Top 10: Documentaries

For this week's installment into the 'Top 10' canon, I'm taking a look at some of the best documentary features I've ever seen. Documentaries have a special ability to give their audiences a view at a real subject in the real world, and the best ones will still prove to be just as entertaining - and often times more informative - as their scripted counterparts.

My days of watching documentaries are relatively small as I've only recently (as in, the past few years) gotten into the habit of giving them a view. At the current moment, that will be reflected in this particular list. You'll notice that most of the inclusions are recent pictures, but that shouldn't deter you from giving any of them a view. And as with my other 'Top 10' lists, this one will be ever-changing based off the new films I see.

And so, without any further delay, here's a look at the top ten documentaries I have ever seen:


10. Zombie Girl: The Movie (2009)

Over the years, the making of a number of films has been chronicled through documentary features, but I'm not quite sure that any has taken on the task of displaying the directorial debut of a twelve-year-old girl. When Emily Hagins started working on her zombie flick, Pathogen, a crew of documentarians took interest and gave the world an insight into the making of her first feature-length venture. What results is an honest look at the world of independent filmmaking, and it's going to make you root for Hagins from start to finish.

9. Cropsey (2010)

Billed as a documentary that delves into the concepts of urban mythology, Cropsey ultimately proves to be a blend of the documentary, courtroom and horror genres. By taking the real-life events of missing children cases in Staten Island, filmmakers Barbara Brancaccio and Joshua Zeman create an always-engaging piece that's going to leave you wondering. It's going to haunt you for a while, and I think that was the film's intention all along.

8. Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About His Father (2008)

Speaking of films that are going to stay with you... Dear Zachary is one of the most emotionally exhausting films you are ever going to see. It tells the tragic story of one man's attempt to create a film for the infant son of his late best friend, who was murdered in cold blood. Although you always know it's a documentary, Dear Zachary is edited in a way that it almost seems like a dramatic thriller. What makes it so emotionally responsive is the fact that it is a true story. I'd dare anyone to try and watch this without shedding a tear or two.

7. Waking Sleeping Beauty (2010)

Many of my readers will know that I'm a bit of a Disney fanatic, and when given the opportunity to watch a documentary about Disney, you'll be sure I'll jump right in. Add the fact that this particular gem follows the brilliance of the Disney Animation "renaissance" period, which created films like The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast and The Lion King, and you've got yourself the makings of something that everyone in my generation is going to love and enjoy.

6. The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters (2007)

I've never been much of a video gamer, but I do tend to enjoy your classic arcade games. The King of Kong showcases a number of hardcore gamers attempting to stamp their name in the record books as the best of the original "Donkey Kong" arcade game. What makes this film so engaging is the fact that, despite it being a documentary, we're given a clear protagonist and antagonist. We know who we want to cheer for and who we want to root against, and that makes it all the more entertaining and emotionally powerful.

5. Exit Through the Gift Shop (2010)

One of the first documentaries I ever watched based off its critical merit, Exit Through the Gift Shop took me into a world I knew nothing about and made me care about it immensely. It tells a very interesting story about one man's dream to become one with the street artists around the world, and he manages to do so, even if it means bringing the art down to his own level. With a finale that's going to evoke a number of emotions, this one's definitely one to keep your eye on.

4. The People vs. George Lucas (2010)

Any fan of Star Wars is going to want to take a look at this particular endeavor. It managed to capture my own personal feelings about George Lucas and his take on the original films in comparison to the more recent prequel trilogy. We're seeing a very strong love-hate relationship from fans in relation to Lucas, and I think that these emotions carry quite well throughout the film. Once again, if you love Star Wars and you haven't seen The People vs. George Lucas, do yourself a favor and watch it right now.

3. Jesus Camp (2006)

Although this film was released in 2006, it took me a few years before I actually sat down and gave it a view. Having spent nearly eight years working with the teenage youth program at my own church, I was shocked to see just how differently some organizations and religions take their camps. Of all the films on this particular list, Jesus Camp might be one of the most horrific. It's going to leave you with a bad taste in your mouth, but I think that's just what the filmmakers intended. It's a hard watch, but in a way, it might be a necessary one.

2. The Bridge (2006)

When I re-watched this film last night, it spurred me to create this particular list. The subject of suicide is generally taboo and often times off-limits, but The Bridge handles it with the grace and respect it rightfully deserves. It's not an easy film to watch - you're going to see snippets of jumpers plunging to their deaths - but if you can stomach that, then the stories from family and friends should shed a lot of light on the emotions that people face when suicide enters their lives.

1. The Cove (2009)

Arguably the most angering and emotional documentary I've ever seen, The Cove details the story of a rag-tag group of activists attempting to shut down the dolphin slaughters in Taiji, Japan. To do this, they covertly set up a number of cameras in the cove where the slaughter takes place in order to show the world the atrocities that occur each year. All animal lovers beware: you see the slaughter in full, and that was the film's desire all along. The images may be horrifying, but they may be the only way to pull people into action in order to stop this annual act.


And that concludes my 'Top 10' list of the best documentaries I've ever seen. I hope you enjoyed it! Check back next Tuesday for the next list!

Movie Review: THE BRIDGE

THE BRIDGE

2006
R



"I don't know why people kill themselves. And yet, it's a small step to empathize... to say... well, because I think we all experience moments of despair."

-- Caroline Pressley

The Bridge is a 2006 documentary directed by Eric Steel that offers a rare insight into the taboo subject of suicide. In 2004, Steel and his crew set up a number of cameras around the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, California in order to capture victims of suicide jumping to their deaths. After gaining over ten thousand hours of footage, the crew learned they had caught twenty-three of the reported twenty-four suicides that took place over the course of the year. In the aftermath, Steel and his fellow filmmakers chose to interview the family and friends of the victims in order to gain insight into both the minds of the deceased as well as their own perspectives on the tragic situation. 

Those of you who have been reading my reviews for quite some time may remember my original review of this film nearly two years ago. I had mixed feelings about the film, but ultimately found it to be a hauntingly brilliant look at the thoughts and emotions that come forth at the hands of a suicide. After watching it tonight for the second time, I am reaffirmed in my stance, and I continue to think that The Bridge is one of the greatest - as well as one of the bravest - documentaries ever brought to the silver screen.

I don't think I can get away with saying that yesterday's tragic death of director Tony Scott helped influence my decision to give this film another go-around. Since then, I've heard a lot of people, including some of my readers, question why Scott would choose to take his own life. I've made it no secret that I myself have struggled with depression and mental illness in the past, I can understand just how low a person needs to be to consider this option. Still, it can be mind-boggling for an individual who has never reached that level of despair. 

That's why I think The Bridge is both so beautiful and so important. Through the numerous interviews with family and friends - as well as one with a jump survivor - we as the audience experience the full range of imaginable emotions tied to losing a loved one to suicide. From anger to guilt to acceptance, each interviewee offers another piece of the puzzle. And yet, at the end of the day, the film does not offer any answers, but it never truly sets out to give them.

The Bridge is not a film you're going to enjoy. It's a heart-wrenching look at a very real subject, and it's definitely not for the faint of heart. However, I think the stories it tells are vital to raising awareness for problems such as mental illness. There's so many people in the world who don't understand the concept of depression, and sometimes, it takes a drastic measure for someone to start to think about it. That's not the way the world should be. When I first watched the film in 2010, my closest friend watched it simultaneously from about five hundred miles away, and after finishing the film, we had a chance to discuss it at length. In my previous review, I brought up a number of her comments, and I'd like to bring one back in this review, as I think it sums up my thoughts on the film perfectly: 

I don't think you're supposed to like [The Bridge], but I do think it was beautifully and tastefully done. As beautiful and as tasteful as you can get with suicide, at least.

I don't think I could agree more.

Movie Review Summary

Grade: A

Status: Must-See

Movie Review: GRIZZLY MAN

GRIZZLY MAN

2005
R


"I will die for these animals."
-- Timothy Treadwell

Grizzly Man is a 2005 documentary directed by Werner Herzog that tells the story of the life of Timothy Treadwell, the man who spent thirteen summers living amongst grizzly bears in the Alaskan wilderness. While most of us know the story of Treadwell's untimely death by the bears he had sworn to protect, there's quite a bit of backstory to this man's apparent madness. Herzog was able to use the nearly one hundred hours of footage that Treadwell had recorded over the years, and he used it to bring life to a man that boggled everyone's minds. What we as the audience get is a fascinating look at the persona of one man striving to live - and ultimately die - for what he loves.

Long before I had heard of this film, I had heard stories of this "grizzly man" who traversed the wilderness, living alongside these ferocious beasts, and I always thought it was a little bit crazy for anyone to think they'd ever make it out of that alive. After thirteen long years, Treadwell's risk finally caught up with him in a way he never assumed possible. What this documentary attempts to discover is the method behind Treadwell's madness, and we actually receive quite an interesting story, if only because Treadwell proves to be so entertaining a character. No matter how you feel about his endeavors, one must concede that there's something a little bit off with Treadwell and his personality. And that's what ultimately makes the film so entertaining. Treadwell goes on rants against the government and the park services all while affirming his love for the animals. However, there's something very childlike in his approach to his admiration for the bears and the foxes around him, but I can't quite decide whether that's what makes him all the more endearing.

What's interesting about the documentary is that Herzog clearly has his own views on Treadwell's mental stability. As is the norm in his films, Herzog served as Grizzly Man's narrator, and I think the two following quotes sum up his thoughts on Treadwell and on the face of nature itself:

And what haunts me, is that in all the faces of all the bears that Treadwell ever filmed, I discover no kinship, no understanding, no mercy. I see only the overwhelming indifference of nature. To me, there is no such thing as a secret world of the bears. And this blank stare speaks only of a half-bored interest in food. But for Timothy Treadwell, this bear was a friend, a savior.

And:

What remains is his footage. And while we watch the animals in their joys of being, in their grace and ferociousness, a thought becomes more and more clear. That it is not so much a look at wild nature, as it is an insight into ourselves, our nature. And that, for me, beyond his [Treadwell's] mission, gives meaning to his life and to his death.

It's clear to see that Herzog was a little bit miffed by Treadwell's lifestyle, but at the same time, you get the sense that he respects him, if only to a certain degree. I think he enjoys Treadwell's basic message of wanting to protect these majestic creatures but he doesn't quite understand the way he went about doing so. It's a very back-and-forth film as you try to decipher Herzog's stance on the subject matter.

That's why it's all the more intriguing to see Treadwell in his own element. Because he recorded so many hours of footage, Herzog had quite a bit with which to work and craft his own storyline, and the film's "story" falls into place quite well. Aided by strong, albeit relatively forced, interviews with friends, family and acquaintances, the audience gets a good sense as to Treadwell's character and lifestyle, and from there, each individual viewer can make their own inferences as to his livelihood.

Do I think Timothy Treadwell was a little bit crazy? Well, yes. To live out in the wilderness with these majestic but dangerous creatures and assume everything would be fine is a tad bit foolish, but I think the footage he filmed is an invaluable asset to the world community in showing just how these bears live in their natural habitat. To have that firsthand look at their livelihood is always going to be fascinating, and for that, I think Treadwell's sacrifice should be applauded. Could he have avoided his untimely death? Most likely, but he died doing what he loved. Maybe that was enough for him.

Movie Review Summary
Grade: B+
1.5 Thumbs Up

Movie Review: CAVE OF FORGOTTEN DREAMS

CAVE OF FORGOTTEN DREAMS

2011
G


"It is as if the modern human soul awakened here."
-- Werner Herzog

Cave of Forgotten Dreams is a 2011 documentary directed and narrated by Werner Herzog that literally explores the Chauvet Cave located in France. The cave is thought to house the oldest known human cave paintings, and as a result, it has essentially become a sealed-off tomb that is only explored once a year for a period of only a few weeks. Herzog and his production team were given special access to film inside the cave, both with and without the scientists studying inside. The final result is a film that shows spectacular beauty from inside the cave and that offers a slew of information regarding a series of hypotheses as to the creation of these drawings.

While I have always been familiar with the Herzog name, I'm not sure I've ever seen one of his films, much less one of his documentaries. When the term "Herzog documentary" ever came to mind, I would always immediately recall his 2005 venture, Grizzly Man. However, after learning that Cave of Forgotten Dreams had started to garner some critical success - it currently holds a 96% approval rating on Rottentomatoes.com - I figured I should give it a view as it was readily accessible.

What transpired was a bit of a mixed bag for me. While I was fascinated by the images being portrayed on-screen and the story of what may or may not have happened inside the cave, I was a little put-off by the film's overall tone. There was an aura of unrelenting authority and a bit of a pompous nature in Herzog's narration, and that alone kept me from being able to maintain any real interest in the film's "storyline." Even though the quality of information brought forth by the interviewees was relevant and interesting, I was always a little disappointed to hear Herzog start his narration once again. Rather than letting the experts convey the information, he often felt the need to offer his own insight; while this is normally fine, his insights either made little to no sense or simply reiterated what someone else had already said. It got to be a little bit annoying after a while, and it took me out of the film.

Despite my reservations about the film, however, there is still some beautiful cinematography to behold. Considering most people will never have the opportunity to enter this cave, this is our one chance to take a look inside and see what the origins of human existence, as well as the human soul, may have held. That in an of itself makes this an interesting film to watch, but I only caution that you beware the film's overall narration, which muddied it all a little too much for my liking.

Movie Review Summary
Grade: C
Thumbs Sideways

Movie Review: BEING ELMO: A PUPPETEER'S JOURNEY

BEING ELMO: A PUPPETEER'S JOURNEY

2011
PG


"When I was nine years old, it was just a dream that I had: 'Wow, I wish that I could work with the Muppets.'"
-- Kevin Clash

Being Elmo: A Puppeteer's Journey is a 2011 documentary directed by Constance Marks and Philip Shane and is narrated by Whoopi Goldberg. It tells the story of Kevin Clash, who is most famous for bringing the Sesame Street character Elmo to life. The film follows Clash's life story, telling of how he grew up wanting to work with puppetry similar to the Muppet style. From a small-time television show to hitting the big-time with Henson Studios in New York City, the documentary chronicles Clash's journey from a young man with a desire to bring a smile to a child's face to a grown man who has never lost that initial ideal.

I first heard about this film after a dear friend mentioned it to me, and since then, I've been trying to find a way to watch it. I grew up watching Sesame Street, and although I don't necessarily remember having a huge draw towards Elmo - my favorite character was always Grover - the nostalgia of the character was enough to draw me to this film. I was curious to see the story of the man that helped make Elmo into an international icon, and boy does this film do just that.

The storyline tells of a Kevin Clash who was born into a slightly impoverished area of Baltimore, Maryland who, as a child, was immediately drawn to some of the older puppet-oriented television shows. Always a fan of Jim Henson, whom he considered his idol, Kevin strived to work for him one day. As his local celebrity grew, his name began to reach the farthest corners of the puppeteering world, and he eventually found work with Kermit Love, Henson's chief Muppet designer. From there, the rest is history. Part of the film's overall effectiveness is Kevin's journey itself. From his childhood, he knew how he wanted to spend his life, and he did everything that he possibly could to assure that his lifelong goal would be achieved. The screenplay offers the full range of emotional spectrum, as we can laugh and smile along with Kevin's triumphs but also cry and feel his pain when his over-the-top work ethic impinges on his personal life. In a way, it's the story of any great artist who is seemingly married to his work: his personal relationships may fall by the wayside a little bit, and in a sense, their success is a double-edged sword. At the same time, we're also getting a bit of a behind-the-scenes look at the making of Muppets, which is sure to appease some sections of this film's audience.

The quality of interviewees is fantastic, and it's all centered around Clash himself. He's an incredibly charismatic man, but his real-life persona about as opposite from Elmo as you can get. That doesn't mean, however, that his efforts to bring smiles to children is any different, and you can tell that there's a huge part of Kevin inside Elmo. It's refreshing to see a documentary centered around such an undeniably good human being. While you can be on the lookout for big-time celebrity cameos (in archive footage) as well as plenty of footage of the late Henson and Love, this is truly Clash's vehicle, and it should be treated as such.

Ultimately, Being Elmo is a feel-good movie that you'd be hard-pressed not to enjoy. Because Sesame Street is such an encompassing television show, I'm sure most - if not all - of you have seen it or grew up watching it just like I did. To get a behind-the-scenes look at arguably the most prominent and famous of today's Sesame Street characters is fantastic, but to get the story of the man behind that character is all the more amazing. Truly a feel good film that should be enjoyed by one and all.

Movie Review Summary
Grade: A-
2 Thumbs Up

Movie Review: PROJECT NIM

PROJECT NIM

2011
PG-13


"The fact that we could share language with an animal seemed very radical at that time."
-- Stephanie LaFarge

Project Nim is a 2011 documentary directed by James Marsh that centers around the life of a chimpanzee named Nim Chimpsky. After he was taken from his mother's arms only weeks after his birth, Nim was placed into a prolonged experiment called "Project Nim" that was headed by a Columbia University linguistics professor named Herbert 'Herb' Terrace. Herb asked Stephanie LaFarge, one of his graduate students, to take Nim into her family's home in order to raise him as though he were a human. She agreed, and she and her family started to raise Nim and teach him to communicate through sign language. After a while, however, Herb believed that Nim's learning should not take place in such a chaotic environment, so he enlisted the help of several of his students to teach Nim at a solitary mansion that Herb was able to rent. As Nim grew older and larger, his attacks against the teachers became more and more frequent, forcing Herb to end his experiment. He returned Nim to a chimp sanctuary in Oklahoma, but he was soon to a medical testing lab in New York before being rescued by a Texas farm that harbors abused and abandoned animals.

To be brutally honest, I had not heard of this film before doing some in-depth research into the 2011 movies I had happened to miss over the past year. I learned that Project Nim was one of the most critically-acclaimed films of the year, earning a 98% approval rating on Rottentomatoes.com, where it received the following critical synopsis:

Equal parts hilarious, poignant, and heartbreaking, Project Nim not only tells a compelling story masterfully, but also raises the flag on the darker side of human nature.

While I can see where most critics would have gotten this idea, I personally can't quite attest to the film's power.

Although the story the film tells is one that is truly heartbreaking, it would prove to be equally powerful no matter the medium. If you read this story in a newspaper article, it just might have the same impact as this particular film. Sure, the images and videos of Nim himself are enough to make you want to fall in love with him, but the way the story is told doesn't really offer a one-sided, "let's-all-love-Nim" bit of storytelling. It tells of his good times: how he learns to sign, how he bonds with his teachers, how he loves to hold cats, etc. But it also tells of his bad times: how he dislikes the men around him, how he "begs" rather than communicates, how he attacks his teachers, etc. While the film goes out of its way to show the loving and cute side of Nim, it works just as well to instill a little bit of fear around this wild animal that the students at Columbia University tried to teach. I'm not sure that's really the image the filmmakers wanted to get across, but it's part of the image that's lasting in my head as I write this review.

One of the biggest make-or-breaks for a documentary is the effectiveness of the people who are interviewed for the film. Most of the interviewees in Project Nim proved to be at least moderately entertaining, and I don't just mean "fun" or "likable," although most of them surely fit that bill as well. When I look at an interviewee in a documentary, I'm looking to see how well they can convey their side of the story and whether they are able to grab and hold my attention. In the past, there have been some movies that just weren't able to do that (see: 2007's What Would Jesus Buy? or 2010's Kimjongilia), but for the most part, these guys did well. Be on the watch for the segments with Bob Ingersoll, a man who seemingly had the most passion and love for Nim during his lifetime.

Overall, Project Nim is a solid, straightforward documentary that tells its story and lets its audience experience it as it moves along. An individual's personal viewpoint towards animals - especially chimpanzees in particular - is going to determine how much they are affected emotionally by this piece. I for one thought that the film inadvertently showed a side of Nim that they may not have wanted to show, and as a result, it lost a little bit of its emotional power. That being said, this is still a great film that's worth giving a watch if you have the time to do so.

Movie Review Summary
Grade: B+
1 Thumb Up

Movie Review: WHAT WOULD JESUS BUY?

WHAT WOULD JESUS BUY?

2007
PG


"Hallelujah, brother!"
-- Reverend Billy

What Would Jesus Buy? is a 2007 documentary directed by Rob VanAlkemade that follows Reverend Billy (Bill Talen) and the Church of Stop Shopping as they travel across the country spreading their message about the dangers of over-shopping around the holidays. Reverend Billy has been spreading his message for years but always noticed that shoppers went a little crazy around the holidays. And so, in an attempt to preach to the masses, he and his gospel-type choir trekked around the country, making their way towards Los Angeles in order to spread a message of anti-materialism. Ultimately, their plan was to re-instill the real meaning of Christmas, and despite the fact that their over-the-top antics put the group in constant legal trouble, they continued to preach their way around the country.

To be fair, I never would have heard of this film had it not been for NetFlix's Instant Watch lists, and ultimately, I'm slightly glad I was able to give it a chance. The basic premise of the film - having a group of people telling the public they shouldn't give all their money to massive companies around the holidays - is actually a relevant one, and it's definitely something that everyone should hear, especially around this time of the year. However, I'm not entirely sold on the necessity of an entire film dedicated to this message. It could easily have taken them half an hour to give us all the ins and outs of their stance, but this movie just seemed to drag on and on for quite a while. (Considering this is a Morgan Spurlock-produced flick, I'm not really surprised, seeing as his biggest claim to fame - 2004's Super Size Me - had the same effect on me.)

Part of the reason I couldn't get into the film was Reverend Billy himself. While he seemed like a perfectly believable individual in the film's early going, his over-the-top persona started to wear on me about halfway through the film. It was just too much to follow, and to put it plainly, Reverend Billy got terribly annoying after a while. I probably couldn't tell you exactly what it was about him that turned me off from the flick, but he was just too much of a caricature to be enjoyed. Over-the-top is never going to hook me, so I apologize to the good Reverend because I do like what he's trying to say. He's just going about it in a little bit of the wrong way.

My biggest issue with the film, however, is that they don't make real reference to the wholesomeness of their message until the waning moments of the film. Everything is about "stopping shopping," but there's no mention about the fact that they want to take us back to the values of love, family and peace that Christmas used to accentuate the holiday. They finally say it in the film's last scene, but had they mixed that message into their rants and raves throughout the flick, I think it might have brought a more balanced picture to the forefront. Instead, we get a slew of words that all equate to this message: "Stop shopping." I'm glad Reverend Billy understands the effectiveness of a thesaurus.

Ultimately, What Would Jesus Buy? is not a good film, but it still presents a very good and important message that should be taken to heart. Christmas is not about the presents and the materialism so prevalent in today's society. You don't need to "keep up with the Joneses" this holiday season; rather, spend the time with your family and friends and show them just how much you love them and how much they mean to you. If your version of love is giving your kids an XBOX or something of the like, then you might have to think about your priorities. Get back to the basics and celebrate love, life, family and peace this holiday season.

Movie Review Summary
Grade: C-
1 Thumb Down

Movie Review: CONAN O'BRIEN CAN'T STOP

CONAN O'BRIEN CAN'T STOP

2011
R


"I'm like Tinkerbell - without applause, I die."
-- Conan O'Brien

Conan O'Brien Can't Stop is a 2011 documentary directed by Rodman Flender that centers around Conan O'Brien's 2010 comedy tour, "The Legally Prohibited from Being Funny on Television Tour." The idea came to O'Brien after his highly-publicized departure from NBC after Jay Leno decided he wanted to continue appearing on television as a talk show host. NBC severed ties with O'Brien, prohibiting him from appearing on television for a period of six months. The documentary shows the creation of the tour's show as well as the ups and downs it put Conan through during the 45-show schedule.

I first heard about this film after it hit film festivals and was generally well-received. I didn't have the opportunity to give it a view when it hit theaters earlier this year, but you can now find it on NetFlix Instant Watch. Being a fan of O'Brien, I knew that I had to give this one a gander at one point or another, so it was just a matter of time until I sat down and did just that.

I honestly have some rather mixed feelings about the film. While it's an interesting, in-depth look at the creation of Conan's tour, it just felt a little bit empty and a little bit flat. There didn't seem to be anything truly redeeming about the film. Yes, we get to see a very personal side of a highly-publicized figure in today's society, but there are times where I wasn't quite sure I liked the Conan we got to see. At certain moments, he seems like a man who lets his celebrity and fame get to his head, but he immediately comes back and says that because he's so hard on himself, he has to be hard on the people that work for and with him.

(On a side note, be on the lookout for cameos from the likes of Jack Black, Jim Carrey, Stephen Colbert, Jon Stewart, Jon Hamm and Jack McBrayer.)

In his review for the Arizona Republic, Billy Goodykoontz wrote the following about the film:

It's hard to feel sorry for a guy who banked millions for not hosting "The Tonight Show" anymore, but it's also fascinating to see a man this compulsively driven to get back in front of people and tell jokes, to hear the laughter, to soak in the applause.

In that sense, I suppose there's something rather interesting to see in Conan O'Brien Can't Stop. We see the sheer determination and will that he drives into his comedy tour. After his nasty NBC break-up, the fan support was overwhelming, and it's nice to see that a man in his position took the time to give back to that support, even if it took a physical and emotional toll on himself. Even if he has his moments where you want to hate him, you can't deny that Conan O'Brien is driven and dedicated. If that's all you get from this documentary, then I'd have to say it's a success. If you're a fan of Conan, this is a must-watch.

Movie Review Summary
Grade: B+
1.5 Thumbs Up

Movie Review: TALES FROM THE SCRIPT

TALES FROM THE SCRIPT

2009
Not Rated


"A writer friend of mine once described screenwriters as 'egomaniacs with low self-esteem."
-- Dennis Palumbo

Tales from the Script is a 2009 documentary directed by Peter Hanson that bounces through a series of interviews with some well-known and renowned Hollywood screenwriters. We get an inside look at the trials and triumphs of the writers of some of the biggest films in Hollywood history, and each story is a little bit different from the next. The audience gets a massive amount of information thrown their way, but it's all pertinent and relevant to the story they're trying to craft. In addition, the film is broken into a number of sections, each prefaced with a scene from a classic film that references the movie-making process.

I'd like to start by saying that this film is by no means for everyone. I think it's safe to say that your average movie-goer isn't going to get excited about a movie talking to screenwriters. No, Tales from the Script is going to reach one of two types of people: 1) people who have legitimate interest in how films start getting made, and 2) writers themselves. As you can probably imagine, I'm rather interested in the writing portion - if you haven't noticed, I tend to write a bit for these reviews - so when I saw this movie sitting on NetFlix's Instant Watch queue, I figured I'd give it a shot. And boy, did I find it fascinating. It's essentially a how-to for screenwriters, getting into the dirt and grit of the screenwriting process. We see the highs and the lows that every screenwriter has had to face, and that's part of the appeal. Sure, there's plenty of moments where the interviewees talk about the troubles they had in their careers, but all you have to do is look at the films they've written to see that they've found a way to make it. Despite all of the pain and strife they may have met early in their careers, they found a way to find success even if it felt like they would never make it that far. So in a sense, it's a story of triumph from which any aspiring writer can gain hope.

Now if you are a casual movie fan, there are a couple things that you might find appealing. First and foremost, the film is jam-packed with reference to a number of films from cinema's past. We have screenwriters talking about dozens of movies, from Taxi Driver to The Bucket List and Alien to Ray. In addition, we get a number of film scenes from movies like Barton Fink, Adaptation. and For Your Consideration. All of this ties in very well to the overall point of the documentary, and it helps move everything along. In addition, we do have a couple of recognizable names in the interviewee list. Most film fans will instant recognize Frank Darabont, John Carpenter and Shane Black; however, also be on the lookout for some fantastic words of wisdom from the likes of Mick Garris, Antwone Fisher and Guinevere Turner, just to name a few.

If you're an aspiring screenwriter, as I have been in the past, then Tales from the Script is an absolute must-see film. I can't speak for the rest of the movie-watching community. I think the film offers an interesting insight into the psyche of the successful screenwriter, but there's definitely a target demographic for this one. If you've ever attempted to make writing your living, do yourself a favor and watch this film. Even if you haven't wanted to write screenplays, there's quite a bit of advice in this documentary that's worth hearing. So again, do yourself a favor. Watch Tales from the Script.

Movie Review Summary
Grade: B+
1.5 Thumbs Up
Rankings
Best Documentary - #16

Addition to Awards
2009: Nominee - Best Documentary

Movie Review: ZOMBIE GIRL: THE MOVIE

ZOMBIE GIRL: THE MOVIE

2009
Not Rated


"I just think I have communicating problems, which isn't good 'cause I wanna be a director."
-- Emily Hagins

Zombie Girl: The Movie is a 2009 documentary directed by Justin Johnson, Aaron Marshall and Erik Mauck that centers around a young filmmakers attempt to make her first feature film. When twelve-year-old Emily Hagins came to her parents saying she wanted to make a feature-length film, she probably raised a couple of eyebrows. To compound her little project, she wanted to make a film about zombies. This film follows the two-year production of her debut film, Pathogen, from the finishing of the script all the way to its premiere in Austin, Texas.

One of my favorite things about having NetFlix is finding random, unknown gems in their Instant Watch section. Often times, I'll find movies that are so bad, they're good, like 2009's ThanksKilling. Other times, however, I'll find a true cinematic gem, like 2010's City Island. Fortunately, Zombie Girl falls into the latter category as I was floored by just how good it was.

The film works on a couple of different levels. On the one hand, we're getting a rather in-depth look at the making of a low-budget independent film. We see the creative process at work from the get-go as we see the trials and errors of writing and casting and filming. We see the slow and arduous editing process and how that affects the filmmaker. It's a fantastic look at the creation of a film, and it's definitely worth a watch for any aspiring filmmaker. On the other hand, however, we get to see a twelve-year-old girl taking her dreams and striving towards them, no matter the obstacles ahead of her. We see how the filming process affects her emotionally, and it's truly a sight to behold. At the same time, seeing this young woman craft this film is a rather inspirational tale. You get so swept up in everything that's going on that every pitfall that sets Emily back makes you feel for her. It's a truly emotional and inspirational story to behold.

I honestly can't think of much else to say about Zombie Girl. If you're interested in film or the film-making process, then this one's definitely for you. I can tell you now that I've already ordered a copy of Emily's debut film, Pathogen, and I eagerly await its arrival. I was that inspired by this movie that I just had to see Emily's final product. If that's not enough of an endorsement of Zombie Girl, then I'm not quite sure what else can sway you. Give this one a view. I'm sure you won't be disappointed.

Movie Review Summary
Grade: A-
2 Thumbs Up

Rankings
Best Documentary - #11

Addition to Awards
2009: Nominee - Best Documentary

Movie Review: CONFESSIONS OF A SUPERHERO

CONFESSIONS OF A SUPERHERO

2007
R


"I like to think that my future holds, uh, fame and fortune. But I'd like to say that I've got the fame without the fortune right now."
-- Christopher Dennis

Confessions of a Superhero is a 2007 documentary directed by Matthew Ogens that follows the lives of four Hollywood Boulevard street performers who dress as superheroes and make a living taking pictures with tourists. We get an inside look at the following performers: Christopher Dennis, who plays Superman; Maxwell Allen, who plays Batman; Jennifer Wenger, who plays Wonder Woman; and Joe McQueen, who plays the Hulk. By giving a bit of back-story on each of these individuals, Ogens gives a rather in-depth look at the people themselves as well as the psyche behind continuing with this seemingly fruitless profession.

I decided to watch this movie after finding it on NetFlix Instant Watch. Considering I'm currently staying about two miles from where these people work on Hollywood Boulevard, I thought it'd be a neat little flick for me to see right now. I could theoretically head out right now and go meet these people - if they're still working there, of course - and tell them how I just watched their movie.

The film itself is a little slow-moving, and it does take a bit of patience to keep yourself engaged with the intertwining stories. Because it's a documentary on individual people, don't expect much in terms of a storyline (I realize docs often don't have "storylines," but sometimes there's something a little easier to follow). If you're not into movies that are solely based on characterization and character development, this one probably isn't for you.

The people are interesting enough, but it feels like we get a little more story on both Dennis and Wenger. Yeah, the Allen and McQueen storylines are nice, but there's something more attractive about Superman and Wonder Woman in this film. I personally think that Jennifer Wenger has the beauty to be a big-time star, but I can't necessarily speak for her acting ability. Dennis, however, seems to be the most emotionally damaged of the lot, claiming to be the son of the late Academy Award winner Sandy Dennis, a claim which her family denies. Still, it makes for entertaining cinema when you have out-there characters gracing the screen. Also be on the lookout for cameos from the likes of Stan Lee, Antonio Banderas and Margot Kidder.

At the end of the day, Confessions of a Superhero is a thoughtful documentary that will probably prove to be entirely forgettable. It's the story of four mortal souls trying to make a name for themselves, and they're doing it in the best - or only - way they know how. It makes you realize how far some people will go to make it big, diving to the depths of taking pictures with tourists and hoping they'll toss a tip your way.

Movie Review Summary
Grade: B+
1.5 Thumbs Up

Addition to Awards
2007: Nominee - Best Documentary

Movie Review: THE ENDLESS SUMMER

THE ENDLESS SUMMER

1966
PG


"Sharks and porpoises have yet to integrate in South Africa."
-- Narrator

The Endless Summer is a 1966 documentary directed by Bruce Brown that focuses on two friends' worldwide trip to find the perfect wave. When Robert August and Michael Hynson decided to travel around the world in the hopes of finding new places to surf, Brown happily agreed to tag along in order to document their adventures. The gang travels from Africa to India to Australia to the shores of Hawaii in search of that rare perfect wave. Along the way, they introduce a number of locals to the sport of surfing.

I watched this film on the recommendation of a friend, who has consistently pushed me to give it a view. I finally broke down and did just that, and I do have to say that it's a rather entertaining flick if you've got some time to kill. I've always been fond of surfing-centric movies - growing up near the beach probably draws me towards these types of movies - like the 2004 documentary Riding Giants or the 2007 animated film Surf's Up. Fortunately, The Endless Summer proved to be no exception, even if it's a very different type of surfing movie than I have ever seen.

Because the film is of an older generation, there's a very different feel and vibe to its entire production. In a way, the movie itself is attempting to do what August and Hynson manage to accomplish by taking their talents around the world: they introduce surfing to the indigenous populations of a number of countries and societies. The narration and "storyline" of this documentary is so simplistic that it almost insults the intelligence, but I think that's what makes the movie all the more appealing. It's a very simple film, chalk full of beautiful images and scenery, providing a very visual experience that enhances the beauty and nature of surfing.

There's three facets of this film that make it a success. First and foremost is the cinematography. Rather than taking a massive amount of equipment on their worldwide tour, Brown chose to limit his filming equipment only to what he could carry. Still, he found a way to capture the beauty and essence of the sport and the scenery around it. At times, you can almost feel like you're right there with August and Hynson, surfing these exotic locations with them.

One of the more appealing parts of the film is actually the narration provided by Brown. At the beginning of the film, I was a little put off by what he was saying because it sounded a little bit dorky and out-of-context. He would make seemingly terrible puns that could only result in groan after groan (for an example of such, check out the quote at the beginning of this post). However, after a little while, you get used to Brown's narration, and it almost gives the film a more authentic feel. Rather than trying to sound official, Brown chooses to convey his own personality through his narration, and I think that ultimately benefits the movie's overall vibe.

Finally, I can't say enough about the film's musical score, crafted by the surf-rock band The Sandals. I'm sure they could have grabbed any surf-rock band to compose the music for the film and it would have been effective, but The Sandals do a very good job providing the atmosphere for the film as a whole. Here's a snippet of the score, in case you're interested:

Overall, The Endless Summer is a fine documentary that definitely provides an ample amount of entertainment. If you're into surfing or anything in relation to the ocean, this is definitely a movie for you. It's good, mindless fun, so don't expect anything over-the-top or exciting. We're just getting a great view of the start of surfing's reach across the world.

Movie Review Summary
Grade: B+
1.5 Thumbs Up

Movie Review: THE PIXAR STORY

THE PIXAR STORY

2007
G

The Pixar Story is a 2007 documentary directed by Leslie Iwerks that chronicles the rise of Pixar Animation Studios. It centers around Pixar co-founder John Lasseter, chronicling his rise into the ranks of animation big-shots. After spending time working with Disney Animation, John left and found an avenue to pursue computer-generated animation. With the help of Ed Catmull and Steve Jobs, the three have helped craft Pixar Animation Studios into the juggernaut it has become today. The film takes the audience through the animators' process of learning how to utilize the computer systems and the struggles it took to craft their first feature film, 1995's Toy Story.

It may all seem like a bit of a success story, but there are quite a few inner workings in the history of Pixar that you might not already know. This documentary works as a pretty good introduction to those inner workings, creating a relatively emotional tale of a group of people who had a dream and did everything they could to achieve it. It's a magical tale that is sure to bring some nostalgic emotions. It did for me, at least.

Unfortunately, I had a difficult time keeping myself from comparing The Pixar Story to the 2010 documentary, Waking Sleeping Beauty, which I loved oh so much. That film chronicles the struggles of Disney Animation during the mid-1980s, showing how they overcame the odds and entered their Renaissance period in the late-1980s and early-1990s. Because that film packed quite an emotional punch (for me), I was hoping that The Pixar Story might bring the same kind of emotion to the table. It didn't, but don't take that as a condemnation of the film. It's just me comparing two films that probably don't need to be compared.

We get a slew of quality "interviews" throughout the film that add to the narration provided by Stacy Keach. Some of the faces you're most likely to recognize include George Lucas, Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Michael Eisner and Billy Crystal. However, some of the more compelling interviews come from the animators themselves. Lasseter is always great, and we get some interesting perspectives from directors Pete Docter and Andrew Stanton as well.

I'm not quite sure what else to say about this particular documentary. It gives a nice look at Pixar Animation Studios, but it's probably not a must-see, even for fans of Pixar or Disney. Still, if you are a fan, you might enjoy it like I did. I just can't say it's going to be the most amazing or memorable experience. Unlike the standard of Pixar films, The Pixar Story doesn't quite go above and beyond. But that's okay, this time around.

Movie Review Summary:
Grade: B+
1.5 Thumbs Up

Addition to Awards
2007: Best Documentary nominee

Movie Review: FOOD, INC.

FOOD, INC.

2009
PG

Food, Inc. is a 2009 Oscar-nominated documentary directed by Robert Kenner. To quote the synposis on Wikipedia - because I can't think of a better way to organize it in my own words - the film "examines corporate farming in the United States, concluding that agribusiness produces food that is unhealthy in a way that is environmentally harmful and abusive of both animals and employees." The movie is divided into a number of personal segments, but they all fall into the following three overarching concepts: the inhumanity of industrial meat production; the instability of industrial production of corn and other vegetables; and a look at the legal and economic issues that circle this issue in its entirety.

I've been meaning to watch this film for probably a year now, but some recent incidences in my own life led me to finally give the film a shot. Those of you who know me personally will know that I gave up meat for Lent (the Christian time of preparation for Easter), spending six-and-a-half weeks without consuming it in any way. As you know, yesterday was Easter, meaning it was the first day I could once again eat meat. My dad, a huge proponent of eating red meat, decided to buy me a steak, much to my reluctance. I had heard that returning to meat after such a long stay away could prove a little sickening, so I only allowed myself to eat a small portion of the disgusting-looking slab that sat on my plate. As of this morning, I'm still feeling my stomach's anger, and I feel so terrible right now that I'm contemplating returning to a no-meat diet. So it seemed like the perfect moment to watch Food, Inc. because I thought it could help me with my ultimate decision.

That drive to watch this film might account for my relatively lukewarm feelings towards it. Perhaps I was hoping for it to be a bit of a shock-fest that would scare me away from the steaming meat market once again. Considering the film's tagline reads, "You'll never look at dinner the same way," you can probably understand why I thought it might be the life-changer. However, Food, Inc. chooses to tell us about the horrors rather than show us. Yeah, there's a couple of moments that'll have animal lovers cringing a little bit, but you can easily find much more shocking videos on YouTube. While this should prove to be just as effective, I found myself shifting in and out of attentiveness because the film simply never grabbed hold of me. It does bring a number of personal stories with everyday Americans that prove to be the best moments in the film, but aside from that, I just couldn't allow myself to remain interested in everything they were saying.

That being said, I'm sure this is a documentary that everyone should see. I definitely learned a lot from the film, and that's the biggest goal of documentaries: to teach and inform. In that sense, it's a success, and given it's Academy Award nomination, you can be sure that you'll be getting your bang for your buck. I just wish it could've hooked me a little bit more, but every film affects everyone in a different way. Perhaps you'll get more out of it than I did.

Movie Review Summary:

Grade: B-
1 Thumb Up

Addition to Awards
2009: Best Documentary nominee

Movie Review: THE KING OF KONG

THE KING OF KONG

A Fistful of Quarters
2007
PG-13

The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters is a 2007 documentary directed by Seth Gordon. It follows Steve Wiebe's attempts to break the long-standing high score on the old Donkey Kong video game. After being laid off, Wiebe started to pass the time by playing the game on a machine in his garage. He started to score higher and higher and took it upon himself to challenge the score set by Billy Mitchell, a famous figure in the retro gaming scene, back in 1982. When Wiebe beats the score, he submits his video to Twin Galaxies, the official record-keeper for video games. However, Mitchell questions whether the video is valid, and Wiebe's short-lived title is revoked (despite the fact that we all know his attempt was legitimate). In response, Wiebe challenges Mitchell to a live, head-to-head showdown, but Mitchell never shows to defend his title, leaving all the pressure on Steve himself.

Although The King of Kong is a documentary, it has the feel of a scripted drama. In the beginning, when we're getting the history of early video gaming, we're not really sure who to like. For all we know, Billy Mitchell could be the good guy in the story. However, once we're introduced to down-on-his-luck Steve Wiebe, it becomes very evident who the audience is going to stand behind. As all of the drama unfolds, the movie develops Mitchell as the true villain of the story, and what a villain he is. I was verbally expressing my distaste with the man purely as a human being. He's such a complete asshole that you almost have to like Wiebe by default.

At the same time, we see the inner workings of the higher-up gaming community that will do whatever it takes to protect their own. Billy Mitchell is gaming royalty, and everyone seemed to be doing whatever they could to protect his record. In a way, Steve Wiebe's journey was an entire uphill battle because of the apparent corruption at the top of this scoring organization. We get a very intense competition that borders on good versus evil. Well, evil is a strong word, but it's the first one that comes to mind.

One of the best parts of the movie, however, is the fact that it moves from a competition between two gamers to a competition between two completely different types of people. The reason we cheer for Steve Wiebe is because we can recognize that he's a much better person than Billy Mitchell who proves himself time and again to be not that great of a guy. This "douchiness," for lack of a better word, propels the audience away from Mitchell and onto Wiebe's side. I haven't rooted for a character this much in quite a while, and that's quite a testament considering we're talking about grown men playing Donkey Kong.

On the whole, The King of Kong is engrossing and wholly satisfying. It's even got a fantastic soundtrack that hearkens back to the '80s when many of these games made their debut. It's definitely worth a watch if you've got eighty minutes to kill.

Movie Review Summary:

Grade: A-
Current All-Time Rank: Best - #177
2 Thumbs Up
Addition to Awards

Movie Review: THIS FILM IS NOT YET RATED

THIS FILM IS NOT YET RATED

2006
Unrated

(Disclaimer: this is an uncensored trailer.)

I'd like to start by saying that This Film Is Not Yet Rated (henceforth to be called TFINYR) is actually the title of this documentary. Director Kirby Dick decided to make a film that takes on the Motion Picture Association of America's (MPAA) rating system, with which all film-goers are familiar. I mean, we've all seen the ratings: G, PG, PG-13, R and the occasional NC-17. Kirby Dick hired a private investigator in order to learn as much as he possibly could about the people who actually grant the films their ratings, spending much of the time focusing on why certain films are deemed R or NC-17 ratings. At the same time, we get a bit of a historical background for the ratings system as it was designed and created by Jack Valenti, showing the conflicting reports he has given over the years.

Now, if you're as avid of a film fan as I am, you probably already know that the MPAA ratings system is a little bit screwy. Fortunately for the American public, the ratings system has been thrown into the media spotlight in the past few months with the very public appeal from the creators of the Oscar-nominated Blue Valentine. After receiving an NC-17 rating, the filmmakers successfully attempted an appeal, dropping the movie's rating to R, which is one of the biggest successes a movie can have in the early going, in my opinion.

Back to TFINYR. It's not a bad movie by any means, but considering I already knew that the system was a bit messed up, it didn't really hit me as hard as I thought it might. I think that Kirby Dick and his private investigator established themselves and their credibility moderately well, but something about the movie just seemed a little exhausted. It couldn't really find a way to hook me into what they were doing. I think a huge part of it comes down to the massive amounts of information that's constantly being thrown at the audience. After a while, it gets to be a little too much to digest, and your mind just has to shut down a little bit.

That's not to say that they didn't get their point across, but I just think it's a little bit of a tired complaint. There's never been a unanimous love for the MPAA's rating system, as is evidenced by the massive amount of big-time interviewees we see during the film. With the likes of Kevin Smith (director of Clerks.), Matt Stone (co-creator of "South Park"), Mary Harron (director of American Psycho) and Maria Bello (actress from The Cooler) - as well as many more - we get a very personal look at some people who have been hurt by the system. In a way, we get to see and hear from the victims, and I think it's a fascinating look at the struggles that filmmakers have to overcome in order to have their sensitive and provocative films reach a larger audience.

All in all, it's an effective documentary, but it's not really shedding any light on a problem that I feel like everyone already knew about. Don't expect any shocking revelations.

Movie Review Summary:
Grade: B
1 Thumb Up

Movie Review: DEAR ZACHARY: A LETTER TO A SON ABOUT HIS FATHER

DEAR ZACHARY: A LETTER TO A SON ABOUT HIS FATHER

2008
Not Rated

Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About His Father is a 2008 documentary that was written and directed by Kurt Kuenne. It follows his quest around the country trying to get as many stories and tidbits of information he can about his best friend, Andrew Bagby, who had been murdered near his home in Pennsylvania. During his travels, he learns that the woman accused of the murder, Andrew's ex-girlfriend Shirley Turner, has announced that she is four months pregnant with Andrew's child. As soon as they are medically certain of her claim, Andrew's parents - David and Kate - rush to Newfoundland, Canada (where Turner has fled after the murder accusations) in order to fight for custody of the child. Unfortunately, a very long and trying courtroom battle ensues that pits the Bagby's against the woman who murdered their only child.

I'm going to try my best to get through this review in an understandable fashion because I'm still reeling from this movie. I think I should start with this disclaimer: this movie is not for the faint of heart. If you're not okay with handling extreme emotional swings, then this movie probably isn't for you. It's going to take you on a journey that you may very well regret taking; at least, that's where I'm at right now. Well, it's slight regret, I suppose, because Dear Zachary is hands down the greatest documentary I have ever seen, and it's easily one of the greatest films I have ever seen.

There's so much I could say about the storyline, but if I tell you now, you won't receive the emotional impact of the film because you'll subconsciously brace yourself for the happenings within. One of the reasons this movie is so effective is because it plays like a first-rate crime thriller rather than a documentary. And yet, you never lose focus on the fact that all of this actually happened, and that just makes it all the more gripping. Kuenne did a fantastic job with editing, moving the moments along at a mile a minute. He also took the footage he had - a great deal, as you'll see - and whittled it down to the most pressing and most endearing portrait of a man who was loved by so many people. By the end of the movie, I felt like I knew Andrew Bagby intimately, and I was truly devastated by the loss of such an amazing person. Few documentaries have made me care so much about the central character (one exception being 2009's The Cove, another brutally emotional experience), but Dear Zachary is completely effective.

As with any documentary, a big part of a film's draw is the quality of the interviews surrounding the overall story. David and Kate Bagby, who essentially work as our leads, are so relatable that it's difficult not to fall in love with them instantly. The pain they've suffered as a result of the events shown in the film is palpable, but through it all, you see the strength within each of them rise to the surface as they fight for the life of their grandson. It's truly inspiring. We also have very effective interviews with the people closest to Andrew and Zachary who only paint the best pictures of them. I think it would be impossible not to be captivated by their descriptions. I wish I had known these people and had them in my life because they have obviously touched so many.

As I previously said, Dear Zachary is not a film for everyone. It's going to put you through the ringer. I will say without qualms that I shed many a tear during its entirety, and I have no shame in saying so. It's very emotionally draining, and you may hate it during its course. However, I think that once its all said and done, you'll see the movie for what it truly is: a labor of love from and for loving people who have been affected by a tragedy the likes that no one should ever have to experience.

Movie Review Summary:

Grade: A+
Current All-Time Rank: Best - #20
2 Thumbs Up
Addition to Awards