PAD YATRA- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Hoping to preserve the fragile environment surrounding the world’s highest mountain range, 700 trekkers cross the Himalayas to spread their message. As part of the mission, the group also collects and packs out hundreds of pounds of litter.”
11/29/13- A weak review in today’s NY Times for this documentary. Other reviews have been mixed. TRDB.
Add comment November 29th, 2013
SHORED UP- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “This documentary spotlights the imminent disappearance of shorelines — and shoreside communities — amid global climate change. The film follows efforts to bolster towns in New Jersey and North Carolina, and reveals the roadblocks against change.”
11/29/13- A good review in today’s NY Times and from others as well. TRDB.
Add comment November 29th, 2013
WEEKEND OF A CHAMPION- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “In 1971, director Roman Polanski spent three days recording Formula One racing champion Jackie Stewart’s life leading up to the Monaco Grand Prix. This recut version of Polanski’s original film includes a reunion between the two men 40 years later.”
11/22/13- Good reviews all around including the review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
Add comment November 22nd, 2013
DIE NARDE (THE SCAR)- 2013. “Comprising a single helicopter ride that follows the entire length of the former Berlin Wall in real time, this compelling film traces the remains of a barrier that once split the city in two.”
11/22/13- Poor reviews including the one in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
Add comment November 22nd, 2013
JFK: A PRESIDENT BETRAYED- 2013. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “The Kennedy Administration, the golden days of our American “Camelot”, is one of the most written about and popular periods of American history. But there is one profound and moving story still waiting to be told. JFK: A President Betrayed uncovers new evidence that reveals how President John F. Kennedy boldly reversed deeply entrenched pro-war government policy to embark on secret back-channel peace efforts with Russian President Nikita Khrushchev, Cuban dictator Fidel Castro and other “enemies” of the United States.”
11/22/13- Good reviews from nearly every critic including the NY Times in today’s edition. TRDB.
Add comment November 22nd, 2013
WHICH WAY IS THE FRONT LINE FROM HERE? 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this moving documentary, Sebastian Junger pays tribute to Tim Hetherington, his co-director on the Oscar-nominated film Restrepo, a talented and compassionate photojournalist who was killed while covering the war in Libya in 2011.”
11/22/13- Excellent reviews by everybody. TRDB.
11/23/13- An excellent documentary about the man who, unfortunately, was killed doing his job as a photo journalist in Libya. Plenty of footage of war but also plenty of Hetherington speaking directly to the camera about his views of life. TRDB.
Add comment November 22nd, 2013
IT’S BETTER TO JUMP- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “This documentary about past and present-day Akka, a village in Northern Israel, looks at Arab families trying to hold on to their roots. All the while, the young villagers’ defiant attitude is reflected in their reckless leaps from a seaside cliff.”
11/22/13- Weak reviews in general and in today’s NY Times as well. TRDB.
Add comment November 22nd, 2013
HOME- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Pushing ahead in his battle with mental illness, 33-year-old Jack is ready to leave his group home and rent an apartment, despite his doctor’s doubts. But when the rent is raised and his work hours cut, Jack considers some risky options for funds.”
11/22/13- Just an OK review in today’s NY Times and it was the only review I could find. TRDB.
Add comment November 22nd, 2013
DETROIT UNLEADED- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “When a robber kills his father, Lebanese-American Sami abandons his college plans and takes over the family’s Detroit gas station. Co-managing with his ambitious cousin, Sami watches his future unfold amid a series of long days and weird customers.”
11/22/13- Good reviews in general and a very good one in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
Add comment November 22nd, 2013
COLD TURKEY- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this holiday-gone-bad yarn, Peter Bogdanovich plays the patriarch of the dysfunctional Turner clan, a blended family gathering for Thanksgiving. But with the arrival of estranged daughter Nina, long-simmering grievances and resentments surface.”
11/22/13- Awful reviews all over and in today’s NY Times as well. TRDB.
Add comment November 22nd, 2013