Review of Finding Vivian Maier
Review of Finding Vivian Maier Directed by John Maloof and Charlie Siskel Rating ***** This film tells a fascinating story in a compelling style. The director of the film, John Maloof, attends an auction in search of old photographs that he can use for a history project. He purchases a box of negatives from an unknown photographer. While […]
Review of Maidentrip
Review of Maidentrip by Laura Dekker, directed by Jillian Schlesinger Rating ***** This documentary tells the true story of Laura Dekker’s attempt to become the youngest person to sail solo around the world. She set out on her trip in January 2010 and completed the journey a little more than a year later at the age […]
Spent and the power of film
As an author I believe in the power of the written word. The written word, however, is rarely as powerful as film. For anyone with a story to tell, it is a constant battle for people’s attention. There are only so many hours in a day. If given the choice between learning about a subject […]
My Oscar pick for best documentary
For the first time ever I’ve had a chance to view all five best documentary films before the Oscars. Netflix has four of the five. The one film they didn’t have — Twenty Feet From Stardom — is available on Amazon Prime as a rental. First a quick look at the five nominated films: The […]
West of Memphis an Examination of Incompetence
West of Memphis directed by Amy Berg written by Amy Berg and Billy McMillin Rating ***** This documentary covers the same ground covered by the three Paradise Lost films concerning the wrongful convictions of Jason Baldwin, Damien Wayne Echols, and Jessie Misskelley. As good as those other films were, this film stands on its own […]
Review of Hot Coffee
Review of Hot Coffee directed by Susan Saladoff Rating **** Lady spills hot coffee on herself and then sues McDonalds for millions and wins. Remember that story? I certainly do. I thought it was a ridiculous claim and a perfect example of a frivolous lawsuit. So just based on that limited amount of knowledge I […]