Category Archives: Documentary
Documentary
Flash Movie Review: Project Nim
How many people do you know who treat their pets as if they were human, putting human reasons on their pets’ actions? What would happen if an infant animal was raised within a human family? This documentary tells an in depth story of the landmark experiment about Nim, an infant chimpanzee taken away from his mother at birth and raised by a family in the 1970’s. The footage in this film will captivate you as Nim is taught to use a bathroom and to me, the most incredible feat, sign language to communicate with his family. On one level I thought this experiment was so cool; however, as I continued watching, I started thinking what was going to happen when the cute and cuddly Nim grew up. You will not only get an insight into the chimpanzee world, but you will also get a glimpse into the human mind, in this fearless movie.
3 1/2 stars — DVD
Flash Movie Review: Man on Wire
Though illegal, back in 1974 a Frenchman, Philippe Petit pulled off an audacious, incredible feat. He walked a tightrope hung between the twin towers of the World Trade Center in New York City. I admit I did feel a pang of sadness upon first seeing the 2 towers; however, the energy, the craziness, the exhuberance of Philippe swept me up into this amazing documentary. In fact, I hesitate to say documentary because this film was more like a thrilling suspense movie, with periods of laughter and wonder. To pull off this unbelievable performance, Phillippe and friends had to sneak in to the World Trade Center, hide from guards and anchor a tightrope between the towers. You have to see it to believe it. With the use of interviews and archival film and photos, this film presents a different era with respect and heart. One of the best documentaries I have seen so far. And for those of you with a fear of heights, you may want to medicate yourself before viewing this movie.
3 1/2 stars — DVD
Flash Movie Review: Pina
I will not pretend to be a dance critic for this review. And I need to say, I am not a huge fan of the avant-garde style of modern dance. With no idea who Philippina “Pina” Bausch was, I ventured to this movie solely on the coming attractions for it. Pina was a dancer, choreographer, dance teacher and artistic director; who was a leading influence, since the 1970’s, of modern dance. Her style was unique, blending movement with different sounds, elaborate sets and what some may consider, unusual props. Philippina would allow her dancers to participate in the creative process of a dance piece to such an extent, that it became known as a style called “Tanztheater.” This film is a tribute to Pina Bausch, since she died only a few days before filming was to begin. Her dancers from Tanztheater Wuppertal Pina Bausch (formerly Wuppertal Opera Ballet) perform her works in this 3D presentation. The settings went from the starkness of a bare stage to the rim of a canyon. A variety of props, such as a wheelbarrow of dirt, to a pool of water were incorporated into what may be considered more theatrical pieces than dance numbers. For me, with piece after piece, some of the movements blurred together, leaving me slightly bored. Maybe the director wanted the different dance numbers filmed to teach the viewer about Pina; however, I did not get it. On the other hand, I have always been fascinated with the way the body moves and can appreciate the physicality of the dancers, including the older ones. But I left the theater wishing there was more substance to this movie.
2 2/3 stars
Flash Movie Review: Waiting for Superman
With my brothers having been teachers and myself teaching in the health fitness industry, this documentary was astounding to me. If I had a child, this movie would be horrifying. Using a mix of families’ personal stories, educator interviews and surveys, I cannot imagine anyone not being moved by the plight of the United States’ education system. With stand out interviews of Michelle Rhee (Chancellor of the District of Columbia Public School System 2007-2010) and Geoffrey Canada (CEO of Children’s Zone in Harlem, New York), we are lead to believe there is hope for our education system. But please do not misunderstand, there are some incredible roadblocks, for our nation to improve the system, depicted in this film. After I was done watching this movie, one statistic really stood out: our students are number one in the world when it comes to confidence; however, they do not have the grades to back it up. Whether you have children or not, old or young; I feel one can get a better understanding of our quality of life, by seeing this adventuresome documentary.
3 1/3 stars — DVD
Flash Movie Review: Every Little Step
What you see in front of the stage does not show you the amount of sweat, tears and hard work everyone gives, to put on a broadway musical. If you appreciate live theater, then this is the documentary to watch, for the behind scene workings on the revival of the musical, “A Chorus Line.” In my early years of teaching fitness (aka aerobics), I would have to audition to get on staff. So, I have an appreciation of what it feels like to stand in front of strangers and perform. However, watching the audition process in this film, I have to give tons of credit to all those who put themselves through such a grueling process. A side note: “So You Think You Can Dance” fans will recognize Tyce Diorio going through his paces. For me, this was a fascinating movie to view. Seeing the creative minds in action was exciting and I got a kick (pun intended) out of learning the show’s history. I certainly will have a new appreciation the next time I go to the theater to see a musical.
3 stars — DVD
Flash Movie Review: Darwin’s Nightmare
As if squeezing the last drops of sweat out of one’s workout clothes, watching the life being drained out of the people around Lake Victoria in Tanzania was horrifying. Food has been scarce since the introduction of a predatory fish, the Nile Perch, into the former beautiful lake. The native species of the lake have been eradicated by this aggressive perch. The only legitimate industry available is to work in the fish factory, where the Nile Perch are packaged and flown to Europe, to be served up as a fine delicacy. Russian transport planes fly in to unload their cargo of weapons, then fill up their empty bellies with the fish, to fly out in a continuous cycle. This documentary has to be seen; for whatever words or images I place here will not show you the unbelievable hardships, the struggles of how the strong get stronger by feeding on the weak. This film is a perfect example of Darwin’s theory on the survival of the fittest. But then what does it say about our humanity?
3 1/4 stars — DVD
Flash Movie Review: Good Hair
For the past several years, the hair follicles on my head have been deserting me; so, hair has only been a minor focus for me. This documentary was both informative and funny, with Chris Rock leading us on a fact finding mission, to find out what it means to have good hair. Going from hair salons, to a hair convention, to science labs and even all the way to India–the biggest exporter of hair, Chris hopes to discover the reasons behind the different ways black woman display their hair. In some of the interviews, the responses to Chris’ questions were hysterical; for example, one man said he judges women by their hair style. If they are wearing a weave, he feels they will be a high maintenance woman. I am aware that Chris Rock can be a polarizing entertainer; but, I would like to suggest to you, do not let that get in the way from watching a documentary that will entertain you.
3 stars — DVD
Flash Movie Review: Born into Brothels
I am not one to compare my life to the misfortune of others, but once in a while I need a jolt, to get myself out of myself. This documentary was that jolt for me. Two filmmakers travel to Calcutta, India to document the children of prostitutes, who work the red light district. Seeing their plight was heart wrenching for me. One of the documentarians decided to give still cameras to the children and have them go out and explore the neighborhood, through their camera lens. You know part of that saying, “Out of the mouth of babes?” The children’s photos were amazing and touching for me. One has to wonder, if there is a reason or purpose for everything; then, what is the reason for these children coming into the world this way? I hope you can overcome any concerns you might have in viewing this movie and experience it for yourself.
3 1/3 stars — DVD
Flash Movie Review: Baraka
I am grateful to a couple of friends who mentioned this movie to me. It is simply an incredible experience to sit down and watch. With no dialogue, it is all about the visuals–and it delivers on them. Imagine seeing various parts of the world in a wide spectrum of activities, all from the comforts of your home. I believe, the best way I can convey what this documentary is about, is to tell you this: with majestic cinematic filming, one sees how natural and human events, small or large, have a profound impact on the other. Seriously, do your best to see this amazing film.
3 1/2 stars — DVD
Flash Movie Review: Who Killed The Electric Car
Having been annoyed by what seems the randomness of daily gasoline price changes, watching this movie made me angry. This documentary focused on the General Motors’ EV1 electric car. You now may be saying to yourself, “I never heard of it.” Exactly and you may get as upset as I did. The vehicle was sold mainly in California. I was astounded to see how the automobile manufacturer, the oil industry, the U.S. government and the California government all played a part in the ultimate demise of this vehicle. I know we are all tired hearing about the different political games, taking place around us; however, I suggest you sit down and be stunned as much as I was when I saw this movie.
3 1/4 stars — DVD
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