Miss Representation

I could write a thesis on this film, but I will keep this simple. There are essentially three parts to this film. The first, based on hard facts, is good and interesting. I don't think you can find anyone who doesn't know that women are underrepresented in TV and movies and often hypersexualized in both. The second part is where things get tricky and conclusions are drawn from these facts. As everyone in the social sciences knows, correlation does not equal causation, but this film gets that wrong time and time again. It also "helpfully" ads dubious facts to create stronger causal links... the problem being that these  "facts" aren't facts at all. For example, they state conclusively that violence on TV and in video games causes real world violence, but that is not nor could ever be "proven", and we don't even have strong correlations for it. The third part is the worst, where social actions, based on these erroneous conclusions, are demanded, and I'm just not having that. Come back to me when you have a FAR stronger case and we'll talk, but right now these filmmakers need to rethink how they are making their case. 2/5

Miss Representation on Netflix

Fifty Shades Darker

I really don't know why I watch these films except to have the information to tell someone who thinks this is was a true BD/SM relationship is like that these books and films have gotten it terribly, horribly wrong. This film isn't as abusive like the last was, but it's clearly the calm before whatever storm is about to erupt. The acting is just as terrible as last time. It's abundantly clear Johnson and Dornan don't like each other, so the chemistry just doesn't work. And the plot is asinine - how did we even get from the end of the last movie to the end of this film? It honestly makes no sense at all. Ugh. 2/5

Fifty Shades Darker on Netflix

Romance

I think the only reason people talk about this movie is because it has scenes of actual sex in it. In reality, it's a piss poor film with very little in the way of plot, acting, or character development. If that wasn't bad enough, this movie manages to be one of the most un-erotic films I've ever seen. The sex is so bad and mechanical and passionless it's repelling, not exciting. To top it off, the film unexpectedly shows a live birth at the end, which I was in no way prepared to see. This film was built up to me as a truly great erotic drama, but it was a huge letdown in every way. 1.5/5

Romance on Netflix

Amanda Knox

 I admit I only knew some of the more sensational details about the Amanda Knox story, so I was very interested in learning more in this documentary. I wasn't disappointed - this film gave a thorough accounting from the views of Knox and Sollecito, the police, and the press. I can see how Knox's demeanor must have seemed strange to many, but it is so important to remember that trauma affects everyone in very different ways. Coming out of this film, I am inclined to believe Knox is innocent, but, as with most true crime, we'll never truly know. A fascinating film. 4.5/5

Amanda Knox on Netflix

Weiner

This documentary was really difficult for me to watch. Weiner gave this documentary crew tremendous access to his life and his campaign. I was honestly stunned with how much he allowed them to film. But what was was most shocking was the relationship between Weiner and Abedin. Speaking very frankly, Weiner seemed abusive and awful to Abedin throughout most of the film. A reporter commented, after watching them together, that Huma looked like an abused spouse, and I totally agree with that assessment. Weiner was a bully, not just to her, but to people on the street, to reporters, and to everyone who dared stand up to him. Knowing the most recent scandal that has broken from his camp, I feel sickened by everything that has transpired. This is a brilliant documentary about a subject that, for me, was just very difficult to watch. 5/5

Weiner on Netflix

Pink Ribbons, Inc

I have dear friends who are very invested in the Pink Ribbon movement, and I don't blame them. Cancer is a scary thing, and, on the surface, it seems like many of these campaigns could be of help. Sadly, this documentary discusses something I already had some familiarity with - that many of these pink ribbon campaigns do precious little to actually research, prevent or cure breast cancer. The bottom line is, if you really want to help do something about cancer, do your research and donate to funds that are actually doing quality work in the area of research. That's the only way we're really going to make serious headway into finding out what causes cancers such as this. Bravo to this documentary for bring that to light and really talking about it. 4/5

Pink Ribbons, Inc. on Netflix

The Hunting Ground

There's no easy way to put this. This is a devastating documentary to watch. What these brave women and men have been through is just horrifying, and to watch them tell their tales hurt me in a place deep in my gut. The problem of college rape is a very real one, and I don't know what it will take to finally get the changes we so desperately need. I hope films like this keep getting made, and survivors keep telling their stories, and, maybe then, we will finally see and end to this horrible crime. An extremely well done documentary on a very difficult topic. Well done once again, Kirby Dick 5/5

The Hunting Ground on Netflix

Hillary: The Movie

Yes, this is a political hit-piece, but it sure is interesting and persuading. Worth watching right now. 3/5

Hillary: The Movie on Netflix

Tyson

I went into this knowing very little about Mike Tyson's life. I emerge from this rather stunned and shaken by the stories he so freely told about his early life, all the trauma he endured, the great love he had for Cus D'Amato, and what it was like being champion at such a young age. The hatred he has for Desiree Washington and Dan King is palpable, as is, quite frankly, his level of disappointment (and frequent disgust) with himself. I was impressed with his intellect and how well spoken he was given how little education he had, and I hope that one day he can find peace within himself. A very provocative and thought-provoking documentary. 4/5

Tyson on Netflix

Cruising

I'm not sure what to make of this modern cult classic. The acting is honestly horrid, almost impossibly bad in parts. The plot has more holes in it than Swiss cheese, and the ADR is atrocious. And yet I couldn't bring myself to look away - there is something strangely compelling about this film. Unlike many, I found the end rather interesting and certainly provocative. The fact that I have my own theories about it tells me the movie got me, at least on some level. So for that, it gets three stars. 3/5

Cruising on Netflix

Straight Outta Compton

I remember when the album "Straight Outta Compton" came out. I had never heard anything like it - it blew me away completely. I wore out a few copies of that cassette, that's for sure. This caught the magic that was that album and the subsequent drama that followed it. I am honestly stunned that Jason Mitchell and O'Shea Jackson, Jr. did not get nominations for their roles as Easy-E and Ice Cube. I haven't seen any of the films for Best Picture yet this year, but the quality of this film is easily better, in my opinion, to both "The Imitation Game" and "The Theory of Everything" which got nods last year. At the very least Mitchell should absolutely have a spot in the run for Best Actor, of that I'm damn sure. This is a powerful film about a powerful time in music. Watch this film. 4/5

Straight Outta Compton on Netflix

Grandma

I have a lot of mixed feelings about this film, much in the same way I had about "The Diary of a Teenage Girl". In the case of the latter, I'm still digesting the film, and will write about it. For "Grandma", I think I can write tonight. First, Tomlin is exquisite, and I'm not surprised she was nominated for this role. It was a tough role in a tough movie, and I commend her for her work. Having said that, I feel like many of her granddaughter's emotional issues got short shrift, and it *was* her story, not Tomlin's. I wish the writer could have added 15 minute to explore Sage's story in greater depth. However, good film, and solid work by all. 3.5/5

Grandma on Netflix

Happy Valley

This documentary about the Penn State scandal gives a good but biased account of events - more was needed. 3/5

Happy Valley on Netflix

The Children's Hour

What an unbelievably brave movie for 1961! Tremendous acting, a superb plot, and so gutsy! Loved it. 5/5

The Children's Hour on Netflix

CITIZENFOUR

Regardless of your views on Snowden, this documentary was fascinating and chilling to watch. Interesting. 4/5

CITIZENFOUR on Netflix

Soaked in Bleach

I still vividly remember the day we heard Kurt Cobain killed himself. I was shocked and spent most of that days and the days following in tears. I remember hearing Courtney read the note on TV, the vigils, and the copycat suicides all over the world. In the weeks that followed Kurt's death, I grew more and more suspicious that Kurt's death was in fact a suicide. It just seemed incredibly weird to me, the details and timelines never made sense, but I never had enough information to be more than suspicious. Well, that and the fact that I know enough about Courtney Love to believe she was capable of anything. After watching this film, I feel almost convinced Kurt Cobain was murdered. I wish that it was possible to reopen the investigation, but my guess is we'll never have the evidence from that day to ever know for sure. This documentary lays a lot of the facts for murder out, including damning recordings from Love and Frances Bean's godmother that are just awful to hear. Kurt, wherever you are, I wish you peace. 4/5

Soaked in Bleach on Netflix

The Human Centipede: First Sequence

This is just bad is nearly every way, I don't even know why it became a cult hit. Totally ridiculous. 1.5/5

The Human Centipede: First Sequence on Netflix

A Mother's Courage: Talking Back to Autism

My mind is just blown after watching this, I never knew this type of learning was possible with autism. 5/5

A Mother's Courage: Talking Back to Autism on Netflix

Better This World

This documentary takes an interesting look at 2008 RNC case from the POV of McKay & Crowder. Fascinating. 4/5

Better This World on Netflix

The Unknown Known

Errol Morris does it again with this fascinating portrait of Rumsfeld, who proves to be a formidable subject. 5/5

The Unknown Known on Netflix