Monday, August 31, 2009

A Truly Heartbreaking Documentary

I've seen several extremely enlightening documentaries about the perils of immigrating from Central America to the the U.S. (namely "Wetback: The Undocumented Documentary (2005)" and "Crossing Arizona (2006)"). More recently I watched the "Short Life of Jose Antonio Gutierrez (2006)", who was pretty young when he traveled to the United States. But never has the idea of children making this journey hit home as it did with the HBO Documentary "Which Way Home (2009)".


""Which Way Home" is a feature documentary film that follows unaccompanied child migrants, on their journey through Mexico, as they try to reach the United States. We follow children like Olga and Freddy, nine-year old Hondurans, who are desperately trying to reach their parents in the US.; children like Jose, a ten-year old El Salvadoran, who has been abandoned by smugglers and ends up alone in a Mexican detention center; and Kevin, a canny, streetwise fourteen-year old Honduran, whose mother hopes that he will reach the U.S. and send money back to her. These are stories of hope and courage, disappointment and sorrow. They are the children you never hear about; the invisible ones."


Friday, August 28, 2009

Remembering Katrina

This weekend is the fourth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. There are several great documentaries about it out there, and I recommend all of them. But by far the most powerful and insightful has to be the must see, Academy Award nominated "Trouble the Water (2008)". Unlike the other documentaries which show New Orleans before and after the hurricane, this film shows what actually happened during the storm, from the stranded resident's perspective.

"TROUBLE THE WATER takes you inside Hurricane Katrina in a way never before seen on screen. It's a redemptive tale of two self-described street hustlers who become heroes-two unforgettable people who survive the storm and then seize a chance for a new beginning.

The film opens the day before the storm makes landfall-twenty-four year old aspiring rap artist Kimberly Rivers Roberts is turning her new video camera on herself and her 9th Ward neighbors trapped in the city. "It's going to be a day to remember," Kim declares. With no means to leave the city and equipped with just a few supplies and her hi 8 camera, she and her husband Scott tape their harrowing ordeal as the storm rages, the nearby levee breaches, and floodwaters fill their home and their community.

Seamlessly weaving 15 minutes of this home movie footage shot the day before and the day of the storm, with archival news segments and verite footage shot over two years, directors Tia Lessin and Carl Deal document a journey of remarkable people surviving not only failed levees, bungling bureaucrats and armed soldiers, but also their own past.

Directed and produced by Tia Lessin and Carl Deal and Executive Produced by Joslyn Barnes and Danny Glover of Louverture Films, edited and co-produced by T. Woody Richman, with addiitonal editing by Mary Lampson, Trouble the Water features an original musical score by Neil Davidge and Robert Del Naja of Massive Attack, and the music of Dr. John, Mary Mary, Citizen Cope, TK Soul, John Lee Hooker, and the Free Agents Brass Band and introduces the music of Black Kold Madina. "




During the movie, Kim gives an incredible performance of her song "Amazing", which unfortunately I can't find (there are other versions out there, but the clip from the film is far superior to the rest). That song alone makes this movie worth watching.

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Underrated 80s Flick: Blow Out

Today's selection of "Blow Out (1981)" is inspired by Ted Kennedy, who passed away yesterday (you may have to watch the movie to get the connection). Directed by Brian DePalma and starring John Travolta, Nancy Allen, and a very young John Lithgow, I guess this could be considered one of my favorite movies, since I still watch it regularly. There aren't too many movies that I can think of that combine political intrigue with a serial killer storyline, but somehow it works wonderfully here. "Blow Out" is actually a remake of the Italian film "Blowup (1966)", which I haven't seen yet, but I'd like to.

"This stylish Brian DePalma thriller plays off the theme of the unsuspecting witness who discovers a crime and is thereby put in grave danger, but with a novel twist. Jack is a sound-man who works on "Grade-B" horror movies. Late one evening, he is "sampling" sounds for use on his movies, when he hears something unexpected through his sound equipment and records it. Curiosity gets the better of him when the media become involved, and he begins to unravel the pieces of a nefarious conspiracy. As he struggles to survive against his shadowy enemies and expose the truth, he doesn't know who he can trust."

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

The Civilization of Maxwell Bright

I've always enjoyed Patrick Warburton as a comedic actor, so I was pretty surprised to see him starring in "The Civilization of Maxwell Bright (2005)" since it deals with some pretty heavy topics. The film does have a lot of funny moments as well, and a full frontal male nude scene in the first few minutes, so clearly it is a must see. There is also a pretty great cast (Jennifer Tilly, Eric Roberts, Carol Kane, Nora Dunn).

"Patrick Warburton (TV's Less Than Perfect and Seinfeld) is Max Bright, a male chauvinist who's tired of relationships with strong-willed, independent women. Max's solution: shell out big bucks for an Asian mail order bride who will do what she's told, only speak when spoken to and never say "no." But what Max gets is an unexpected lesson in life in this moving film about the search for meaning and the power of love." (Amazon)




(Rumor has it that this movie is available to stream on Netflix.)

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

One of the Most Intense and Disturbing Horror Films Ever

When I saw "Martyrs (2008)" at Blockbuster, I assumed that it was another "Saw"/"Hostel" type torture movie, but since it was foreign I figured I would check it out anyway. Boy was I wrong! It is really almost impossible to describe this movie. At first it appears to be an extremely violent revenge flick, mixed with a scary creature haunting. What is surprising is how quickly these aspects appear, it really has you wondering what could possibly happen in the rest of the movie. By around the middle of the film, it takes a completely unexpected turn. The last part of the movie is extremely difficult to watch, not only because of the disturbing visuals, but also because of the pacing. While it is uncomfortable, I think it manages to convey the intended tone.

"A young woman's quest for revenge against the people who kidnapped and tormented her as a child leads her and a friend, who is also a victim of child abuse, on a terrifying journey into a living hell of depravity."




I've seen lots of disturbing, gory movies over the years, but I really don't know if I could watch it again, although I feel I need to just to try to comprehend it better.

Monday, August 24, 2009

Ben Stiller + Heroin + Alf

Throw in some Elizabeth Hurley and Owen Wilson, and you get "Permanent Midnight (1998)". It is the true story of ALF writer (among other things) Jerry Stahl's battle with drug addiction, and it is both sad and hilarious.

"Comedy writer Jerry Stahl (Ben Stiller), whose $6000-a-week heroin habit had him taking his infant daughter along on his drug runs and doing smack during TV script conferences. Departing detox, Stahl explores memories with survivor Kitty, who listens patiently to Stahl's flashback. Other women in Stahl's life are his British wife Sandra (Elizabeth Hurley) and his agent Vola. For the TV series "Mr. Chompers" (inspired by ALF), Stahl meets with sitcom exec Craig Ziffer and puppeteer Allen. For freaky freebasing, Stahl hangs with mumbler Nicky and druggie Gus."


Friday, August 21, 2009

Towelhead

"Towelhead (2007)" is both disturbing and oddly funny. I saw this around the same time that I watched "The Dark Knight", so it was strange to see Aaron Eckhart as a sleazy neighbor (to put it mildly). The film explores sexuality, racism, and cultural differences in a pretty unique way, which makes it a must see (it's playing on Cinemax throughout August and September).

"Against the backdrop of the first Gulf War, Jasira Maroun is 13, physically well developed but naïve and unable to say no. As puberty arrives, her mother sends her from Syracuse to Houston to her curt, up-tight, Lebanese-born father. Over the next few months, Jasira must navigate her father's strict indifference, her discovery of sexual pleasure, the casual racism of a neighbor boy and her classmates, the sexual advances of the boy's father, the proffered friendship of a pregnant neighbor, and her attraction to Thomas, an African-American classmate whom her father forbids her to see. Things happen to her, but can she take responsibility and control, or is tragedy inevitable?"

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Underrated 80s Flick: Vice Squad

"Vice Squad (1982)" is probably my favorite 80s crime movie. I remember being scared as hell of the killer, Ramrod. In fact this movie is so scary and violent that it's also considered to be a horror movie (it was even featured in "Terror in the Aisles (1984)").


"A Los Angeles businesswoman, known only by her street name of Princess, turns to prostitution to support herself and her young daughter when she's forced by Detective Tom Walsh and his vice squad to help them arrest a brutal pimp named Ramrod for the murder of a prostitute named Ginger. But when Ramrod learns that he was set up, he escapes from police custody and begins a long night of tracking down Princess while Walsh and his vice squad are always one step behind him."



Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Meet "Zombie Girl"

As soon as I heard about "Zombie Girl (2009)", I knew I had to see it, since I love documentaries almost as much as I love zombies. As a parent, it was nice to see other other kids that are into horror movies, yet seem pretty well adjusted. Although her movie, "Pathogen (2006)", had an extremely low budget, her script is really intriguing.

"Emily Hagins is making a zombie movie. It's feature-length, it's bloody, and the zombies don't run. Just like it should be. But there's just one difference between her film and every other zombie movie you've ever seen. Emily is twelve."



You can watch the film for free on Snagfilms until 8/20.

Here is the trailer for "Pathogen", and her latest feature length film, "The Retelling (2009)"



Tuesday, August 18, 2009

What Does this Spanish Thriller Have in Common with "Lost"?

Since I don't watch "Lost", I really didn't make the connection between it and "Fermat's Room (2007)", but apparently numbers play a big part in the plot of "Lost", and the same goes for this movie. In fact 'the' magic numbers from "Lost" make an appearance in "Fermat's Room".

"Four mathematicians who do not know each other are invited by a mysterious host on the pretext of resolving a great enigma. The room in which they find themselves turns out to be a shrinking room that will crush them if they do not discover in time what connects them all and why someone might wish to murder them."



Although I didn't expect to, I really enjoyed this film. (It probably has to do with the fact that I love puzzles). In fact I might even be inspired to watch "Lost" now.

Monday, August 17, 2009

Funny Short Documentary About Brazilian Waxing

Seen on CurrentTv.

"From the short film Why We Wax by Kimberly Wetherell, this pod explores the history, fashion, function and not-strictly-feminine fascination with maintaining the hair... 'down there.'"

Friday, August 14, 2009

The Nine Lives of Marion Barry

Years ago, I bought a book at Dollar Tree (yes, Dollar Tree) about Marion Barry. Although I can't quite remember the details of the book, I do remember it being mostly focused on his scandals, so I didn't learn a lot about his early political career. Luckily I had a chance to watch "The Nine Lives of Marion Barry (2009)" on HBO. I must say, as a young politician, Marion Barry was dope. (no pun intended)



So who should play him in the (inevitable) movie? I say Kanye West for the early years, and John Witherspoon for the later years.

See Also: HBO Summer '09 Documentary Schedule

Southern Tradition, Secret Societies, and Football

When you mix all of these elements together you get a fascinating documentary called "'Bama Girl (2008)".

"'Bama Girl follows a charismatic black woman's quest to become the 2005 Homecoming Queen at the University of Alabama, one of the great Deep South institutions. Homecoming has a rich history there, tied into centuries of privilege, old money, and racial exclusivity. We follow Jessica Thomas' campaign for Queen, running against not only 15 other co-eds, but a strictly segregated Greek system, internal black politics, and, most ominously, a secret all-white association called 'The Machine' that has been controlling politics at the University for most of the past century. This is a film about the light and the dark sides of tradition - and a fascinating parable for the electoral politics that affect our country everyday."

Thursday, August 13, 2009

New Season of Independent Lens is Coming

"Independent Lens" on PBS is one of my favorite shows on television. The new fall schedule has been announced, and once again they have some great films lined up:



You can watch previous episodes online here.

See Also: Documentary vs. Biopic: Petey Greene Edition

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Lords of the Revolution

VH1 has a new documentary series airing this week called "Lords of the Revolution", which will feature episodes about Cheech and Chong, The Black Panthers, Timothy Leary, Andy Warhol, and Muhammad Ali. The one episode I've seen so far was really interesting, so I'm recording all of the others.

"They questioned authority. They celebrated nonconformity. They dared to be different.

In Lords of the Revolution, a provocative new documentary series, VH1 will profile the nonconformist heroes -- and anti-heroes -- of the 60s and 70s, honoring those icons who challenged the social, political and cultural institutions of the time.

Edgy, colorful, and visually dynamic, each hour long episode will feature rare archival footage and photos; an unconventional graphic treatment; a hip rock soundtrack; and new first-hand interviews from the people who were there -- all combined to tell the compelling, dangerous and subversive stories of a revolution that continues to influence popular culture today.

Lords of the Revolution is here to celebrate the leaders of the most significant cultural transformation of the 20th century."


Princess Aurora

The South Korean movie "Princess Aurora (2005)" seems very similar to "Lady Vengeance" in many ways, but other than certain plot points it is actually very different. The folks over at DVDtalk.com do a great job of comparing the two films:

"This film has been getting a lot of comparisons to Chan Wook-Park's excellent Sympathy For Lady Vengeance and while both movies definitely play around with some of the same themes and ideas (and in that regard, the comparisons are definitely warranted), the execution of both films is quite different. Sympathy For Lady Vengeance is highly stylized and at times borders on surrealist and it also keeps you guessing as to who was responsible for the crimes whereas Princess Aurora isn't nearly as flashy and it lays out its story in a much more matter-of-fact manner. As such, it's easier to follow and while it is more simplistic it is still very much a unique movie that stands on its own very well."



(I can't yet find a trailer with English subtitles. This movie is unfortunately hard to find...)

See Also: Lady Vengeance

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Patiently Waiting: "Bob Marley Stay with the Rhythm (2010)"

Actually, I'm not patiently waiting. I don't think I've ever been more anxious to see a documentary, and I haven't even seen a trailer yet, but hearing that this is being directed by Jonathan Demme is enough for me. Here's an article that gives lots of information about "Bob Marley Stay With the Rhythm (2010)".

Monday, August 10, 2009

Tokyo Tearjerker

"Nobody Knows (2004)" is a really depressing movie about a mother who abandons her four children in their apartment. What's even more depressing is that it is based on a true story.

Friday, August 7, 2009

Chris Kattan in "Bollywood Hero"

I had no intention of watching "Bollywood Hero (2009)", but I caught the first episode and I thought it was hilarious. I can't wait to watch the rest of it.


From IFC Now:

"'Bollywood Hero' is a three-night Bollywood musical event starring Chris Kattan that will premiere on IFC August 6, 7 and 8 at 10pm ET/PT. Kattan plays himself, sort of, in this scripted comedy -- tired of being rejected as a leading-man in Hollywood, he burns his professional bridges in L.A. and accepts a starring role in the Bollywood film "Peculiar Dancing Boy." Fresh off the plane, he's flung into a world of sibling rivalry, cultural faux pas, funding issues and power hungry starlets.

In his quest to become Bollywood's leading leading man, Kattan unexpectedly finds a great dance instructor, trawls India's countryside for his co-star, falls in love and ultimately fulfills dreams he never even imagined. Facing culture clashes, language barriers and complex dance moves, Kattan will stop at nothing to conquer his destiny.

Filmed over ten weeks on location in Mumbai, India, "Bollywood Hero" also co-stars Maya Rudolph, Julian Sands, Neha Dhupia, Pooja Kumar, Rachna Shah, Ali Fazal, and Ruma Sengupta, with guest appearances from Keanu Reeves, Jennifer Coolidge, David Alan Grier and more. Several key crew members from "Slumdog Millionaire" collaborated on the series, including Longinus Fernandes, who choreographed the Oscar-winning "Jai Ho" dance sequence, and who's created numerous dance numbers for the series."

Rachel Getting Married

When I first heard that there was a movie called "Rachel Getting Married (2008)" starring Anne Hathaway, I assumed it was another generic chick flick (not that there's anything wrong with that). Then I learned that it was written by Jenny Lumet, so I was slightly interested. When I realized that it was directed by Jonathan Demme, I knew this was probably not your run of the mill romantic comedy, so I rented it.



Turns out this was a pretty heavy drama, with a very unique style. Because several of the characters are musicians, the movie also featured a variety of talented artists and an interesting soundtrack. Redblog has a great article that delves deeper into the musical aspect of this film.

See Also: Who is Jenny Lumet?

Thursday, August 6, 2009

Set Your DVR: "Brick City"

From the Hollywood Examiner:

"Sundance Channel’s provocative and eye-opening documentary series “Brick City,” executive produced by Forest Whitaker and filmmakers Marc Levin and Mark Benjamin, takes an in-depth and no-holds-barred look at the immense challenges facing the city of Newark, New Jersey and its outspoken and charismatic mayor, Cory Booker."



"Brick City (2009)" premieres on the Sundance Film Channel (Comcast Channel 505) on September 21st.

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Patiently Waiting: Chan-wook Park's "Thirst"

When I heard that the writer/dirctor of "Oldboy" and "Sympathy for Lady Vengeance" was making a vampire movie called "Thirst (2009)", I could barely contain my excitement. Now I'm just counting the days until the DVD is released...




See Also: Lady Vengeance

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Slingshot Hip Hop

I've watched several documentaries about rappers from other countries, and it's always interesting to watch the impact that hip hop has around the world, especially in areas of political unrest. "Slingshot Hip Hop (2008)" is one of the best examples of this. It also has some cool animation effects throughout the movie, especially the opening sequence.

"The voice of a new generation rocks and rhymes as Palestinian rappers form alternative voices of resistance within the Israeli-Palestinian struggle."