Plagues and Pleasures on the Salton Sea

This documentary follows the tragic yet beautiful life and death of the once populated Salton Sea told primarily through the people who know it best, its current residents. Interviewing the strange cast of eccentrics and exploring their lifestyles gives us a rich depiction of what life is like for the people who call this area home. Also explored is the state of the sea, its chances for repair and consequences if left neglected. This fascinating story combined with humorous, yet sad descriptions and nostalgic recollections paints a vivid picture of a community that constantly faces great transformation. With creative storytelling and lively interviews this documentary illustrates a genuinely strange and beautiful land that may fade away within the next decade.

Hot Dang that doc was good! Makes me want to pack up my golf cart, bargain with the Landman about a plot of sand, then celebrate my dusty turf acquisition over a beer and sun-dried Tilapia with Hunky Daddy. Maybe even share a smoke with....everybody. The filmmakers did a great job of historically documenting the man made lake, cumulating in a the man made mistake, which ultimately put the Salton Sea on the map as an unconventional tourist resort. The doc captures the rise and demise of this desert oasis turned environmental time bomb as told through some memorable local residents. Brilliant. Great use of graphics too. I liked the use of historical footage and photographs, and some camera effects used to 'age' some new footage.

As someone who grew up spending every summer and holiday at the Salton Sea with my grandmother who lived there for over 30 years, I couldn't believe how this wonderful film made me feel like I was right back there again. The film makers captured everything real and true about this beautiful place and while wanting to cry, it made me laugh at the same time. I can't thank Chris Metzler and Jeff Springer enough for making this film, the sea needs more people like them to bring it back to the way it was. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll cringe, you'll hide your eyes, you'll feel like you're there and you may fall in love with the place that time forgot.

I agree with the person who said this film should be a required viewing for all California politicians!

Plagues & Pleasures is a top-notch social documentary with a cast of characters (and I mean characters) that will certainly keep movie-goers amused and engaged. But there is a substantial historical component to the film that hipper fans of historical docs will be drawn to, too. The Salton Sea itself was created by man by mistake, and evolved -- indeed, continues to evolve -- unlike any other conventional place. In fact, I could not help but think that this movie was recording the progress of some twisted, super-sized laboratory experiment that used real people, instead of mice. Trust me, this all makes for fascinating history. I highly recommend this film.

I just viewed this documentary and loved it. The film is a perfect balance of humor and substance. At times, it screens more like a comedy flick than documentary. Regardless, you quickly become engrossed with the inhabitants of Salton Sea; a relatively obscure area located in southeastern California.

I suggest this film for anyone who loves evocative films that showcase humanity at both it's best and worst. A truly genuine study in socio-economics, politics, environmental affairs, hope and despair.

I know that this film has a market outside of the "art" theatre and film fest circuit. It is quirky at times but will certainly leave a lasting impression on you.