paul-allaer

As Episode 1 of "Cocaine Air: Smugglers at 30,000 Ft." (2025 release from France; 3 episodes ranging 42-45 min.) opens, we are reminded that all facts have been "meticulously checked" but that "some people may not have told the whole truth". We then go to "March 19, 2019, Dominican Republic" and upon landing, a private jet is raided by the Dominican police and te 4 French men on board are arrested for trafficking 26 suite cases for cocaine, good for 680 kilo's of cocaine. At this point we are 10 minutes into Episode 1.

Couple of comments: let me admit upfront that I had never heard of this incident until now. In and of itself, this could be quite an interesting investigative documentary, as the underlying facts bring more and more questions that answers. Alas, the filmmakers apparently were more interested in making it as sensational as possible, and on top of that, as long as possible. This results in 3 episodes totaling 130 minutes, when a tighter edit could've reduced this to 90 min. That brims from start to finish without losing any of the story's essence.

"Cocaine Air: Smugglers at 30,000 Ft." is currently streaming on Netflix where I caught it the other night. If you are interested in an international drug trafficking incident that raises more questions than answers, I'd readily suggest you check this put and draw your own conclusion.

As "Predators" (2025 release; 97 min.) opens, I was in for a shock: we hear the taped telephone conversation between a guy and a (supposed) little girl, and they agree to meet up. When the perv shows up, it turns out to be a trap set by the NBC reality TV show "To Catch a Predator" and as the guy tries to get away, he is arrested by the local cops. It turns out that the (supposed) little girl was a decoy woman. At this point we are less than 10 minutes into the movie.

Couple of comments: this is the latest documentary from director-producer-editor David Ost ("Mayor"). Here he examines the legacy of the 2004-2007 reality TV show "To Catch a Predator". Let me admit upfront that I had never seen or heard of this TV show before. The opening scenes of the documentary are truly shocking. Chris Hansen, host of that TV show, apparently became a "TV star". But as the documentary makes clear, who was in charge? The cops or the TV crew? And what about the perp's legal rights? I understand of course that the reaction will be "but what about the victim's rights?", and those also need to be recognized and enforced. As the documentary plays out, we get into more and more muddled waters where law enforcement ends and show entertainment begins. Just watch!

"Predators" premiered at the 2025 Sundance film festival (almost a year ago) to immediate and widespread critical acclaim. It started streaming on Paramount+ aa few weeks ago, where I caught it the other night. The documentary is currently rated 99% Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes. If you are in the mood for a documentary that is bound to be controversial and likely will make you feel uncomfortable at times, I'd readily suggest you check this out and draw your own conclusion.

As "Murder In Monaco" (2025 release; 90 min.) opens, it is "Monaco 1999" and Edmond Safra, a multi-billionaire banker, and his nurse, perish in a fire in Safra's penthouse. We then go back in time as we learn of Safra's background and how security in Monaco is a prime goal. How could have this happened? Who might've done this? At this point we are 1 minutes into the documentary.

Couple of comments: let me admit upfront that I was not familiar at all with this story, even though it clearly made the headlines (ABC's Peter Jennings, NBC's Tom Brokaw and CBS' Dan Rather all appear in clips). This tale has so many twists and turns that it will spin your head. Was it the Russian mafia? Or Safra's wife? Or a Safra staffer? Or the slow response of the Monaco firefighters? And what was the motive? All is examined in due course, but nothing will prepare you for how it all shakes out.

"Murder In Monaco" is now streaming on Netflix where I caught it just the other night. If you are in the mood for a true crime documentary, I'd readily suggest you check this out and draw your own conclusion.