Sundance 2011
Sing Your Song
I’m a little ashamed to admit that before seeing this documentary the only thing I knew about Harry Belafonte was that he sang and popularized the Jamaican song, “Day-O.” “Sing Your Song” enlightened me not only about Bellefonte’s early music and acting career but more importantly, his work as a worldwide human rights advocator. Belafonte is probably one of the most underrated activists of the last century and in a way it seems fitting. … read more
The Woman
When a director stands before an audience and warns them of the forthcoming controversial material and recollects about previous screenings’ walkouts, you know you’re in for a memorable experience one way or another. To their wealthy neighbors and friends, the Cleek family appears to be the stereotypical American family, but the sinister truth behind their lifestyles would make even the toughest a tad squeamish. … read more
Position Among The Stars
“Position Among The Stars” provides a glimpse into the lives of three generations: grandmother Rumidjah, her son Bakti, and her deceased daughter’s daughter, Tari. This documentary was masterfully filmed. The director and cinematographer Leonard Retel Helmrich did a fine job of accurately displaying Indonesia in an artful way. … read more
The Oregonian
“The Oregonian” might be the creepiest film I have ever seen. This is probably because Reeder doesn’t employ any of the usual techniques director’s use when attempting to create a disturbing film. … read more
Codependent Lesbian Space Alien Seeks Same
Clearly inspired by the campy late night monster movies of the ‘50s, Codependent Lesbian Space Alien Seeks Same initially seemed to have potential. The film opened with scenes of an alien space ship that appeared to be two bedazzled pie tins glued together. … read more
Hot Coffee
We’ve all heard the tale about the elderly woman, Stella Liebeck, who spilt McDonald’s coffee in her lap while driving and was awarded over $2 million in compensation from the subsequent lawsuit. It was immortalized on “Seinfeld” with the character Kramer enduring a similar accident, which is exactly how “Hot Coffee” opens. … read more
Homework
This may be Gavin Wiesen’s feature debut as a director, but it’s blatantly clear he’s been watching and studying Sundance entries for the past 20 years, because nothing contained in his teenage love drama is remotely innovative. George (Freddie Highmore) is your typical independent film protagonist who attends a private school, is provided with an affluent lifestyle and calls his parents and teachers by their first name (how hip of him). … read more
Crime After Crime
It’s sickening to think of a world where battered women who fight back against their abusers can be locked up for simply defending themselves. Yes, nowadays victims can seek shelters, but such was not the case in the late 1970s and that fact is exactly why Deborah Peagler was incarcerated and sentenced to 25 years to life for the murder of her boyfriend, Oliver Wilson. … read more
Miss Representation
The debate regarding the objectification of women in the media has been an ongoing issue for decades. In fact, it was the same topic discussed in Jean Kilbourne’s 1979 documentary short, “Killing Us Softly”. In an effort to reexamine and expand the research, director Jennifer Siebel Newsom has reopened the dialogue to investigate how far America has progressed in the past 32 years. Sadly, the result is still disheartening. … read more
Kaboom
My opinion of this movie is very similar to my opinion of David Sedaris, the NPR Humorist and Bestselling Author. I enjoy satire, I really do. But the manner in which Sedaris delivers his monologues makes me bored after the first two minutes. I appreciate his social commentary and witty euphemisms but I grow tired of hearing his voice recite them. … read more