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

Miss Sloane

I am of two minds of this film. The first mind is that it is an excellent thriller. I have loved Chastain since her very first role in "Jolene", and I still think she's an unrated and brilliant actress. The whole of the cast was spot on, but they'd have to be to keep up with Chastain and the amazing performance she gave in this. The plot is also expertly written, and I never saw half the twists coming. But here's the thing, the thing with which the other half of me is troubled. I don't know why it was necessary to demonize everyone to the right of political center in this film. Yes, political posturing was inevitably going to be a part of this, but, how it shook out, everyone working for gun control had ethics and everyone against it were monsters, with one obvious exception of course. It wasn't necessary to the film - it in fact weakened it as I began to feel too many characters were cartoons instead of people. It was jarring and unneeded, and I wish the filmmakers had trusted in their script and cast to carry this film without it. Still, it was an excellent film, and I have to give it four stars. 4/5

Miss Sloane on Netflix

Tickled

For the first time, I'm reviewing a movie I didn't get from Netflix. I saw "Tickled" on HBOGo, and I was so utter taken by it that I had to write about it. I have never in my life seen a movie turn on it's head like this. The movie you think you will see is not at all the movie that you do see, and it's glorious. Don't let the oddness of the premise put you off - this is truly one of the best and most fascinating documentaries I've ever seen. I can't say anything else about it for fear of ruining the experience. Watch this, immediately. You will thank me for it. 5/5

No Men Beyond This Point

This mockumentary is so good and so funny and rings so scarily true that it's a little frightening. The acting and script were excellent. I don't want to say much about the plot as the world of this film is really interesting, but it kept me completely glued to my screen. I highly recommend this, especially if you love mockumentaries like I do. 4.5/5

No Men Beyond This Point on Netflix

Arrival

This film reminded very much of "Contact" with Jodie Foster, and that's a compliment. Like "Contact", "Arrival" is not a sci-fi action flick, but rather a serious contemplation of life, time, language, and what it means to be sentient. There is so much going on in the slow moments of this film, things that only come together at the end, which is important in and of itself. The acting is excellent - Adams did an outstanding job in her lead role. I wish the direction had been clearer at points - it's very muddy and difficult to make out details on occasion, which I found frustrating. I really enjoyed this, it's definitely worth a watch or three. 4.5/5

Arrival on Netflix

Advantageous

This sci-fi drama is so provocative and engaging. The moral and ethical questions it asks are profound and have no easy answers. The sad thing is I can see this future emerging even today, and I don't think we're in the least prepared to face it. Jennifer Phang co-wrote and directed this with a masterful touch. The direction was beautiful, and I loved that she didn't feel the need to hold my hand and guide me through the plot. I really enjoyed this and highly recommend it. 4/5

Advantageous 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

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 Green Prince

This documentary was shot in the manner of "The Imposter" and was very compelling, excellently told. 4/5

The Green Prince 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

Witch Hunt

Such a tragic story! My heart goes out to both the adults & the children involved in all this. Well done. 4/5

Witch Hunt on Netflix

Kurt Cobain: Montage on Heck

I'm sorry, but the man in these home movies did not kill himself. The man who wrote these journals did not kill himself. I don't believe it, cannot believe it. Between this and "Soaked in Bleach", I think the case is well made for a Kurt Cobain that was unhappy, an addict, depressed, and a bit lost, but suicide? No. No. No. 4/5

Kurt Cobain: Montage of Heck on Netflix

The Stanford Prison Experiment

I have a lot to say about this film, but I will endeavor to be brief. As a student of psychology, I know a great deal about this all-too-real experiment. I have been waiting for a lot of years for some one to step up and make an accurate film about this terrifying experiment, and that film has finally arrived. This film is scarily accurate in it's detail and attention to the actual events that took place over those six days. I don't think there's one inaccurate detail in the film, due in part to Dr. Zimbardo's ongoing participation in the making of it. Billy Crudup's Zimbardo was scary good, and Ezra Miller as #8612 and Michael Angarano as "John Wayne" were just astounding standouts. The music set the perfect ambiance, the direction was appropriately claustrophobic, and the script was note-perfect. I couldn't be more pleased that Kyle Patrick Alvarez nailed this. A must-see - everyone needs to see this and remember what we learned in these important six days. 5/5

The Stanford Prison Experiment on Netflix

Do I Sound Gay?

A fascinating documentary about the phenomenon of sounding gay & how it might occur. Enlightening & well done. 4/5

Do I Sound Gay? on Netflix

A Murder in the Park

WOW. A totally eye-opening and timely documentary, a shocking contrast to many similar films. Wonderful. 5/5

A Murder in the Park on Netflix

CSA: Confederate States of America

This work of historical fiction was profoundly affecting to me. Presented as a British documentary airing on CSA TV, it recounts the history of the Confederate States of America after the South won the Civil War. Included as part of the "program" are regular ads for products and shows that will turn your stomach they are so racist. The story is compelling and the message utterly fascinating and repelling. What perhaps shocked me the most was the addendum to the movie, which identified which of the ads and historical facts were actually based in fact. Amazing, and done clearly on a very low budget, this is one movie you will not soon forget. 5/5

CSA: Confederate States on America 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

Particle Fever

This documentary about the Higgs boson is equal parts exciting & terrifying. It's a brave new world indeed. 4/5

Particle Fever on Netflix

5 Broken Cameras

One of the most powerful documentaries I've ever seen, unflinching & deeply emotional. A must see film. 5/5

5 Broken Cameras 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