LA BARE- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Magic Mike actor Joe Manganiello makes his directorial debut with this absorbing documentary profiling the dancers at a Dallas male strip club, where elaborate choreography, punishing physical regimens and showmanship are demanded of every performer.”
6/27/14- Weak reviews. TRDB.
Add comment June 29th, 2014
THE INTERNET’S OWN BOY- THE STORY OF AARON SWARTZ- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “After he helped design the original Internet protocol RSS, programming legend Aaron Swartz became an ardent information activist. This probing documentary details what became of his wide-open future after he was charged with computer fraud.”
6/27/14- Excellent reviews from critics and audiences alike. TRDB.
Add comment June 28th, 2014
BOUND BY FLESH- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Perhaps the most famous conjoined twins of all time, the Hiltons became a vaudeville sensation before falling on hard times and dying in poverty. This absorbing documentary follows their unique life, which was fraught with exploitation and hardship.”
6/27/14- Very good reviews by critics and OK ones by audiences. TRDB.
Add comment June 28th, 2014
ALIVE INSIDE- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “This moving documentary follows social worker Dan Cohen as he uses music to unlock memory in nursing-home patients afflicted with Alzheimer’s disease.”
6/23/14- Fairly good reviews. TRDB.
Add comment June 23rd, 2014
WHITEY: USA VS. JAMES J. BULGER- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Acclaimed documentarian Joe Berlinger lays bare the real story of South Boston crime boss James “Whitey” Bulger, including his sensational 2013 trial.”
6/27/14- A very good review in today’s NY Times and OK reviews by other critics. Some really bad ones too. Audiences have liked it more. TRDB.
11/17/14- I was looking forward to seeing this movie but I found it incredibly boring. TRDB. Netflix.
Add comment June 23rd, 2014
LIFE ITSELF- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Follow Roger Ebert from his school newspaper days to his status as America’s premier film critic in this documentary drawn from his memoir.”
6/23/14- Great reviews. TRDB.
Add comment June 23rd, 2014
IVORY TOWER- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Spotlighting the upward spiral in college tuition fees since the 1970s, this sober documentary questions the true value of such costly education. Interviews with academic experts and online education pioneers bring to light emerging alternatives.”
6/13/14– Fairly good critical review but audiences have disliked this movie uniformly. TRDB.
Add comment June 16th, 2014
EVERGREEN: THE ROAD TO LEGALIZATION- 2014. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Tracking the behind-the-scenes efforts of both the pro- and anti-initiative groups, the film serves as a case study for other states in determining how to reform their own drug policies, and examines the civic, economic and human impact of marijuana legalization.”
6/13/14- Just OK professional reviews but audiences have liked this documentary very much. TRDB.
Add comment June 16th, 2014
WALKING THE CAMINO: SIX WAYS TO SANTIAGO- 2013. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “500 miles on foot. Bunk-beds. Blisters. Stunning landscapes. World-class snorers. Hot searing sun, freezing cold rain. Kindness from strangers. Debilitating injury. Unexpected romance. No toilet paper when you really need it. Profound grief and deep doubt. Hunger. Laughing with new friends. Total exhaustion. You are guaranteed to experience all of this when walking the ancient pilgrim path, the Camino de Santiago.”
6/6/14– Very good reviews from critics and audiences alike. TRDB.
Add comment June 9th, 2014
SMALL SMALL THING- 2014. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Small Small Thing begins at JFK Hospital in Monrovia, the capital of Liberia, and urban center of this West African country. Olivia is 9 years old, severely malnourished and handicapped. Her condition is life threatening. Believing her injuries to be the result of witchcraft, Olivia’s mother had been hiding her for years. The doctors conclude her condition is the result of a brutal rape that took place when Olivia was 7 years old. When pressured to reveal her rapist, Olivia names her cousin. This diagnosis has severe consequences.”
6/6/14- The few critical reviews that I read were all positive. Audiences also were as well. TRDB.
Add comment June 9th, 2014