th, 2015
I AM CHRIS FARLEY- 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Comedian Chris Farley’s public persona effectively disguised the inner demons that would lead to the star’s fatal drug overdose at age 33. This in-depth documentary offers a revealing look at the fragile soul behind the legendary funnyman’s image.”
7/29/15- Reviews are very early and mixed but I’ll put it on my “yes” list. TRDB.
Add comment July 29th, 2015