GILBERT- 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “With an outsized personality and a penchant for finding humor where others may not, Gilbert Gottfried isn’t someone who seems vulnerable. But that’s the trait that comes to the fore in this revealing portrait of the man behind the comedic mask.”
11/3/17- Excellent reviews for this documentary. TRDB.
Add comment November 3rd, 2017
FRANK SERPICO- 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “More than 40 years after turning whistle-blower, former undercover cop Frank Serpico — familiar to many from director Sidney Lumet’s classic 1973 film “Serpico” — reflects on his life in this engrossing documentary.”
11/1/17- Mixed reviews at best. TRDB.
Add comment November 1st, 2017
MANSFIELD 66/67- 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “Blond, busty and beautiful, Jayne Mansfield was as famous for her offscreen high jinks as for her onscreen roles. This documentary looks at the final two years of her life, including her liaison with a Satanist, which some believe led to her death.”
11/1/17- Very good reviews for this documentary. TRDB.
Add comment November 1st, 2017
RUMBLE: THE INDIANS WHO ROCKED THE WORLD- 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “Although routinely omitted from pop music archives, the substantial contributions of Native American musicians in an array of genres are detailed in this compelling documentary featuring stars ranging from Jimi Hendrix to Buffy Sainte-Marie.”
10/31/17- Excellent reviews from both critics and audiences. TRDB.
Add comment October 31st, 2017
THE WORK- 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “Twice a year, California’s Folsom Prison opens a group therapy program to inmates and outsiders. This documentary, codirected by a court videographer who’s a veteran of the sessions, offers a look into the participants as they delve into their pasts.”
10/27/17- Great reviews by everyone. TRDB.
4/9/18- An extremely creative movie with great reviews. Personally, I had difficulty watching the “soft side” of these brutes who are in prison for violent acts. TRDB. Netflix Disc.
Add comment October 30th, 2017
JOAN DIDION: THE CENTER WILL NOT HOLD- 2017. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Across more than 50 years of essays, novels, screenplays, and criticism, Joan Didion has been our premier chronicler of the ebb and flow of America’s cultural and political tides with observations on her personal – and our own – upheavals, downturns, life changes, and states of mind. In this intimate, extraordinary documentary, actor and director Griffin Dunne unearths a treasure trove of archival footage and talks at length to his “Aunt Joan” about the eras she covered.”
10/27/17- Excellent reviews. TRDB.
Add comment October 28th, 2017
TEMPESTADE- 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “Depicting the human cost of anarchism in Mexico, documentarian Tatiana Huezo chronicles the parallel stories of two women — Miriam and Adela — whose lives turn into nightmares as a result of the corruption and injustice plaguing the nation.”
10/20/17- Excellent reviews by the critics and by audiences as well. TRDB.
Add comment October 20th, 2017
ONE OF US- 2017. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “One of Us explores the opaque world of Hasidic Judaism through a cadre of fascinating characters. Through unique and intimate access over the span of three years, acclaimed observational filmmakers Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady (Jesus Camp, Detropia) delve into the lives of three brave individuals who have recently made the decision to leave the insular ultra-orthodox community at the expense of all else, including relationships with their family members.”
10/2/17- Excellent reviews from critics and fair ones from audiences. TRDB.
10/24/17- An excellent documentary and highly recommended. TRDB.
Add comment October 20th, 2017
JANE- 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “The discovery of half-century-old footage of celebrated primatologist Jane Goodall and her jungle menagerie of chimpanzees provides a new and engrossing look at her lifetime of work with humans’ closest evolutionary relatives.”
10/20/17- Great reviews!! TRDB.
Add comment October 20th, 2017
LIBERATION DAY- 2017. Synopsis by Netflix. “Famed for their glum cover versions of popular tunes, Slovenian art-rockers Laibach become the first rock band invited to play North Korea. This documentary chronicles the culture clashes and censorship issues that unfold before the performance.”
10/20/17- Poor reviews by the critics but audiences have liked this movie very much. TRDB.
Add comment October 20th, 2017