Tag: Documentary

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Movie Review

Capturing the Friendmans (2003) Movie Review

Capturing the Friedmans – ABC Film Challenge – Oscar Nominations – C – Capturing the Friedmans – Movie Review

Capturing the Friedmans – ABC Film Challenge – Oscar Nominations – C – Capturing the Friedmans - Movie Review

Director: Andrew Jarecki

Plot: Documentary on the Friedmans, a seemingly typical, upper-middle-class Jewish family whose world is instantly transformed when the father and his youngest son are arrested and charged with shocking and horrible crimes.

Runtime: 1 Hour 47 Minutes

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Verdict on Capturing the Friedmans

Capturing the Friedmans is a documentary following the Friedman family. It looks like they are a normal friendly family until evidence points at the father collecting child pornography. Upon further investigation, a much more disturbing truth is uncovered in the family home.

However, despite the evidence looking clear, it follows the family members telling their stories of their connection with the disgraced family members. All while using video recordings looking to prove their innocence despite public opinion.

This is a documentary which exposes how a criminal case can get blown out of control when the wrong people start dealing with it. However, it doesn’t do anything to prove the truth, from the outside looking in, it seems like a clean-cut case. Even though the documentary is trying to prove their innocence throughout the case.

In the end, this focuses too much on Friedman’s point of view, rather than the authority’s investigation. The legal side of everything would have been a lot more interesting to see.

Where to Watch

JustWatch

Final Thoughts –Capturing the Friedmans dives into the legal battle for innocence or not.

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Movie Review

American Symphony (2023) Movie Review

American Symphony – Movie Review

Discover the emotional journey of musician Jon Batiste as he composes a symphony while his wife battles cancer in the documentary American Symphony.

ABC Film Challenge – Oscar Nominations – A

Director: Matthew Heineman (A Private War)

Plot: In this deeply intimate documentary, musician Jon Batiste attempts to compose a symphony as his wife, writer Suleika Jaouad, undergoes cancer treatment.

Runtime: 1 Hour 44 Minutes

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Verdict on American Symphony

American Symphony is a documentary following musician Jon Batiste as he breaks the record for the number of nominations. It should be the highest moment of his career, but at home, his wife Suleika Jaouad has been battling cancer. The movie follows his journey to continue his rise to superstardom while balancing the personal battle his wife goes through.

In the movie, we get to follow his preparation for his biggest show, in which he balances his struggles. He faces different criticism than he is used to while exploring the biggest battle. It is eye-opening to experience the journey of somebody in the spotlight, who is helpless in the personal battle.

This is an interesting journey through the life of somebody thrown into the biggest spotlight. It shows how his success means everything, but his wife’s battle is even more important. However, this was harder for me to enjoy because I don’t know anything about the artist. It makes it harder to see the level of stardom he has, where it seems like he is more of a national hero, rather than global. Anyway, this is interesting and creates a connection between a human and their art form.

Where to Watch

JustWatch

Final Thoughts – American Symphony is an interesting journey through this artist’s life.

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Movie Review

Knight Life (2024) Movie Review

Knight Life – Movie Review

"Knight Life" is a captivating documentary about modern-day jousting enthusiasts who find community, therapy, and passion in their unique sport.

First Reaction – Knight Life proves you can enjoy any niche with the right people around you.

Where to Watch

(VOD Release 1/28/25)

Director: Matt Poitras

Plot: Meet the diverse group of dedicated men and women who bring the Middle Ages to the present day, training for years to perfect their skills. They become expert horseback riders and caretakers, learn to full-contact joust in full armor [vs choreographed stunts], and perfect intricate swordplay to thrill audiences day after day.  They endure bruises, broken bones, and heartbreaking losses all in pursuit of being crowned the champion of the Knight Life and keeping this art form and sport alive. 

Runtime: 1 Hour 28 Minutes 

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Verdict on Knight Life

Recap

The movie follows the lives of a modern-day middle-aged reenactment crew. It follows their event procedures and how they have turned the show into a modern-day form of light entertainment. Yes, they can get hurt, but it is more about the stunt of the performance than actually hurting each other. It also explores the therapy it has offered to people, including soldiers with PTSD, and how it helps them cope with their problems.

Best Parts

We get a documentary following a niche group who have come together to provide entertainment. It gives them a chance to enjoy something they never imagined and deal with personal problems. This shows us how you could find a place in a group you never expected. One of the nicest parts of the documentary is how natural the people are, they all feel like everyday people. The most important part of this documentary shows the dangers involved, but the desire to compete and enjoy their time comes through.

Final Thoughts –Knight Life is a fascinating documentary into a niche.

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Movie Review

The Atlantis Puzzle (2024) Movie Review

The Atlantis Puzzle – Movie Review

The Atlantis Puzzle explores theories surrounding Atlantis, merging historical research with modern science, but lacks definitive proof for skeptical viewers.

First Reaction – The Atlantis Puzzle poses some interesting theories.

Watch The Atlantis Puzzle on Amazon, Google Play and YouTube Movies.

Director: Jack Kelley

Plot: New research transforms Atlantis myth into reality. Explore continents and centuries, uncovering Plato’s legacy – Ancient Greece, Africa’s story, and climate change’s impact over deep time.

Runtime: 1 Hour 25 Minutes 

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Verdict on The Atlantis Puzzle

Recap

The Atlantis Puzzle follows a new series of research that transforms the mystery behind the city. As experts put the pieces together, they dive into Plato’s legacy and new translations of his work. This guides them to new locations with clues that mix into modern science. It provides a new hunt which could solve one of the greatest mysteries in history.

Best Parts

This is an interesting exploration of the mystery that people have tried to solve for centuries. It uses the information well and dives into one of history’s greatest minds, Plato, and his work. If you love seeing different theories, this is a perfect addition to the selection that dives into history.

Worst Parts

On the opposite side, we are working with theories and no proof, which could leave people wanting more. Like most documentaries, we are left to wonder what could have happened or even if it ever existed.

Final Thoughts –The Atlantis Puzzle presents a strong theory.

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Movie Review

Wilding (2023) Movie Review

Wilding – Movie Review

Wilding is a captivating documentary showcasing landowners transforming their farm into wildlife habitats, emphasizing significant environmental change.

First Reaction – Wilding is a beautiful nature documentary about change.

Watch Wilding here.

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Director: David Allen

Plot: A dying landscape that is healed against all odds, going on to thrive in astonishing ways.

Runtime: 1 Hour 15 Minutes 

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Verdict on Wilding

Recap

The movie follows landowners who turned their traditional farm into an open wilderness for wildlife. It follows the battles to get accepted, along with the process’s ups and downs. We learn about different species of animals who found homes in a new land and address the bigger picture of taking away animal inhabitants.

Best Parts

The movie shows the amazing transformation and level of commitment the farmers created. We also get a nature documentary that explores the different species most people wouldn’t ever see. There is no question the achievement is outstanding and important for the change in the world.

Worst Parts

The movie does tell an important change. However, it doesn’t highlight how an everyday person could create the change. The family involved are incredibly wealthy and they even face criticism about their position giving them the chance to do this transformation.

Final Thoughts –Wilding delivers an important message about the beauty of wildlife.

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Movie Review

Porcelain War (2024) Movie Review

Porcelain War – Movie Review

Get a first reaction to the movie Porcelain War, a documentary about Ukrainian artists trying to survive the war with Russia.

First Reaction – Porcelain War is an important glimpse to those on the ground in Ukraine.

Where to Watch

Porcelain War has a limited cinema release over here for the 6th December.

Director: Brendan Bellomo, Slava Leontyev

Plot: Under roaring fighter jets, Ukrainian artists Slava, Anya, and Andrey choose to stay behind. Defiantly finding beauty amid destruction, they show that although it’s easy to make people afraid, it’s hard to destroy their passion for living.

Runtime: 1 Hour 27 Minutes 

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Verdict on Porcelain War

Recap

Porcelain War is a documentary following Ukrainian artists trying to survive the destruction of the war with Russia. It follows their journey to safety while fighting and keeping their love of art alive. We follow their journey and how they used art to find peace in the chaos around them, in hopes of telling their stories.

Best Parts

This movie gives us a glimpse into the lives of a few fighters, survivors and artists. It shows us not everything is about fighting if you don’t take a moment to see the good things in life. This shows beautifully how they go about their day and gives them a reason to fight. Mixed with their creations we have their amazing creation with the backdrop of destruction. This is an important look at the conditions the Ukrainians face against Russia and shows how they want the simple thing in life, a chance to live free.

Final Thoughts –Porcelain War is an important documentary.

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Movie Review

Been Here Stay Here (2024) Movie Review

Been Here Stay Here – Movie Review

Read our first reaction and review of 'Been Here Stay Here' - an important movie discussing climate change and the impact on a close-knit fishing community.

First Reaction – Been Here Stay Here brings an important climate change discussion.

Where to Watch

Been Here Stay Here World premiere will take place on November 19th, 2024

Director: David Usui

Plot: As the rising seas encroach upon their shores, the residents of Tangier Island—a close-knit Christian fishing community—find themselves at a poignant crossroads. Their centuries-old way of life, sustained by faith and the rhythms of the Chesapeake Bay, is now threatened by a climate crisis that could force them to leave the only home they have ever known.

Runtime: 1 Hour 26 Minutes 

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Verdict on Been Here Stay Here

Recap

We follow the small community of Christian fishermen who have lived in the area for centuries. The businesses have run through the family for generations and now they are facing problems with climate change. We follow the generations on the trips and the locals who are starting to question what is next for them. Meanwhile, the changes they will face need tackling and they are left to wonder if they waited too long to get them put in place.

Best Parts

This gives us a very personal insight into the community and how they go about their daily routines. It shows how much their work, religion and traditions mean to them. Like any good documentary, we get a sense of joining them in their routines and understanding how important their role is to everyone.

This presents the importance of the small communities that are facing the challenges of climate change and how difficult the challenges they face will be. It gives the open discussion about how some people haven’t wanted to listen to the potential problems coming and others who simply didn’t want to help. In the end, this shows us how everyday people could lose everything if more isn’t done to help the planet.

Final Thoughts – Been Here Stay Here is an important message that change is needed.

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Movie Review

Buy Now! The Shopping Conspiracy (2024) Movie Review

Buy Now The Shopping Conspiracy – Movie Review

Explore the dark side of consumerism with Buy Now The Shopping Conspiracy. Discover how marketing strategies drive our spending habits.

First Reaction – Buy Now The Shopping Conspiracy opens the eyes to the problems with consumption.

Watch Buy Now The Shopping Conspiracy on Netflix Now.

Director: Nic Stacey

Plot: Pulls back the curtain on the world’s top brands, exposing the hidden tactics and covert strategies used to keep all of us locked in an endless cycle of buying, no matter the cost.

Runtime: 1 Hour 24 Minutes 

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Verdict on Buy Now The Shopping Conspiracy

Recap

This is a documentary exploring how shopping habits have changed over the years. It explores how people are spending more than they can afford on things they don’t need. This shows how the big companies explored marketing to make people buy stuff without thinking about whether they need it. Meanwhile, it shows the effects of the consumption and waste products left in the world.

Best Parts

This is an interesting documentary that highlights consumption habits and how businesses take advantage of certain laws. It shows how they trick people into believing they are buying long-lasting products and how they can dump unwanted products. This feels more like an awareness movie that proves we as humans don’t take things seriously. The businesses will create additional waste in the world creating bigger problems.

Worst Parts

This could be seen as a message that people don’t want to hear, it gets right in your face. But that reflects how advertisers conduct their business. It doesn’t end up doing enough to show the changes that people want, rather than complain that they are not doing anything.

Final Thoughts – Buy Now The Shopping Conspiracy is an eye-opening documentary.

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Movie Review

Blink (2024) Movie Review

Blink – Movie Review

Experience the beauty of the world through the eyes of a family in Blink, a captivating documentary about love, hope, and embracing life's moments.

Director: Daniel Roher, Edmund Stenson

Plot: Chronicles a family’s global trip before their children lose vision to a rare genetic disorder, capturing their journey to experience the world’s beauty while they can still see it, and preparing for an inevitable future.

Runtime: 1 Hour 23 Minutes 

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Verdict on Blink

Blink is a documentary that follows Edith and Sebastien’s drastic decision to help their children. They have four children, Mia, Leo, Colin, and Laurent. Three of them have a rare genetic disorder that will cause them to lose their sight. They decide to take them on a year-long world tour to see the beauty of the world in hopes it will remain in their memories once they lose their sight.

This documentary follows their journey around the world, taking on a journey most of us would only ever imagine doing. The family all make a request they want to do on the trip and we follow them to overcome the difficulties of making it happen to have an adventure of a lifetime. However, they also see the first signs of what is to come, as the illness is starting to affect the children more than before.

This movie shows the incredible journey the family made, the sacrifices the parents made to give their children an adventure they would never forget. It highlights the emotional take the changes are having on everyone, with the parents needing to remain strong. They mix with different cultures and this makes them understand how important life is for them all.

Where to Watch

Blink will have a UK cinema release on Friday 22 November.

Final Thoughts – Blink is an inspiring take on how to make life mean more.