TOP SPIN- 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Providing a courtside view of competitive table tennis, this briskly paced documentary follows a trio of determined teen athletes as they undergo the rigors of training for a spot on the 2012 U.S. Olympic team.”
8/18/15- No reviews as yet. TRDB.
Add comment August 18th, 2015
MATEO- 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Mateo is a complicated guy. Born Matthew Stoneman and raised in New Hampshire, he loves nothing more than singing mariachi — a talent he acquired while serving time in prison. Now, his life is all about getting to Cuba to complete his dream project.”
8/18/15- So far just 2 reviews– one very good and the other very bad. TRDB.
Add comment August 18th, 2015
BEING EVEL- 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Chronicling the life and lore of motorcycle daredevil Robert “Evel” Knievel, this revealing documentary details the triumphs and bone-crushing failures of his spectacular career, his humble origins and his personal battles.”
8/18/15- Great reviews for this movie. TRDB.
Add comment August 18th, 2015
ROSENWALD- 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “This engaging documentary profiles businessman and philanthropist Julius Rosenwald, who rose from immigrant roots to become the president of Sears in 1908. In addition, he committed millions to improving educational opportunities for black children.”
8/14/15- Fairly good reviews by critics and less so by audiences. TRDB.
Add comment August 17th, 2015
HOW TO SMELL A ROSE- 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this documentary about a documentarian, filmmaker Les Blank visits cinema verité pioneer Richard Leacock in Normandy, France, to talk movies, food and life. Footage from Leacock’s films and his personal reminiscences round out the portrait.”
8/12/15- I’ve seen just 4 reviews and they are all excellent. TRDB.
Add comment August 12th, 2015
WE COME AS FRIENDS- 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Crisscrossing war-torn Sudan in a small plane, director Hubert Sauper creates a documentary record of the human tragedy taking place there. Among the film’s grim discoveries is a village slowly being poisoned by pollution from a nearby oilfield.”
8/10/15- Excellent reviews. TRDB.
Add comment August 10th, 2015
TANGO NEGRO: THE AFRICAN ROOTS OF TANGO- 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Angolan director Dom Pedro surveys the broad influence of African culture on South America’s musical heritage — particularly the role played in the evolution of tango, which is based on styles imported to the region by African slaves.”
8/10/15- Just 2 reviews and both are positive. TRDB.
Add comment August 10th, 2015
MERU- 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Taking on one of the most extreme challenges in mountaineering, three elite climbers set out to scale the imposing Shark’s Fin on India’s Mount Meru. This high-altitude documentary follows the tenacious team as they experience heartbreak and triumph.”
8/10/15- Great reviews. TRDB.
1/6/16- One more thing that I never want to do no matter how long I live. A well done documentary with some good insight into why or how people continue to place themselves in such danger. Also, a big question as to why they attempted the final climb with a handicapped partner. TRDB. Netflix.
Add comment August 10th, 2015
HOMME LESS- 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Delving into the flip side of the American Dream, documentarian Thomas Wirthenson trains his lens on New York City fashion photographer Mark Reay, whose prosperous and elegant veneer hides the truth: He’s homeless.”
8/7/15- Just 4 reviews— 2 up and 2 down. TRDB.
Add comment August 7th, 2015
CALL ME LUCKY- 2015. Synopsis by Netflix. “Flame-throwing comic and social critic Barry Crimmins shocked and delighted audiences for decades with his caustic view of America and its leaders. Over time, his rage would give way to a calmer but committed life as a peace activist.”
8/4/15- Fairly good reviews for this documentary. TRDB.
Add comment August 5th, 2015