OUR MAN IN TEHRAN- 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Following close on the heels of Hollywood’s version of the 1979 Iran hostage crisis (Argo), this documentary focuses on Canada’s role in the ordeal, revealing new details about the efforts of the Canadian ambassador and the CIA to save six Americans.”
5/15/15- Excellent reviews. TRDB.
Add comment May 15th, 2015
DARK STAR: H.R. GIGER’S WORLD- 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “This definitive new documentary brings viewers into the home and life of the surrealist goth artist who won an Academy Award for designing the legendary character from Ridley Scott’s Alien films starring Sigourney Weaver opposite creatures of Giger’s creation.”
5/15/15- Poor professional reviews but audiences have liked it. I’ll miss it. TRDB.
Add comment May 15th, 2015
FORBIDDEN FILMS- 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “This unsettling documentary focuses on a host of Nazi propaganda films produced during World War II, whose content underscores the abhorrent philosophy and rabid anti-Semitism fed to the German public under Adolf Hitler’s regime.”
5/13/15- Good early reviews. TRDB.
Add comment May 14th, 2015
THE SEVEN FIVE- 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “In the 1980s and ’90s, cop Michael Dowd terrorized New York City’s drug dealers, shaking them down at gunpoint for cash and cocaine. This riveting documentary looks at his fall from grace and the biggest police corruption scandal in Gotham’s history.”
5/8/15- Good reviews from critics and audiences. TRDB.
10/19/15- This movie was interesting for about 30 minutes or so and then became repetitious with all of the stories narrated by Dowd himself. I lost patience and turned if off. TRDB. Netflix.
Add comment May 8th, 2015
NATURAL RESISTANCE- 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Reprising the theme of his 2004 documentary Mondovino, wine authority Jonathan Nossiter visits Italy’s vineyards to chronicle independent vintners’ efforts to resist regulatory and commercial pressures to modernize their production methods.”
5/1/15- I’ve seen just 1 review (from the NY Times) and it’s good. Sounds boring to me. TRDB.
Add comment May 1st, 2015
IRIS- 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “At 93, fashion legend Iris Apfel is clearly still at the top of her game — supervising the dress selections for a tour, advising models and negotiating with buyers — in this affectionate documentary by Albert Maysles, himself an octogenarian.”
4/29/15- Excellent reviews by all critics and by audiences as well. TRDB.
Add comment April 29th, 2015
SOUL BOYS OF THE WESTERN WORLD- 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Formed in 1978 by five blue-collar London lads, Spandau Ballet set the pace for pop music in the 1980s, capturing the electronic beat of the times. This nostalgic documentary produced 30 years later spotlights the band’s memories of the era.”
4/29/15- Fairly good reviews from both audiences and critics. TRDB.
Add comment April 29th, 2015
WA-SHOKU: BEYOND SUSHI- 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Featuring interviews with well-known top chefs and culinary connoisseurs, this delicious documentary explores the history of traditional Japanese cuisine, from its origins to its rapid rise in popularity throughout the world.”
4/24/15- Just 4 reviews noted– 1 up and 3 down. TRDB.
Add comment April 24th, 2015
MISERY LOVES COMEDY- 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Entertainment industry lore suggests that comics and other funny showbiz folks are often sad or bitter in their personal lives. This engaging documentary explores that belief through candid interviews with Tom Hanks, Martin Short and more.”
4/24/15- Poor reviews. TRDB.
Add comment April 24th, 2015
GARDENERS OF EDEN- 2015. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Africa’s elephants are hurtling towards extinction to fuel the worldwide ivory trade. While conservationists howl and corrupt governments fail to address the ongoing slaughter, one brave family has been working for decades to stem the tide, one elephant at a time. This is a gripping, first-person experience inside the operations of Kenya’s David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.”
4/24/15- Just 2 reviews– both very positive for what sounds like a very good documentary. TRDB.
Add comment April 24th, 2015