EVAPORATING BORDERS- 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “This pensive documentary focuses on desperate asylum-seekers who’ve reached the island of Cyprus, only to face a new set of trials. Divided into five chapters, the film underscores the challenges faced by these strangers in a strange land.
6/19/15- Just 2 reviews so far– one up and one down (the NY Times). It sounds interesting to me and I’ll go for it. TRDB.
Add comment June 19th, 2015
3 1/2 MINUTES, 10 BULLETS- 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “In November 2012, loud music led to a lethal altercation in Florida between four black teens and a white man, leaving one youth dead in a hail of gunfire and leading to the controversial trial played out in this engrossing documentary.”
6/19/15- Excellent reviews from critics but audiences were mixed, more negative than positive. TRDB.
Add comment June 19th, 2015
RUBBLE KINGS- 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “During the 1970s, New York City’s neighborhoods were overrun by gang violence. This in-depth documentary looks at an unlikely band of young residents who helped bring peace to the streets by ushering in hip-hop culture.”
6/19/15- Good reviews by critics and excellent ones by audiences. TRDB.
Add comment June 19th, 2015
TALKING STICKS- 2013. Synopsis by IMDB. “A musician embarks on a path of musical discovery with the keyboard percussion instruments vibraphone and marimba. Taking us on his inner and outer journeys is Arthur Lipner, one of today’s top players. Learn of the central roles marimba plays in the cultures of Ghana and Mexico. Watch marimbas being made in Ghana, Mexico and USA factories. Hear vibes and marimba with the National Symphony of Brazil, and experience Carnival in streets of Rio. In Norway, Lipner improvises on a xylophone he makes out of ice! A historical perspective of Jazz vibes is interwoven through personal interviews with legendary percussionists Gary Burton, Mike Mainieri and others. Experience extraordinary concert footage, along with fascinating information and Lipner’s inspiring story of global musical connection.”:
6/13/15- I saw this movie at the Unitarian Church in Westport, CT and enjoyed it very much. Arthur Lipner was present and played for 45 minutes. This movie has not been released as yet. TRDB.
Add comment June 14th, 2015
THE WOLFPACK- 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “In the heart of Manhattan, Baghavan and Susanne have raised their seven kids with virtually no exposure to the outside world. This startling documentary captures their offspring’s unique views of society — molded largely by films they’ve watched.”
6/12/15- Very good reviews. TRDB.
6/19/15- This documentary proves once again that the truth is stranger than fiction. Nobody could make this up. The film was very different, creative and disturbing but definitely worth seeing. TRDB. At the Theater.
Add comment June 12th, 2015
AN OPEN SECRET- 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Lifting the veil on a taboo show business subject, this alarming documentary looks beyond the winsome smiles of Hollywood’s child stars to the long history of young actors who’ve been sexually exploited by powerful industry insiders.”
6/12/15- Excellent reviews for this documentary. TRDB.
Add comment June 12th, 2015
SOAKED IN BLEACH- 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “With mystery still clinging to grunge icon Kurt Cobain’s death, this intriguing docudrama examines the case from the perspective of a private eye hired by Courtney Love to find her husband after he left a rehab facility days before his demise.”
6/11/15- Great audience reviews but weak professional ones. TRDB.
Add comment June 11th, 2015
THE YES MEN ARE REVOLTING- 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Going by the pseudonyms Andy Bichlbaum and Mike Bonanno, infamous duo the Yes Men continues to expose company shills and government stooges through phony events and prankster activism — this time focusing on global warming.”
6/11/15- Very good reviews. TRDB.
Add comment June 11th, 2015
THE SEARCH FOR FREEDOM- 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Set against a backdrop of spectacular action footage, this inspiring documentary delves into the history and human stories behind the acceptance of once-fringe action and extreme sports into mainstream culture.”
6/11/15- I’ve seen only 1 review and it’s miserable. TRDB.
Add comment June 11th, 2015
LIVE FROM NEW YORK- 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “This retrospective documentary looks at the evolution of “Saturday Night Live,” a national institution that has transformed late-night TV entertainment and brought global recognition to a host of future stars, including Eddie Murphy and Bill Murray.”
6/8/15- Good reviews by critics and very good ones by audiences. TRDB.
Add comment June 8th, 2015