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Reviews
Tony Robbins: I Am Not Your Guru (2016)
Egad!
Posing as a documentary, this infomercial amounts to forced feeding of Tony Robbins dog food. Nowhere is there any semblance of objectivity,or the slightest inkling of the real man. In other words, there's no insight into this self-absorbed hustler whose miracles are accepted at face value. Cringe-worthy in its relentless adulation, this film makes Fox News seem, as it claims, "Fair and Balanced" in comparison. Seeing wounded people gain momentary solace is hardly a vision of real mental or emotional healing. It seems clear how and why the filmmakers were given such complete access. The question that begs is whether they were also provided with funds by the Robbins organization. No thanks!
It's More Expensive to Do Nothing (2010)
Wow!
An incredible look at an enlightened program in San Diego, California that attempted to deal with chronic criminality in the same way as one would deal with a chronic illness. Crossing both ends of the political system, this film shows that helping prisoners, rather than simply warehousing them, is the only sensible approach. Given that 40% of all prisoners cannot read at a 4th grade level, have no job skills, and have substance abuse problems, remediation becomes far more important than punishment. At a time when each the cost of each prisoner per year is over $50,000, preparing prisoners for a second chance saves money, while also reducing policing and court costs. Plus ex-cons become contributing members of the community and even tax payers, which makes the world both safer and better. This film is a must see!
Leimert Park Voices (2010)
Thankfully!
A much-needed look at a long neglected part of Black cultural history in Los Angeles, this film is a gem. Heroes both known and not-so-well-known finally get the attention they deserve, along with a once-flourishing mecca for the arts. If you're interested in art, music, and poetry that reflect the truth of inner city life, this is definitely for you. Featuring jazz stars such as Roy Hargrove, Billy Higgins, and Billy Childs, plus writers and masters of the spoken word, this documentary will thrill you. My hat is off to the filmmakers for capturing the men and women who made Leimert Park part of a continuum that started first with Central Avenue, then with the Watts Writers Workshop.
El Boxeo (2013)
The definitive look at boxing today!
There are those who think, foolishly, that boxing's audience has diminished. Those people are as wrong as those who think the earth is flat. The fact, as this masterpiece shows, is that boxing, having become truly international, is bigger than ever. Vast in scope, "El Boxeo" deals with the sport in myriad ways by exploring it as a metaphor for race, language, culture, economics, and politics. But at the same time, it never loses sight of what's been called "The Sweet Science." Told entirely as an oral history, it features champs both past and present, promoters, managers, trainers, broadcasters, referees, historians, and ring announcers -- a veritable "Who's-Who" of the boxing world. Among those seen on screen are Sugar Ray Leonard, Julio Cesar Chavez, Israel Vazquez, Ray "Boom Boom" Mancini, Canelo Alvarez, Larry Merchant, Al Bernstein, Jose Sulaiman, Paco Valcarcel, Bobby Chacon, and many, many more. A must see for every sports fan!
Killing Them Softly (2012)
Boston done wrong
Pretentious drivel which totally squanders the prose of George V. Higgins. With a better script, this might have made a terrific movie if directed by someone like Hawks, Huston, or Leone. Instead it's been over-directed by someone who trusts neither the story nor the audience. It's a series of overly-pretty set pieces coupled with lengthy mock-Cassavetes dialogue that goes nowhere. That Brad Pitt did two films with this guy makes one wonder about his taste, his business acumen, and even his intelligence. Though the film is well cast, the sad fact is that the actors stand no chance in this "look how smart and slick" I am dive into the lower depths. The city of Boston deserves far better. At least they've got the Red Sox!
Spiritual Revolution (2008)
A must for anyone interested in Eastern spirituality
Unlike other films in this genre, which focus solely on gurus, rinpoches, and other spiritual masters, this documentary takes a broader and more interesting approach. By adding distinctly Western voices -- scientists, psychoanalysts, historians, and even a Catholic theologian -- it brings into focus the ever-more converging paths between the East and the West. Of special interest was is the attention to the emerging role of women as Eastern traditions acquire a Western audience. Most distinctive of all is that rather than focusing, as so many "spiritual" films do, on the avant-garde, "Spiritual Revolution" takes the viewer into previously uncharted terrain by showing how meditation is now being used as a tool in helping groups such as Inner City kids and AIDS patients. Its ultimate message? "Meditation" rather than "Medication."
Redbelt (2008)
A traffic accident!
This atrocity plays like MAD MAGAZINE does martial arts, only with zero sense of humor. Maybe its artsy-fartsy pretentiousness would play better with subtitles, but in English it's a disaster from start to finish. I cannot understand how in the world it got made. Nor, in truth, can I understand how those involved in making it could come to work every day. Indeed I have trouble understanding how in hell I made it through the entire film. I guess the only possible explanation is total disbelief. The plot is preposterous, a character who seem brain dead at one moment prove to be star attorney when it's convenient, and the action is clubfooted at best. As for the dialogue, maybe it's time for Mamet to hang it up -- or at least to head back to the stage.
Time of Fear (2002)
An unsung thriller set in a SoCal waterfront town.
Off-beat, yet winning, this is low-budget film-making at its most imaginative.
Clearly burdened by genre plot -- plus a need that I won't quibble with to add a certain amount of nudity -- this is a triumph of style over budget. The actors -- especially Nick Mancuso and Cheryl Pollak -- are terrific. And hats off for including the late, great Soul star Solomon Burke! Extra points given for the unexpected use of great R&B and Gospel.
Why this film isn't more appreciated is a mystery to me. It has a great look, an excellent sense of place, a distinctive mood and feel, and flies by at great speed.