BETTER THAN SOMETHING: JAY REATARD- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “This documentary chronicles Tennessee garage rocker Jay Reatard from his humble beginning through to his cult stardom and untimely death at age 29. Performance footage accompanies interviews with the punk singer’s family, friends and colleagues.”
3/2/12- A barely OK review in today’s NY Times but other reviews were much better, especially audience reviews. TRDB.
Add comment March 2nd, 2012
WHERE ARE YOU TAKING ME?- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this easygoing documentary, American filmmaker Kimi Takesue journeys to Uganda and films the everyday activities of average Ugandans — from guests at a wedding reception and patrons at a hip-hop nightclub to ordinary passersby in the street. Guided through the rough-and-tumble city of Kampala by African-born writer Sam Okello, Takesue also chronicles the work at a refuge for former child soldiers once caught up in the country’s civil war.”
3/2/12- A few early positive professional reviews but poor audience reaction. TRDB.
Add comment March 2nd, 2012
PATRIOCRACY- 2012. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Americans are polarized and angry. In the crossfire, the loudest voices drown out reason and facts with fear and anxiety. Patriocracy explores the extreme polarization in America that cripples the country from tackling its most serious problems. Whether it’s the national debt, healthcare reform, the war on terror or illegal immigration, Americans are shouting at each other instead of listening to each other.”
3/2/12- Weak review in today’s NY Times and elsewhere also. TRDB.
Add comment March 2nd, 2012
ART IS… THE PERMANENT REVOLUTION- 2012. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “The anger and outrage captured by graphic artists have defined revolutions through the centuries. Printmakers have depicted the human condition in all its glories and struggles so powerfully that perceptions, attitudes and politics have been dramatically influenced. And the value and impact of this art is even more important today. In the new documentary, Art Is… The Permanent Revolution, three contemporary American artists and a master printer help explain the dynamic sequences of social reality and protest. Among the wide range of 60 artists on display are Rembrandt, Goya, Daumier, Kollwitz, Dix, Masereel, Grosz, Gropper, and Picasso. While their stirring graphics sweep by, the making of an etching, a woodcut and a lithograph unfolds before our eyes, as the contemporary artists join their illustrious predecessors in creating art of social engagement.”
3/2/12- Excellent reviews including the one in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
Add comment March 2nd, 2012
THE FAIRY- 2012. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Belgium-based trio Dominique Abel, Fiona Gordon and Bruno Romy follow their acclaimed Iceberg and Rumba with another Tati-inspired, candy-colored romp: this time, a charmingly off-kilter adventure about a hotel clerk who falls in love with a wish-granting fairy.”
2/24/12- Very good professional reviews but today’s NY Times review was difficult to interpret. Too many pluses and minuses. TRDB.
Add comment February 24th, 2012
THE VOW- 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “Rachel McAdams stars in this romantic drama about a newlywed woman who slips into a coma after a car accident and awakens with amnesia. Her devoted husband (Channing Tatum) must help her recover — and he also needs to win her back.”
2/10/12- Weak professional reviews including today’s NY Times but audiences have given good early reviews. TRDB.
Add comment February 10th, 2012
THE MINER’S HYMMS- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Using a variety of stunning visuals, documentarian Bill Morrison examines the evolution of a close-knit British mining community, from the troubled economic times of the 1930s through the turbulent 1960s and the divisive labor movements of the 1980s.”
2/9/12- Great reviews and a very good one in today’s NY Times as well. TRDB.
Add comment February 9th, 2012
WE HAVE A POPE- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “The newly elected Pope suffers a panic attack just as he is due to appear on St Peter’s balcony to greet the faithful, who have been patiently awaiting the conclave’s decision. His advisers, unable to convince him he is the right man for the job, seek help from a renowned psychoanalyst (and atheist). But his fear of the responsibility suddenly thrust upon him is one that he must face on his own.” Generally poor reviews. TRDB.
4/6/12- Very good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
4/15/12- Despite the fair to poor reviews I enjoyed this film about a man suffering with the awesome responsibility placed on him and his questions about being able to do the job. TRDB. Comcast On-Demand.
Add comment February 7th, 2012
UNDEFEATED- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Cinéma vérité tackles football in this inspirational profile of an inner-city Memphis high school football team, whose downtrodden players combine with a dedicated volunteer coach in a valiant effort to reach the school’s first-ever playoff game.” Good audience reaction but no professional reviews as yet. TRDB.
2/17/12- Excellent reviews in today’s NY Times and elsewhere for this nominated film for Best Documentary for this year’s Academy Awards. TRDB.
Add comment February 3rd, 2012
PUTIN’S KISS- 2012. Synopsis by RottenTomatoes. “Putin’s Kiss portrays contemporary life in Russia through the story of Masha, a 19 year-old girl who is a member of Nashi, a political youth organization connected with the Kremlin. Extremely ambitious, the young Masha quickly rises to the top of Nashi, but begins to question her involvement when a dissident journalist whom she has befriended is savagely attacked.” Very good reviews. TRDB.
2/17/12- Poor review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
Add comment February 3rd, 2012