THE CRASH REEL- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Two childhood friends become snowboard legends in this documentary about Shaun White and Kevin Pearce that incorporates 15 years of film footage. While Pearce recovers from a nearly fatal crash, White wins gold at the Vancouver Winter Olympics.
11/21/13- Great reviews. TRDB.
Add comment November 21st, 2013
THE PUNK SINGER- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Filmmaker Sini Anderson chronicles the life of outspoken feminist musician Kathleen Hanna, including her mysterious and sudden retirement in 2005. New and vintage performance clips, spanning Hanna’s entire career, reveal her undeniable power.”
11/20/13- I’ve seen 4 reviews– all very good. TRDB.
11/29/13- A weak review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
Add comment November 20th, 2013
LONG ISLAND RAILROAD MASSACRE- 2013. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “On December 7, 1993, a coward stepped onto a crowded train and committed the worst crime in Long Island history. Go in-depth with director Charlie Minn as he interviews witnesses and families of victims, adding to the tension of this intense and emotional film.”
11/15/13- A good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
Add comment November 18th, 2013
COUSIN JULES- 2013. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “COUSIN JULES: a rare combination of sophisticated movie-making technique (shot in CinemaScope and recorded in stereo) and content that is a veritable ode to the beauty of rural France, the simplicity of daily peasant life, and the nearly wordless intimacy of a lifelong relationship. Recording over a 5-year period, director Benicheti palpably captures the rhythms and rituals of blacksmith Jules Guiteaux and his wife Félicie as Jules dons wooden clogs and leather apron to begin work in his shop.”
11/12/13- No reviews as yet. TRDB.
11/27/13- The review in today’s NY Times was mixed saying that the film was “a wonder to see and hear,” but there is less to it than meets the eye. TRDB.
to it then meets the eye.”
Add comment November 12th, 2013
NARCO CULTURA- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Exploring the lives of a Mexican crime scene investigator and a Mexican American narcocorrido singer, this documentary examines how the culture of narcotics trafficking has become a twisted new version of the American Dream.”
11/12/13- I’ve seen just 2 reviews and they are both good. TRDB.
11/22/13- A weak review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
Add comment November 12th, 2013
WHEN COMEDY WENT TO SCHOOL- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “A host of iconic comedians — including Jerry Lewis, Sid Caesar, Jackie Mason, Mort Sahl and Jerry Stiller — appear in this engaging documentary about the birth of modern stand-up comedy that occurred in the resorts of the Catskill Mountains.”
11/8/13- Mixed reviews including some really poor ones. I enjoyed it. TRDB.
Add comment November 8th, 2013
CAUCUS- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “This documentary reveals a 2011 Iowa Caucus that TV audiences didn’t see, capturing the Republican presidential candidates on the campaign trail. The film features candid moments with Mitt Romney, Rick Santorum, Rick Perry, Newt Gingrich and others.”
11/8/13- A very good review from the NY Times today and from other critics as well. Audiences have liked it very much. TRDB.
Add comment November 8th, 2013
12-12-12- 2013. Synopsis by IMDB- “A behind-the-scenes look at the televised benefit concert to raise relief funds for victims of Hurricane Sandy in 2012.”
11/14/13- Mixed reviews, more good than bad including a fair review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
Add comment November 6th, 2013
SPECIESISM: THE MOVIE- 2013. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Modern farms are struggling to keep a secret. Most of the animals used for food in the United States are raised in giant, bizarre factories, hidden deep in remote areas of the countryside. Speciesism: The Movie director Mark Devries set out to investigate. The documentary takes viewers on a sometimes funny, sometimes frightening adventure, crawling through the bushes that hide these factories, flying in airplanes above their toxic “manure lagoons,” and coming face-to-face with their owners.”
11/6/13- Early reviews are very good. TRDB.
11/15/13- A weak review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
Add comment November 6th, 2013
LION ARK- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “The daring rescue of 25 lions from illegal Bolivian circuses, an event caught on tape, forms the centerpiece of this provocative documentary. The film also presents footage from the undercover sting that led to the nation’s ban on animal acts.”
11/15/13- Fairly good reviews in general and the review in today’s NY Times was positive. TRDB.
Add comment November 5th, 2013