Brett Morgen (The Kid Stays In The Picture) uses archival footage, notes, drawings, and unseen home videos to bring to light the life and times of Kurt Cobain, the legendary singer/guitarist for the band Nirvana. We get a very intimate glimpse of the beloved musician from his early years all the way up to 1994, when he tragically took his own life at the age of 27. Having seen other documentaries produced on Nirvana and Cobain, I couldn't help feel that they were more idol-worship and spent less time focusing on the troubled life this man had. So, I was surprised and in some cases shocked with how much of his past they discussed. The use of home video footage to show how drug addiction drastically changed his mental and physical state, it was extremely upsetting to see. I grew up listening to these guys! Kurt was a gifted songwriter and musician. So, to get this level of intimacy and detail about his life. To see the events that made him the way he was. It was impressive that someone was able to put a documentary together that felt less like a love letter and more of a character study. I think it is the only real way you can effectively tell this story and they did it very well. On top of all this! Morgen utilized the incredible animation skills of Stefan Nadelman and Hisko Hulsing, to bring to life drawings done by Kurt. As well as, brilliantly bringing to life major events in the young Cobain's life. Which included his family troubles and his musical beginnings. The only issue I really had with the film was the exclusion of Dave Grohl, whose omission was a choice the director made. I felt it would have given the film a little more. But, ultimately I had no major issues with this documentary. It is very well done! The animated sequences alone make this worth your time. Even if you don't like Kurt Cobain! This is a great character study that doesn't pull any punches as it focuses on the events that both made and ultimately destroyed an extremely talented musician.

Completely one-sided? Yes! No one affiliated with Scientology would speak to the filmmakers. Which given the way they handle their business is no surprise. But, it did feel like a lost opportunity. Despite the one-sidedness of it all! This is probably one of the most shocking and eye-opening documentaries to be released this decade, if not ever. To have gotten to the level that Scientology has risen to and for them to be allowed to conduct their business in this manner. With very little intervention from our government! It was unsettling to realize just how much influence and power they have. While the film is not perfect! It stands as a very damning piece of evidence against Scientology and from a journalistic standpoint. It is an incredible expose on this controversial group and hopefully will shed light on their business practices. Help those who work within the church in some way and force those who hold higher-power within the organization to answer for any crimes they may have committed.

Birdman is hands-down one of the most well-shot films I have ever seen. The set they crafted that allows the camera to just glide through the halls and move from room to room. So beautiful to watch! The cast is phenomenal as well! If you haven't seen this one yet. I recommend you go as soon as you can!