HERB & DOROTHY 50X50- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “This follow-up to 2008’s Herb & Dorothy chronicles the Vogels’ mission to donate 2,500 works of art from their extensive collection. Bestowing 50 pieces to each state, the couple unwittingly opens a discussion on the role of art in the new century.”
8/26/13- Poor early reviews. TRDB.
Add comment August 26th, 2013
THE UNITED STATES OF FOOTBALL- 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “Sean Pamphilon is a father first, football fan second. Thus, with his 12-year-old son set to play, Pamphilon begins to investigate the sport’s safety. This film documents his sometimes shocking findings about gridiron brain injuries.”
8/23/13- Weak reviews so far in general and from today’s NY Times. TRDB.
Add comment August 24th, 2013
THE TRIALS OF MUHAMMAD ALI- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Exploring issues of race, religion and wartime conscientious objection, this documentary gives viewers an inside look at Muhammad Ali’s biggest battle: his struggle to overturn a five-year prison sentence after refusing to fight in Vietnam.”
8/23/13- Good reviews in general and in today’s NY Times as well. Audiences have liked this film very much. TRDB.
Add comment August 23rd, 2013
SALINGER- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Interviews with 150 of J.D. Salinger’s friends and colleagues shed light on the reclusive author in this absorbing documentary. High-profile writers and actors, including Martin Sheen, Gore Vidal and John Cusack, discuss how Salinger influenced them.”
9/6/13- Mostly poor reviews including the review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
Add comment August 23rd, 2013
RED OBSESSION- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Russell Crowe narrates this sobering study of how the tastes of China’s nouveau riche are driving up wine prices in France’s Bordeaux region — and pushing out Western customers who can no longer afford it.”
8/23/13- Very good reviews. TRDB.
9/6/13- A good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
Add comment August 23rd, 2013
OUT OF THE CLEAR BLUE SKY- 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “Directed by a family member of one of the victims, this gripping documentary tells the story of financial firm Cantor Fitzgerald in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack, which took the lives of 658 of the company’s employees.”
9/6/13- A good review in today’s NY Times and from mostly everyone else too. TRDB.
10/29/14- A terrific documentary about the Cantor Fitzgerald firm after the 9/11 attacks using interviews with executives of the company and bereaved love ones. Should be a must-see. TRDB. Netflix.
Add comment August 23rd, 2013
GOOD OL’ FREDA- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Freda Kelly was just a shy Liverpudlian teenager when she was asked to work for a local band hoping to make it big: the Beatles. In Good Ol’ Freda, the band’s former secretary tells her personal stories for the first time in 50 years.”
9/13/13- Mixed reviews, mostly positive but the NY Times didn’t care for it, saying that it was more coy than candid. TRDB.
Add comment August 23rd, 2013
FIRE IN THE BLOOD- 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “Filmmaker Dylan Mohan Gray delves into Africa’s AIDS crisis to put a human face on those caught in the battle over inexpensive, generic HIV drugs. Gray reveals the power of American pharmaceutical companies in the global market and what’s at stake.”
9/6/13- Mixed early reviews– the NY Times felt that the movie deserved a better vehicle for its message. TRDB.
Add comment August 23rd, 2013
BEST KEPT SECRET- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “High school teacher Janet Mino has dedicated herself to helping a group of autistic students overcome obstacles and plan for normal lives. This documentary follows Mino as she prepares her kids — and their families — for the challenges ahead.”
9/6/13- Great reviews all around and in today’s NY Times as well. TRDB.
Add comment August 23rd, 2013
SPARK: A BURNING MAN STORY- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Each year, Nevada’s Burning Man festival gathers revelers for one free-spirited weeklong party in the middle of the desert. Capturing the energy of the festivities, organizers and attendees share their passion for this renowned artistic event.”
8/16/13- A few professional reviews and they are good including the one in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
Add comment August 16th, 2013