|
1.5/5
|
91%
|
Tabloid (2011) |
"
Morris' choice of title may be ripe with ironic intent, but the film is what it is: an arrogant, obscene, inexcusable example of tabloid exploitation. "
—
About.com
Posted Jul 11, 2011
|
|
1.5/5
|
18%
|
The Cross(The Cross: The Arthur Blessitt Story) (2009) |
"
It would be nice to be able to call The Cross a mockumentary. But the director's Christian Broadcasting background makes it extremely unlikely that his intention was provide viewers with a good laugh at the expense of the Blessitt Arthur."
—
About.com
Posted Apr 3, 2009
|
|
2.5/5
|
67%
|
Limelight (2011) |
"
Billy Corben's glitzy documentary about the rise and demise of NY club lord Peter Gatien is studded with psychedelic images and audio that don't add much to the story -- except confusion."
—
About.com
Posted Sep 2, 2011
|
|
2.5/5
|
79%
|
Blank City (2011) |
"
Celine Danhier assembles a worthy cast of commentators, but fails to capture the 70s East Village ethos, and the film's frenetic pacing and jumpy editing make it all but unwatchable."
—
About.com
Posted Apr 1, 2011
|
|
2.5/5
|
58%
|
Art & Copy (2009) |
"
Advertising's a great documentary subject. Unfortunately, 'Art & Copy,' as slick and stylish as it is, doesn't do an adequate job of exploring its subject."
—
About.com
Posted Aug 21, 2009
|
|
2.5/5
|
33%
|
Bloodline (2008) |
"
In his investigation of the legend that Jesus survived crucifixion, married Mary Magdalene and fathered children who married French royalty, British director Bruce Burgess claims to present new evidence--including the mummified body of Mary Magdalene."
—
About.com
Posted Jun 27, 2009
|
|
2.5/5
|
76%
|
Gunnin' for That #1 Spot (2008) |
"
The extraordinary athleticism and skills of these teenagers, all prime prospects for eventual NBA stardom, makes this a game you really want to see."
—
About.com
Posted Jun 27, 2009
|
|
3/5
|
50%
|
Chasing Madoff (2011) |
"
Ponzi master Madoff muted whistleblower Harry Makopolis' blasts for decades, as shown in this dark documentary intrigue that filmmaker Jeff Prosserman cloaks in film noir style."
—
About.com
Posted Aug 15, 2011
|
|
3/5
|
71%
|
Dumbstruck (2011) |
"
The five ventriloquists and their dummies features in Mark Goffman's documentary, are far from Dumbstruck. They're quite articulate about their art, but not as funny as you'd expect them to be. "
—
About.com
Posted Apr 1, 2011
|
|
3/5
|
43%
|
Highwater (2010) |
"
Pipeline footage of star surfers makes 'Highwater' required viewing for anyone who pursues or want to pursue the sport, but the film also entertains those who just like to watch superb sports performances."
—
About.com
Posted Aug 26, 2010
|
|
3/5
|
74%
|
Kurt Cobain About a Son (2007) |
"
Filmmaker AJ Schnack uses 25-hours of previously unheard audio interviews with Cobain as voice over for footage of Cobain haunts. The images are mesmerizing, but Cobain never appears on screen, and he is missed. "
—
About.com
Posted Jun 6, 2010
|
|
3/5
|
53%
|
The Thorn in the Heart (2010) |
"
Like a guest invited to a family reunion, you feel a bit uncomfortable, question why you're there and wonder how long the event will last."
—
About.com
Posted Apr 3, 2010
|
|
3/5
|
——
|
P-Star Rising (2010) |
"
What's most interesting about this documentary is the perspective it adds to our view of contemporary American youth, and our society's astonishing adulation of adolescent fame and wealth."
—
About.com
Posted Feb 7, 2010
|
|
3/5
|
100%
|
Garbage Dreams (2009) |
"
In this compelling documentary, director Mai Iskander follows three teenage Egyptian boys who eke out a living by collecting garbage, but dream of finding their way to a cleaner, easier way of life."
—
About.com
Posted Jan 7, 2010
|
|
3/5
|
45%
|
Until the Light Takes Us (2009) |
"
Until the Light Takes Us tracks the deafening sounds and shocking anti-social behavior of the metal music clan who stand against their country's behavioral norms and cultural traditions."
—
About.com
Posted Nov 30, 2009
|
|
3/5
|
81%
|
Michael Jackson's This Is It (2009) |
"
While this memorial to Jackson's extraordinary talents will satisfy some, if you're looking for insight or understanding about Jackson's life and ethos, this 'documentary' is not for you."
—
About.com
Posted Nov 3, 2009
|
|
3/5
|
49%
|
Taking Woodstock (2009) |
"
Ang Lee captures the spirit of this memorable cultural event as the coming of age of a young man who accidentally facilitated it, but Michael Wadleigh's documentary is the richer Woodstock experience."
—
About.com
Posted Aug 17, 2009
|
|
3/5
|
71%
|
American Teen (2008) |
"
In contrast to other recent documentaries about coming of age in America, American Teen seems somewhat simplistic, perhaps naive."
—
About.com
Posted May 26, 2009
|
|
3/5
|
94%
|
Encounters at the End of the World (2007) |
"
Using magnificent underwater footage shot by someone else, Werner Herzog creates fascinating travelogue that takes us to wonderous and remote Antarctica, a place few humans have visited. But, surrounded by natures majesty and mysteries, all Herzog really"
—
About.com
Posted Apr 3, 2009
|
|
3.5/5
|
71%
|
MIS Human Secret Weapon (2012) |
"
Filmmaker Junichi Suzuki reveals a WWII secret: 6,000 Japanese-Americans joined MIS (Military Intelligence Service, fighting against Japan, even 'tho the U.S. placed their loved ones into internment camps. "
—
About.com
Posted Apr 11, 2012
|
|
3.5/5
|
40%
|
Last Will and Embezzlement (2012) |
"
Economic predators are taking advantage of senior citizens who've lost their capacity to responsibly handle their financial affairs. The specific scenario may differ, but the scams are similar, following specific patterns. This film calls them out."
—
About.com
Posted Apr 11, 2012
|
|
3.5/5
|
95%
|
Gerhard Richter Painting (2012) |
"
Corinna Belz' documentary presents a singular opportunity to watch a famous artist at work. And, Richter's process is quite mesmerizing. "
—
About.com
Posted Mar 11, 2012
|
|
3.5/5
|
64%
|
The Ballad of Genesis and Lady Jaye (2012) |
"
A compelling character study and a fascinating reflection of contemporary culture, but you must decide for yourself whether their obsession is the love of art or art of love."
—
About.com
Posted Mar 5, 2012
|
|
3.5/5
|
77%
|
The Other F Word (2011) |
"
The other F word is "Father" or "Fatherhood." Now, what were you thinking? "
—
About.com
Posted Nov 3, 2011
|
|
3.5/5
|
82%
|
Klitschko (2011) |
"
If you want to cheer for the Klitschkos, this profile will be enough for you. If you want to understand them, you'll need more."
—
About.com
Posted Oct 16, 2011
|
|
3.5/5
|
94%
|
Being Elmo: A Puppeteer's Journey (2011) |
"
One or two 'Barbara Walters moments' would have enhanced this profile of Muppeteer Kevin Clash. Without them, the biodoc is little more than an endearing, people pleasing puff piece."
—
About.com
Posted Oct 8, 2011
|
|
3.5/5
|
67%
|
The Sons Of Tennessee Williams (2011) |
"
About an early triumph in the struggle for gay rights, and a colorful, fun glimpse at New Orleans' Mardi Gras in drag."
—
About.com
Posted Oct 8, 2011
|
|
3.5/5
|
100%
|
Everyday Sunshine: The Story of Fishbone (2011) |
"
Some fascinating music history and watching Angelo's amazing antics add up to a very engaging audience experience. "
—
About.com
Posted Oct 1, 2011
|
|
3.5/5
|
50%
|
Love Etc. (2011) |
"
A good first date documentary."
—
About.com
Posted Jul 10, 2011
|
|
3.5/5
|
80%
|
Page One: Inside the New York Times (2011) |
"
Page One isn't quite a NYT cover story, but its moments of intrigue and hilarious Dave Carr sequences are entertaining. "
—
About.com
Posted Jun 19, 2011
|
|
3.5/5
|
59%
|
Yves Saint Laurent - L'amour fou (2011) |
"
A biographical documentary tribute to Yves Saint-Laurent and his accomplishments. But, told primarily from the perspective of Saint-Laurent's grieving partner, it's sadder than it is celebratory. "
—
About.com
Posted May 8, 2011
|
|
3.5/5
|
73%
|
Revenge of the Electric Car (2011) |
"
An important subject with mass appeal. Read my full review."
—
About.com
Posted Apr 21, 2011
|
|
3.5/5
|
82%
|
American: The Bill Hicks Story (2011) |
"
The life and career of Bill Hicks, controversial stand up comic who died of cancer at age 32, is chronicled in this entertaining and moving tribute film, rich with archival footage of Hicks' performances."
—
About.com
Posted Apr 1, 2011
|
|
3.5/5
|
87%
|
The Last Lions (2011) |
"
A lone lioness and her two cubs are the stars of this dramatic documentary about survival in the wild. Their story is thrilling, and the close up footage will amaze you."
—
About.com
Posted Feb 22, 2011
|
|
3.5/5
|
82%
|
Self Made () |
"
When working class Brits taking Sam Rumbelow's method acting workshop develop characters for their own short films, the process proves more interesting and poignant than the results. "
—
About.com
Posted Feb 6, 2011
|
|
3.5/5
|
——
|
Rise Up (2012) |
"
Rise Up is all about reggae, the heartbeat of Jamaica, where music happens everywhere, expressing people's rage and indignation, as well as their hope and aspirations."
—
About.com
Posted Jan 26, 2011
|
|
3.5/5
|
81%
|
Catfish (2010) |
"
Ads and trailers for Catfish proclaim the film's story to be true. Maybe it is. Maybe it isn't. Maybe it's half and half. And, maybe it doesn't matter all that much. The film is enormously entertaining and very worth watching."
—
About.com
Posted Sep 17, 2010
|
|
3.5/5
|
94%
|
Whiz Kids (2010) |
"
Whiz Kids keeps you in suspense about who'll take home the $100,000 prize, but it's clear that all these kids know how to apply the American credo of equal opportunity to the notion of competition. And win."
—
About.com
Posted Jun 4, 2010
|
|
3.5/5
|
84%
|
The Art Of The Steal (2010) |
"
This insider look at art world shenanigans and politicking is both fascinating and scandalous."
—
About.com
Posted Feb 24, 2010
|
|
3.5/5
|
82%
|
Defamation (2009) |
"
Shamir's breezy manner and casual approach encourage people to speak candidly, and their comments about Jews are shocking -- horrendous, really, but sometimes surprisingly funny."
—
About.com
Posted Nov 16, 2009
|
|
3.5/5
|
85%
|
Tyson (2009) |
"
Toback's approach to Tyson pulls no punches. It is extraordinarily revealing."
—
About.com
Posted Oct 19, 2009
|
|
3.5/5
|
83%
|
We Live in Public (2009) |
"
Generates contemplation about the ways widespread Internet use influences society within and beyond the dot.com community that developed it."
—
About.com
Posted Aug 28, 2009
|
|
3.5/5
|
79%
|
Throw Down Your Heart (2008) |
"
Musician Bela Fleck brings the banjo back to Africa, where it originated. Overall, the music is terrific and the film's intentions are good. But less would have been more."
—
About.com
Posted Aug 16, 2009
|
|
3.5/5
|
70%
|
Religulous (2008) |
"
Ever the clever quipper, Bill Maher tackles religious dogma and ritual%u2013and Bibles tales%u2013in this documentary of irreverence. The film is witty and pointedly critical%u2013but it's no revelation."
—
About.com
Posted Jun 27, 2009
|
|
3.5/5
|
67%
|
Beer Wars (2001) |
"
This soapbox doc ain't a promo for the suds you swig while watching ESPN! Filmmaker Anat Baron's Beer Wars asserts that best-selling brews like Budweiser, Miller's and Coors are more like colored water."
—
About.com
Posted Jun 27, 2009
|
|
3.5/5
|
84%
|
Billy the Kid (2007) |
"
Billy, who suffers from Aspergers Syndrome, is sympathetic, but you can easily understand why he's a social outcast. This is a film about Billy, not about his condition."
—
About.com
Posted Jun 9, 2009
|
|
3.5/5
|
73%
|
Very Young Girls (2007) |
"
The film brings the painful plight of teenage prostitutes to light, refrains from inflicting any degree of blame or shame on them and points to ways they can reclaim their lives."
—
About.com
Posted Jun 4, 2009
|
|
3.5/5
|
94%
|
Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About His Father (2008) |
"
Filmmaker Kurt Kuenne set out to make a memorial about his best friend, Dr. Andrew Bagby, with the intention of giving the tribute to Dr. Bagby's son, Zachary, so the boy--unborn at the time of Dr. Bagby's brutal murder, would know about the father whom h"
—
About.com
Posted May 27, 2009
|
|
3.5/5
|
96%
|
Bigger, Stronger, Faster* (2008) |
"
Chris Bell's very personal documentary, tracking how steroid use influenced his body building family's game, health and interpersonal relationships, is neither an apology nor a hard-lined expose about doping."
—
About.com
Posted May 26, 2009
|
|
3.5/5
|
80%
|
Nursery University (2009) |
"
Watching success-crazed NYC parents in a frenzy to place their toddlers in swank preschools that 'feed' the little darlings into the Ivy League is compelling and scary--like swimming with sharks."
—
About.com
Posted Apr 15, 2009
|
62%
——
97%
