EXPOSED- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “The stars of New York’s new underground cabaret scene take the stage in this over-the-top documentary by acclaimed filmmaker Beth B. The film captures outrageous performances at the Slipper Room, where gender bending is only the beginning.”
3/14/14- Fairly good reviews and the NY Times liked it. TRDB.
Add comment March 15th, 2014
BIG MEN- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Where oil flows, money follows. This documentary picks up the trail of that liquid gold as it streams through Western Africa. Shot over a four-year period, the film looks at the nascent oil industry in Ghana and the more established one in Nigeria.”
3/14/14- Excellent reviews all around. The NY Times liked it very much. TRDB.
Add comment March 15th, 2014
THE ANONYMOUS PEOPLE- 2014. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Directed by Greg Williams, The Anonymous People features prominent people who are living publicly in long-term recovery, like former NBA star Chris Herren, award-winning actress Kristen Johnston (3rd Rock From the Sun, The Exes), Miss USA 2006 Tara Conner, best-selling author William Cope Moyers, former congressmen Patrick Kennedy and Jim Ramstad – and many others. Their brave testimonies dispel long-standing clichés about addiction and recovery.”
3/14/14- Audience reaction has been mixed but the NY Times definitely did not like it. TRDB.
Add comment March 15th, 2014
KIDS FOR CASH- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Seeking to dampen the appeal of youthful rebellion, juvenile court judge Mark Ciavarella starts handing out harsh sentences for trivial crimes. After a prisoner’s parent questions the judge’s practices, more questions arise in this documentary.”
2/28/14- Very good reviews from nearly everybody. TRDB.
Add comment March 4th, 2014
SON OF GOD- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “A follow-up to the landmark 2013 miniseries The Bible, this feature follows the life of Jesus Christ from his humble birth to his resurrection. Filmed in authentic historical locales, this epic presentation brings new life to the miraculous story.”
2/28/14- Weak reviews all around. TRDB.
Add comment March 4th, 2014
ELAINE STRITCH: SHOOT ME- 2014. Synopsis by Netflix. “Still refreshingly caustic at 87, Broadway legend Elaine Stritch looks back on her life and career in this feature-length portrait composed of candid reflections, rare archival footage and testimonials from her dearest friends.”
1/21/14- Excellent reviews all around. TRDB.
Add comment March 3rd, 2014
PETER BROOK: THE TIGHTROPE- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Famed theater director Peter Brook reveals his approach to teaching and working with actors in this documentary filmed by his son, Simon Brook. The passionate Brook guides a cast of stage veterans through exercises meant to hone their onstage skills.”
1/31/14- Just a few reviews as of now. The NY Times liked it. TRDB.
Add comment January 31st, 2014
HANK: FIVE YEARS FROM THE BRINK- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “From Joe Berlinger, the director of the “Paradise Lost” trilogy, comes this documentary about U.S. Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson and his efforts to convince Congress that only a trillion dollar bailout of Wall Street would prevent economic ruin.”
1/31/14- A weak review in today’s NY Times. Just a few others noted and they are mixed. TRDB.
Add comment January 31st, 2014
BREAKING THE FRAME- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Envelope-pushing artist Carolee Schneeman talks about her disarming aesthetic — and her cats — in this all-encompassing documentary portrait that boasts a soundtrack of music by her late companion and collaborator, James Tenney.”
1/31/14- A good review in today’s NY Times. Other critics have liked it also. TRDB.
Add comment January 31st, 2014
RETURN OF THE VIOLIN-
1/26/14- I saw this movie at the Palm Beach Jewish Film Festival and while I did enjoy it I felt that it was nowhere as good as “Orchestra of Exiles” which preceded it. Both were about the fate of Jewish musicians during the Nazi era. TRDB.
Add comment January 27th, 2014