Posts with the tag 'documentary'

THREE STARS

THREE STARS- 2012. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Focusing on ten Michelin 3 Star chefs, Three Stars depicts the everyday drama of life in gourmet restaurants and includes exclusive interviews and behind-the-scenes access to some of the world’s most talented chefs as they work in their gastronomic laboratories, hunt for exquisite ingredients in local markets, and gather rare edible plants along rough coastlines. It reveals the business of cooking on the highest level and highlights the various kitchen routines and culinary philosophies of chefs like Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Yannick Alléno, and Olivier Roellinger.”

So far, poor reviews all around. TRDB.

Add comment September 24th, 2012

HELLBOUND?

HELLBOUND?- 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “Enough with the comforting white light when we die; what if you end up, you know, in the other place? This thought-provoking film digs for answers. Theologians, clergy and pop culture figures discuss hell: its place in religion, history and reality.”

Good review in the NY Times on 9/21/12 and OK reviews in general. TRDB.

Add comment September 24th, 2012

DEAR MANDELA

DEAR MANDELA- 2012. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Destroyed homes, threats at gunpoint and high-court action, this battle by three young people to stand up for their rights is a testimony to people power. When the South African government promises to ‘eradicate the slums’ and begins to evict shack dwellers far outside the city, three friends who live in Durban’s vast shantytowns refuse to be moved. Dear Mandela follows their journey from their shacks to the highest court in the land as they invoke Nelson Mandela’s example and become leaders in a growing social movement. By turns inspiring, devastating and funny, the film offers a new perspective on the role that young people can play in political change and is a fascinating portrait of South Africa coming of age.”

Poor early reviews. TRDB.

Add comment September 24th, 2012

THEY CALL IT MYANMAR: LIFTING THE CURTAIN

THEY CALL IT MYANMAR: LIFTING THE CURTAIN- 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “Shot clandestinely over a two-year period in the second-most isolated country on the planet, Burma, this documentary lifts the curtain to expose everyday life in a country that has been held in the iron grip of a brutal military regime for 48 years.”

Very good reviews. TRDB.

Add comment September 24th, 2012

BLINKY AND ME

BLINKY AND ME- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Following his life from Nazi-occupied Poland to Israel to Australia, this documentary tells the story of pioneering animator Yoram Gross, who gained fame and fortune through his popular film series Blinky Bill.”

9/21/12- Poor review in today’s NY Times. Audience reviews have been mediocre also. TRDB.

Add comment September 21st, 2012

ELECTORAL DYSFUNCTION

ELECTORAL DYSFUNCTION- 2012. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “After discovering that the right to vote is missing from the U.S. Constitution, political humorist Mo Rocca sets out on a road trip to see how voting works — and doesn’t work — in America. He heads to Indiana, home to some of the strictest election laws in the country, and meets one Republican and one Democrat who take him inside their efforts to get out every vote during the 2008 Presidential election. As he progresses on his journey, Mo searches for the Electoral College; critiques ballot design with Todd Oldham; investigates the heated battle over Voter ID and voter fraud; and explores the case of a former felon who was sentenced to ten years in prison — for the crime of voting.”

9/21/12- Mixed reviews in general and in today’s NY Times. Audiences have liked it very much. TRDB.

Add comment September 21st, 2012

HEAD GAMES

HEAD GAMES- 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “This incisive documentary reveals how, with more than 1 million sports-related concussions occurring in the U.S. every year, athletes, doctors, coaches and parents are paying closer attention to the long-term damage resulting from collision sports.”

9/21/12- Great review in today’s NY Times and fairly good reviews by other critics as well. TRDB.

Add comment September 21st, 2012

THE REVISIONARIES

THE REVISIONARIES- 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “This documentary looks at a pitched cultural conflict over school textbook standards in Texas, as determined by the state’s Board of Education. For many, the creationist views of the board’s chairman run counter the findings of modern science.”

4/12/13- Very good reviews. TRDB.

Add comment September 18th, 2012

ESCAPE FIRE

ESCAPE FIRE: THE FIGHT TO RESCUE AMERICAN HEALTHCARE- 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “This documentary starkly outlines the crises the United States faces in its quest to provide affordable medical care to the nation’s citizens. In response to these problems, the filmmakers propose lower-cost alternatives to high-tech medicine.”

No reviews as yet and I hope that this isn’t a campaign advertisement. TRDB.

10/5/12- Good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.

Add comment September 18th, 2012

THE RIGHT TO LOVE: AN AMERICAN FAMILY

THE RIGHT TO LOVE: AN AMERICAN FAMILY- 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “This documentary recounts the debate stirred when two gay parents and their adopted kids decided to create a YouTube channel called Gay Family Values. The mix of hostility and support the family inspired reveals the deep divisions in U.S. society.”

9/14/12- Weak review in today’s NY Times. Mixed professional review in general and audiences have liked it. TRDB.

Add comment September 15th, 2012

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