SURVIVING PROGRESS- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “This bracing documentary considers whether human “progress” stemming from the Industrial Age could be paving the way for civilization’s collapse. The film asks a range of thinkers whether the modern world might be headed for a “progress trap.”
Very good reviews with a few distinct negatives as well. TRDB.
Add comment April 26th, 2012
INVENTING OUR LIFE: THE KIBBUTZ EXPERIMENT- 2012. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Set against the backdrop of its glorious 100-year history, Inventing Our Life: The Kibbutz Experiment reveals the heartbreak and hope of Israel’s modern kibbutz movement as a new generation struggles to ensure its survival. Can a radically socialist institution survive a new capitalist reality? How will painful reforms affect those who still believe in the kibbutz experiment, and continue to call it home?”
Just a few reviews and they are not good. TRDB.
Add comment April 23rd, 2012
FOLLOW ME: THE YONI NETANYAHU STORY- 2012. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Two story arcs that will tragically and heroically connect. The first is the dramatic Entebbe hijack and rescue, 8 days when a nation held its breath and executed a military miracle that redefined the Jewish Nation’s call “Never Again!” The second is the remarkable life story of Jonathan Netanyahu, a young soldier who struggled to find the balance between the people and the Nation he loved. This film is about Jonathan’s life, and what led these two dramatic story arcs to intersect on that fateful day.”
4/21/12- An excellent documentary that dealt with a complex man living in a complex time. I liked it very much. At the 2012 Westchester Jewish Film Festival at Jacob Burns Film Center.
5/18/12- Today’s NY Times thought that the movie made him look too saintlike. TRDB.
Add comment April 22nd, 2012
LAST CALL AT THE OASIS- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “This compelling documentary explores the global water crisis, examining deficiencies in the supply system and communities affected by water shortages. Scientists, activists and social entrepreneurs shed light on this shocking and pervasive problem.”
Poor early reviews. TRDB.
5/4/12- An OK review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
Add comment April 21st, 2012
FIRST POSITION- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “This fascinating documentary follows dancers training for the Youth America Grand Prix, one of the world’s most prestigious ballet competitions. The stakes are high: Their performances will determine the success or failure of the young girls’ dreams.”
Very few reviews and they are OK. TRDB.
5/4/12- A good review in today’s NY Times that brought up a bit of controversy in the making of this documentary. TRDB.
5/22/12- A well done and interesting documentary about what it takes to make it in this field and what it’s like to be a child competitor. The controversy with this movie was related to the fact that the competition organizers had a hand in the making of the movie. In particular they helped select the subjects to be followed and were involved in other aspects as well. TRDB. Comcast On-Demand.
Add comment April 21st, 2012
CARTAS A ELENA- 2010. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “In the beautiful hills of Copper Canyon in Chihuahua, a young boy Emile is adopted by the postman Matt. As part of their daily tasks, they not only deliver the mail and read the letters to the habitants, also take dictation, since most are illiterate. The young Emilio quickly learns to read and write but is saddened by the difficult stories sent in by relatives who have migrated north of Denver, Colorado in search of a better future. One day, Emilio takes over the post and with great imagination, changes the letters so they are happy and optimistic. In just days, the town is transformed. While on duty, Emilio meets a young girl named who becomes his first love.”
No reviews yet but this does sound interesting. TRDB.
Add comment April 21st, 2012
THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “To make the most of their meager retirement savings, a group of British seniors relocates to India to live out their golden years at the Marigold Hotel. But upon arrival, they discover that the once-lavish resort has wilted considerably.”
Rotten Tomatoes said– “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel follows a group of British retirees who decide to “outsource” their retirement to less expensive and seemingly exotic India. Enticed by advertisements for the newly restored Marigold Hotel and bolstered with visions of a life of leisure, they arrive to find the palace a shell of its former self. Though the new environment is less luxurious than imagined, they are forever transformed by their shared experiences, discovering that life and love can begin again when you let go of the past.
Very good early reviews called this film a bit schmaltzy but well done. TRDB.
5/4/12- Today’s NY Times gave this an OK review. TRDB.
5/11/12- I agree with the reviewers. A few good lines, a great pictoral travelogue and not a heck of a lot much more. TRDB.
Add comment April 21st, 2012
MURDER CAPITAL OF THE WORLD- 2012. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “In 2011, the biggest story in Juarez is that the murder rate is down about 33 percent from 2010. While many might consider this a victory, it is not. About 2,000 more murders occurred in 2011, most of them going unsolved. Murder Capital of the World recaps the biggest events in 2011 from this poor, industrial city. The “old” mayor is the “new” mayor. A controversial new police chief takes the city by storm, a pot-smuggling operation becomes more prominent, a shoot-out at the municipal prison and many efforts to repair the cities violent image are all anaylzed. The upcoming 2012 presidential election in Mexico is reviewed as well.”
4/20/12- Good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
Add comment April 20th, 2012
SNOW ON THA BLUFF- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Set in urban Atlanta, this hyperreal gangster drama centers on kinetic dope dealer Curtis Snow, who nabs a video camera off a pair of college kids, then begins recording the deals, deliveries and shoot-outs that comprise his daily operation. Whether outrunning the police or caring for his 2-year-old son, Snow takes the constant hustle in stride, but the fast-moving gangster feels real heat after crossing a revenge-minded rival dealer.”
4/20/12- Very good reviews in general and in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
Add comment April 20th, 2012
WHORES’ GLORY- 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “Prostitution may be a global profession, but each nation — including the three profiled in this provocative documentary — practices it in its own way. Journey to Mexico, Bangladesh and Thailand, where culture and religion have shaped the sex trade.”
4/27/12- Good professional reviews and mediocre audience reaction. Fair review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
Add comment April 16th, 2012