FIGHTER- 2003. Directed by Amir Bar-Lev. A documentary about Jan Wiener, a Czech Jew who escaped through Europe, got to England and became a fighter pilot and hero. An old friend and he retrace his steps through Europe and have a conflictual relationship that explodes on screen. Great movie!! 9/03
Add comment November 1st, 2009
FOOD, INC.- Premise by Netflix. “Drawing on Eric Schlosser‘s Fast Food Nation and Michael Pollan‘s The Omnivore’s Dilemma, director Robert Kenner‘s documentary explores the food industry’s detrimental effects on our health and environment. Kenner spotlights the men and women who are working to reform an industry rife with monopolies, questionable interpretations of laws and subsidies, political ties and rising rates of E. coli outbreaks.” Good documentary for anybody who eats.
Add comment October 21st, 2009
THE ENGLISH SURGEON- Premise by Netflix. “Get acquainted with the work of British brain surgeon Henry Marsh, who, since his haunting first visit to a Russian hospital in the early 1990s, has been devoted to founding a quality brain surgery clinic in the former Soviet Union. Marsh cobbles together secondhand tools and used equipment from hospitals in the U.K. to treat patients in need, such as Marian, a Ukrainian man for whom Marsh is his greatest hope.” Excellent reviews for this documentary.
11/9/09–Just saw this and here’s what I said- ” Directed by Geoffrey Smith and about Henry Marsh, a British neurosurgeon who does volunteer work in the Ukraine. The film is about the frustration of practicing in an undeveloped area, particularly when there are political problems in play. A few patients are explored in detail, including close-ups of surgery and the film is not for the squeamish. It’s really about a day in the life of a neurosurgeon and I liked it. Netflix. 11/09
Add comment October 21st, 2009
AMERICAN VIOLET- Premise by Netflix. ”Inspired by true events, this penetrating drama centers on Dee Roberts (Nicole Beharie), a 24-year-old mother of four who’s forced to take on a corrupt district attorney (Michael O’Keefe) when she’s unjustly prosecuted in a large-scale drug case. Directed by Tim Disney, the inspiring tale also stars Alfre Woodard as Dee’s mother, Alma, Tim Blake Nelson as ACLU attorney David Cohen and Will Patton as retired narcotics officer Sam Conroy.” Good reviews.
Very good acting and good dialogue make this film worthwhile despite the somewhat formulaic nature of the plot. Netflix. 10/09 (TRDB)
Add comment October 15th, 2009
FOOD BEWARE: THE FRENCH ORGANIC REVOLUTON- Premise by Zap2it. “The mayor of a French mountain village declares that the school system will serve only organic food to children.” I read a few poor reviews about this documentary about food but most have been good.
Add comment October 11th, 2009
ANVIL: THE STORY OF ANVIL- 2008. Directed by Sasha Gervasi. A documentary about the heavy metal group Anvil, wildly popular but went downhill fast. I didn’t like the music, the group, or the movie and turned it off. Netflix. 10/09
Add comment October 11th, 2009
EVERY LITTLE STEP- Premise by Netflix. “Go backstage for an up-close look at a Broadway production with this entertaining documentary that follows hopeful dancers as they audition for coveted spots in the 2006 revival of “A Chorus Line.” Drawing parallels between the interactions of the aspiring actors and the events of the play, filmmakers Adam Del Deo and James D. Stern also intercut interview footage of composer Marvin Hamlisch and dancers from the original Broadway production.” I saw this and liked it a lot.
Add comment October 2nd, 2009
COCO BEFORE CHANEL- Premise by Rotten Tomatoes. “ Coco Before Chanel is the story of Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel, who began her life as headstrong orphan, and through an extraordinary journey became the legendary couturier who embodied the modern woman and became a timeless symbol of success, freedom and style. The film portrays the formative years of Chanel’s life, the years of Chanel spent discovering and inventing herself.” Mixed reviews, mostly good.
11/16/09– Saw this and liked it.
Add comment October 1st, 2009
ANVIL: THE STORY OF ANVIL- Premise by Netflix. “Formed by two 14-year-olds in the 1970s, Canadian heavy metal band Anvil influenced the great acts that followed, such as Anthrax and Metallica. This documentary joins Anvil‘s now middle-aged founders as they recover from a disastrous tour of Europe. Hoping to end their youthful dreams and careers on a high note, Robb Reiner, Steve “Lips” Kudlow and the band set out to record their 13th album, “This Is Thirteen.” Very good reviews.
Add comment September 28th, 2009
THE LEAST OF THESE- 2009. By Clark and Jesse Lyda. A documentary about T. Don Hutto, a detention center for illegal immigrants in Texas and the deplorable conditions for these inmates, many of whom are innocent children. A sizable portion of the inmates are in this country seeking asylum and NOT here for economic reasons. Very good. 9/09
Add comment September 27th, 2009