
Navalny – A Timely Attempted Murder (3.5*)
Navalny is as thrilling a movie as you can get, and even more so because it’s true. But is it a skillful documentary, or just a lucky filmmaker?(3.5*)
Navalny is as thrilling a movie as you can get, and even more so because it’s true. But is it a skillful documentary, or just a lucky filmmaker?(3.5*)
All That Breathes is a different kind of documentary that tells its story of three Indian Muslims ministering to the needs of a bird, while exploring humanity’s relationship to the natural world. (4*)
All the Beauty and the Bloodshed is an amalgam of two different films, sharing a common person, photographer Nan Goldin. Most viewers will likely find this one a little unsatisfying. (3*)
A House Made Of Splinters is the story of 4 pre-teens who can no longer live with their families because of parental alcohol dependency. The kids tell their stories while the camera records their honest and heart wrenching feelings. A remarkable film. (4.5*)
Fire of Love is about two geologists who spend their entire marriage exploring volcanoes. But the film gives more insight into their love of volcanoes than for each other. (3)
Attica (4*) – Disturbing presentation of the four days of the deadliest prison riot in US history. It probes not only the riot, but also fundamentals of racism. This isn’t fun, but is perhaps necessary.
(3.5*) Writing with Fire is a profile in courage, telling the story of untouchable women changing Indian society. A case where the subject matter overwhelms the filmmaking.
(3.5*) Ascension is, on the surface, a study of China’s economy. But it also turns a mirror on our own!
(4.5*) Summer of Soul is exhilarating, fun, and informative. Definitely take this stroll through Black music of the late 60s!
(3.5 Stars) A somewhat troubling film about the unjust impact of long sentences on Black families.
(4 Stars) An important story about government and corporate corruption and the role of the press in exposing it.
(4.5 Stars) A startling and innovative approach to learning about animals. May make you cry!
(4 Stars) A remarkable film documenting how a summer camp experience turned into a national political movement. A movie of commitment and hope.
(4 Stars) Well told story of the culture clash when a Chinese business tries to run an American factory.
(4.5 Stars) A personal and insightful look into the fragile democracy of Brazil with lessons for the US.
(5 Stars) A powerful and personal journal of five years in Aleppo. Best Syrian-war documentary yet.
(3.5 Stars) Winner of the Documentary Oscar, it tells a riveting tale of Hannock’s climb of El Capitan. It is an awesome story, but I’m not sure how much movie skill was involved here.
(2.5 Stars) A morally disturbing film about how terrorism is passed down generations, but it doesn’t help explain how it started.
(3.5 Stars) Documentary of young skateboarders growing up in a decaying industrial town. Much admired by both audiences and critics.
(4 Stars) My favorite of this year’s documentaries, this is a decade-long study of rural black culture in Mississippi told in a very different movie style similar to Cubism.
(2 Stars) Interesting, and fairly standard documentary, but a bit overly sympathetic to the subject. Everyone has a few flaws.
Questa del Rio News: Questa, New Mexico.
Gringo Gazette: Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
Sierra County Sun: Truth or Consequences, New Mexico.