Recensioni di paul-allaer

As Episode 1 of "Hurricane Katrina: Race Against Time" (2025 release; 5 episodes of 45 min each) opens, it is "August 25, 2005", 4 days before Hurricane Katrina makes landfall. Everything seems alright, but behind the scenes, the weather forecasters and hurricane specialists are worrying more and more by the hour. In a flashback, we learn that exactly 1 year earlier, the New Orleans authorities had run a Hurricane Pam exercise, but its findings were either not implemented or simply ignored altogether.

Couple of comments: the narrative of this 5 part documentary series comes primarily from people that lived through it. Thousands of hours of video and camera footage were reviewed, and the big picture that emerges is that Katrina was a "hurricane of government failure". No doubt that the first responders did what they could, but it doesn't excuse the fundamentally flawed preparedness and response at all levels: at the city level, at the state level and, yes, at federal level. Which makes one wonder: what lessons were learned? Are the authorities be better prepared for the next Hurricane Katrina, now exactly 20 years later? (No need to respond, we all know the answer...) Kudos to the production team for presenting all of it in a clear way. Beware, some of the footage is truly revolting, but it simply shows what really happened.

"Hurricane Katrina: Race Against Time" started airing on the National Geographic Channel earlier this week, and all episodes are now streaming on Hulu, where I caught it last night. This documentary series is currently rated 100% Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes. If you want to understand the many failures of local, state and federal authorities in dealing with this catastrophe of epic proportions, I'd readily suggest you check this out, and draw your own conclusions.

As "I Love You Forever" (2024 release; 89 min.) opens, Mackenzie attend the birthday party of her friend Ally, and there she strikes up a conversation with a guy named Finn. Finn is super-charming, and Mackenzie is intrigued. At this point we are 10 min into the movie.

Couple of comments: this is written and directed by Cazzie David and Elisa Kalani (both from "Eighty-Sixed"). And for good measure Cazzie also pays the role of Ally. Without going into any of the plot's details, the movie starts slowly and then when the relationship starts to sour, the transformation is as quickly as it is disturbing. Ray Nicholson (son of Jack) is outstanding as Finn, playing a deeply dislikeable character (his dad will approve!). During some of these scenes, I thought to myself "this is in essence a "feel-bad" movie, but it's so well made!" To be honest, I think Ray Nicholson needs to diversify upcoming roles, as otherwise he risks getting stereotyped in a same or similar role. Please note that Diabolo Cody is credited as a Producer, and that makes perfect sense to me.

"I Love You Forever" premiered at the 2024 SXSW film fest, yes over a year ago. I don't recall whether it played in US theaters at all. Regardless, it's now streaming on Netflix, where I caught it the other night. The movie is currently rated 80% Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes, which feels a bit generous to me. It is a "feel-bad" movie after all. If you like another take on "modern relationships", I'd readily suggest you check it out and draw your own conclusion.

As "Apocalypse In the Tropics" (2024 release; 119 min) opens, the movie's director, Petra Costa, herself Brazilian, recounts in a voiceover how surprised she was upon returning there in 2016 to fins that Brazil's political landscape was rapidly transforming as a result of the record growth of evangelicals (from 5% to 30% in the last 40 years). Costa decides to look into this phenom and was granted wide access. At this point we are 10 minutes into the movie.

Couple of comments: Oscar-nominated documentarian Petra Costa ("The Edge of Democracy") brings another highly-charged political documentary. This time reflecting on how evangelicals have overtaken the hard right, resulting in the astonishing election of Bolsonaro in 2018, and all the things that came after that. If is a fascinating watch. I was vaguely familiar with much of this, but to see it laid out as precise and clear as Costa does here, it all pits it into a new perspective. Also this: Bolsonaro copies pretty much every move by Trump, with a two year delay. Absolutely amazing. Please note that Brad Pitt is one of the movie's Executive Producers.

"Apocalypse in the Tropics" premiered at the Venice Film Festival in August, 2024, to immediate and universal critical acclaim. It is now streaming on Netflix, where I caught it just the other night. The documentary is currently rated 92% Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes, and for good reason. If you are interested in geopolitics, or in the ever-growing influence of evangelicals, in this case in Brazil, over the political scene, I'd readily suggest you check this out and draw your own conclusion.

As "Wall to Wall" (2025 release from South Korea; 118 min.; original title "84 m2") opens, we are in "Seoul 2021" and as we watch Seoul's endless sea of skyscrapers, Noh Woo-sung purchases a small condo measuring 84 square meters (900 sqaure feet). We the go to "Seoul, August 2024" and Woo-sung struggles to keep up with his mortgage, maintenance fees and other expenses. On top of that, he notices strange noises coming from his neighbor below. Or is it his neighbor upstairs? At this point we are 10 minutes into the movie.

Couple of comments: houses, condos and apartments in Asia are typically a lot smaller than what we are used to in the West, and certainly in the US, where there is never-ending space everywhere except a few major cities like New York and Chicago. This South Korean movie starts out as your typical drama: how to deal with noise pollution presumably coming from your neighbors. But the movie morphs into something quite different in its second hour. This movie is super plot-heavy so the less about that, the better and I won't spoil any of it. I quite enjoyed the second half of the movie, more so than the first half. The non-names cast (for me anyway) does quite well. And of course Seoul, itself a character in the movie, is an amazing place.

"Wall to Wall" started streaming in Netflix about a week ago. I happen to read a positive review of it in the British weekly The Economist, and that was good enough for me to check it out. The movie is currently rated 62% Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes, and that sounds about right to me. If you are in the mood for a foreign drama/thriller about life in a small condo set in a skyscraper, I'd readily suggest you check this out, and draw your own conclusion.

As "The Devil's Climb" (2024 release; 75 min.) opens, we get a quote from John Krakauer in 1977: "I couldn't imagine anyone ever climbing it" (talking about Alaska's The Devil's Thumb. We then go to "Estes Park, Colorado", to the house of famed climber Tommy Caldwell, who is gearing up for a comeback after tearing his Achilles 18 months before. For good measure, his friend Alex Honnold ("Free Solo") will foin him. But first they need to get to Alaska, and what better way to get there than.. by bike. At this point we are 10 minutes into the documentary.

Couple of comments: this is directed by Renan Uzturk, himself a climber, and the movie is a National Geographic production. The idea for this documentary is great,,, on paper. But when you watch it, unfortunately it feels like a missed opportunity. First, too much time is spent on the 50 day bike ride and sailing trip to get to the Devil's Thumb. Conversely, while there is some stunning footage as the 2 take on the Devil's Thumb, the end product feels rushed. And with a running time of only 75 minutes, why not take an extra 10-15 minutes of footage from that amazing climb? I was really surprised by this decision. Bottom line: it's not that this is a "bad" documentary. It simply feels like it could have been so much better.

"The Devil's Climb" started airing on National Geographic in 2024. It is currently streaming on Hulu, where I caught it the other night. If you are a fan of "Free Solo" and other such documentaries, I'd readily suggest you check this out, and draw your own conclusion.

As Episode 1 pf "Billy Joel: And So It Goes" (2025 release; 2 episodes of 147 min each) opens, Billy Joel starts narrating: "I've screwed up a lot and that's not a bad thing". We learn of his upbringing in Oyster Bay on Long Island, and how he was drawn to playing the piano. He joined several bands as a teenager, including the Hassles, where he becomes close friends with Jon Small... At this point we are 10 minutes into Episode 1.

Couple of comments: this is co-directed by Susan Lacy ("The Janes") and Jessica Levin. They get the full cooperation of Billy Joel, who also produced this, and I'm sure had final approval on everything. The most interesting part of Episode 1 are the earliest years, before he became THE Billy Joel. It blows the mind that his first solo album "Cold Spring Harbor" was released in 1971, when he was only 21 years young, and that he wrote his signature song "Piano Man" when he was 22. All of it makes for pleasant viewing. Plenty of talking heads of course, including Bruce Springsteen, Jackson Brown, Paul McCartney, and many more. Billy Joel is quite open with some of his past struggles. What you will not see in this documentary is an independent assessment that is too critical of Billy Joel. All that aside, I've seen Billy in concert a number of times over the years. I had tickets for what was supposed to be his upcoming show in September at the Bengals stadium here in Cincinnati, but the entire tour was canceled due to health concerns. Get well soon, Billy!

Episode 1 premiered on HBO and HBO Max this past weekend. Episode 2 will air and stream next weekend. Whether you are a die-hard or a casual or even not a fan of Billy Joel, I'd readily suggest you check this out, and draw your own conclusion

*UPDATE* I've now seen the second episode and as expected it is OK but not nearly as compelling as the 1st episode.

As Season 20 of "Deadliest Catch" (2024 release; 19 episodes of 42 min each, except Episode 1, which runs 92 min.) opens, it is "26 hrs. Before Crab Season Opens", and it is "October, Dutch Harbor, Alaska". The various boats are getting ready to ship out. Except that Captain Jake Anderson arrives, only to find that the bank has put a lien on his boat, effectively shutting him out. A mad scramble begins.... At this point we are less than 10 minutes into Episode 1.

Couple of comments: "Deadliest Catch" started airing in 2005, and I was a regular viewer in the early year. Then at some point I kinda lost track of it (a good 10-12 years ago). On a complete whim, I looked up if it was still airing these days, and yes it is. Even better, all 20 seasons to date are available for streaming (commercial-free) on HBO Max. I decided to watch the most recent season, while originally aired in mid-2024, and which overs the Fall, 2023 king crab season. Not only is it the first return of king crab in 3 years, but for the first time since the show started airing in 2005, it is king crab season "derby" style. Now all these years later, there are amazingly still a number of familiar faces from the early years. As I started watching Season 20, it did not take very long to realize that (i) Deadliest Catch feels completely familiar, even when catching up after all these years of not having seen it, and (ii) Deadliest Catch is in essence a soap opera set on ships in the Bering Sea and it remains insanely catchy and binge-worthy. This show remains popular for the very same reason watching a show about sharks or dinosaurs remains popular with the public at large. I just found out that Season 21 will start airing on Discovery starting on August 1. I think I will wait until I can binge it, and without all those TV commercials.

As I mentioned, all prior seasons of "Deadliest Catch" can be streamed, commercial-free, on HBO Max. If you. Like me, were a fan at some point and then lost track of it, or if you have never seen it before, I'd readily suggest you check out Season 20, and draw your own conclusion.

As "Ocean with David Attenborough" (2025 release; 95 min.) opens, David Attenborough gives some introductory remarks on how the ocean is revered and feared, and how today is the greatest era of ocean -exploring. We then switch to the actual footage, which is absolutely top-notch from the get-go. At this point we are less than 10 minutes in the documentary.

Couple of comments: this is the latest nature documentary involving Sir David Attenborough. Now almost 100 years old. The man embodies top-notch nature documentaries, and this latest one doesn't disappoint. On the contrary. The footage is often jaw-dropping. But also this: the problems faces by the ocean (including rampant overfishing and rampant pollution, primarily plastics) get covered extensively. It left me bewildered and angry with humankind in general. Think of all the damage done by humans in just the last 2-300 years, which is less than an eyeblink in earth's 4.5 billon years. Absolutely outrageous and completely preventable.

"Ocean with David Attenborough" started streaming recently on Disney+ and on Hulu, where I caught it the other night. This documentary is currently rated 100% Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes. If you are in the mood for a top-notch nature documentary, I'd readily suggest you check this out, and draw your own conclusion.

As "Jaws @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story" (2025 release; 88 min.) opens, the movie is opening in US theaters and immediately the lines to get in are never-ending. Spielberg comments: "I thought it would be the end of my career!". It's not long before other talking heads are gushing about Jaws, including James Cameron, Quinten Tarantino, Jordan Peele, Cameron Crowe, J. J. Abrams, and others. At this point we are 10 minutes into the documentary.

Couple of comments: this is directed by Lauren Bouzereau ("Faye"). He gets the full cooperation of Spielberg and others involved in the making of Jaws. Most notably, a number of the Martha's Vineyard locals that were in the movie reflect on it (including several of the then-kid actors). Most insightful for me is the part that deal with the building of the 3 sharks used in the film, and how all of that operated (or better: "didn't operate 80% of the time", per Spielberg). All of it is super enjoyable and the documentary flies by in no time. As an aide, I grew up in Belgium and I had just turned 15 when I saw Jaws with my parents at a (sold out) movie theater in Brussels. I still remember it like it was yesterday. A collective movie viewing experience unlike any other in my entire life. Unforgettable.

"Jaws @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story" started streaming a few days ago. I caught it on Hulu just last night. This documentary is currently rated 100% Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes. Whether you lived through the summer of 1975 and saw it then, or you saw it at some point later, I'd readily suggest you check out this documentary, and draw your own conclusion.

As "Opus" (2025 release; 104 min)m opens, Ariel is a junior writer at J, a New York music magazine. The news breaks that Moretti, THE biggest pop star from the 90's, will release a comeback album after a 27 year hiatus. Moretti has invited a small group of lucky ones, including Ariel and her boss, to spend the weekend at Moretti's resort for a listening part of the new album, and more... At this point we are 10 minutes into the movie.

Couple of comments: this is the debut feature of writer-director Mark Anthony Green. Interestingly, Chic's Nile Rodgers is credited as one of the composers of the original music as well as an Executive Producer. Alas, this movie turns out to be a mixed bag. For one, the movie doesn't know what kind of movie it wants to be, touching on many different genres, but in the end failing to succeed in most. For another, I was never convinced seeing John Malkovich as the legendary musician of the 90's. On the other hand, Ayo Edebiri ("The Bear") was very much believable as the young writer Ariel. I wondered about abandoning this movie, but I didn't and as it turns out the "Two Years Later" epilogue turned out to be one of the best parts of the movie.

"Opus" premiered at this year's Sundance Film Festival, and had a very short run in US theaters a few months ago. It is now streaming on HBO Max, where I caught it last night. "Opus" is currently rated 41% Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes. If you are in the mood for something out of left field, I'd suggest you check this out, with lowered expectations, and draw your own conclusion.

As Episode 1 of "The Gringo Hunters" (2025 release from Mexico; 12 episodes ranging from 44 to 53 min each) opens, we are informed this is "Inspired by True Events". We get to know a group of Mexican cops in Tijuana who are chasing down an American guy who fled from the US to avoid arrest. After a long chase, the American is promptly turned over to US Marshalls at the border. In a parallel story, the (billionaire) Mayor if Tijuana in interviewed at a town hall about the upcoming referendum to make Tijuana into another Las Vegas. At this point we are 15 minutes into Episode 1.

Couple of comments: this "inspired by true events" refers to the International Liaison Unit of the Baja California State Police, which for decades have been working, in close coordination with the FBI and other forces to track down people (mostly Americans) who have fled to Mexico to avoid punishment for crimes they have committed. But note: the series is not just about that. In fact, multiple other parallel story lines are developed over the course of the series, making this a surprisingly strong and gritty Mexican crime series that, for once, doesn't mainly focus on the Mexican drug cartels. I've now seen the first 6 episodes (halfway through the series), and I'm looking forward to watching the remainder 6 episodes.

"The Gringo Hunters" recently started airing on Netflix. I was unaware of the series, but happened to see a positive writeup about it in the UK-based weekly The Economist. That was enough for me to check it out. So glad I did. If you are in the mood for s surprisingly strong and gritty Mexican crime drama , I'd readily suggest you check this out, and draw your own conclusion.

As "Dear Md.: A Revolution In Print" (2025 release; 111 min.) opens, Gloria Steinem, one of the founders of Ms., recalls freelancing in the early 70's, covering the women's liberation movement. Several other women joined Steinem, convinced there was an audience for a feminist magazine. Alas, they could not find investors. It led the women-founders of Ms. To publish 1 trial issue, with no assurance that they would continue beyond that trial issue. At this point we are 10 minutes into the documentary.

Couple of comments: this documentary in essence is a two-for-one: the history of how Ms. Magazine came about and then flourished, and an assessment of the feminist issues that it magazine covered. The documentary consists of three parts, each of which is directed by a different director (female directors, of course). While the early years focused on equality for women, the magazine eventually took on topics that were taboo for other magazines: domestic violence, sexual harassment, pornography, etc. It all makes for compelling viewing, with extensive interviews of the women who founded or worked at the magazine. If you are wondering, Ms. Magazine continues to publish to this very day.

"Dear Ms.: A Revolution in Print" recently started airing in HBO and is also streaming on HBO Max, where I caught it last night. The documentary is currently rated 100% Certified Fresh o Rotten Tomatoes, which is frankly overly generous. That aside, if you are interested in female equality and other such issues or in the publication history of a magazine covering those issues, I'd readily suggest you check this out, and draw your own conclusion.

As Season 2 of "Quarterback" (2025 release; 7 episodes ranging from 43 to 57 min.) opens, we get a quick introduction on the 3 quarterbacks featured in the new season: Joe Burrow (Cincinnati Bengals), Jared Goff (Detroit Lions), and Kirk Cousins (Atlanta Falcons), covering these teams in the 2024-25 NFL season. The film makers get seemingly unfettered access to these guys on and off the field, and their correlating teams.

Couple of comments; this docu-series is executive-produced by Payton Manning and Patrick Mahones, and produced by, among others, NFL Films. In fact as I was watching this, it almost immediately reminded me of the erstwhile high-quality output by NFL Films, so it is only appropriate that it is behind this docu-series. Let me admit upfront that I am a Bengals fan, and that the new Season 2 has gotten massive amount of attention here in Cincinnati. We see Burrow in a way never seen before: playing the piano! Absorbed by history! Buying the Batmobile! And oh, he also plays football. As a Bengals fan, the 2024 season was a seemingly never-ending stream of frustration and disappointment, and watching this unfold again as portrayed in this Season 2 is beautifully painful, but still painful. Just as interesting is what we watch and learn about Kirk Cousins as he moves on to the Falcons after a very successful 6 year stint in Minnesota. Goff and the 15-2 Lions are not nearly as compelling (unless you are a Lions fan, of course).

All 7 episodes of Season 2 of "Quarterback" started streaming on Netflix a few days ago, and I binge-watched them all over two evenings this week. "Quarterback" is currently rated 89% Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes, and that feels about right (slightly too generous perhaps). If you love the NFL, I'd recommend you drop everything, watch this sooner rather than later, and draw your own conclusion.

As "A Widow's Game" (2025 release from Spain; original title "La viuda negra" or "The black widow"; 122 min.) opens, we are reminded that this is "based on true events". It is August 6, 2017" and in a small city south of Valencia, a man's body is discovered, brutally stabbed to death. Eva, a police officer, is assigned to lead the investigation. It's not long before the surviving widow, Maje, is a suspect, even though she has an alibi. At this point we are a good 10 minutes into the movie.

Couple of comments: let me state upfront that I had never heard of these facts before. It doesn't take long to get a sense of how this might play out. The movie is brought in 3 chapters, from the perspectives of Eva, Maje and Salve, the latter a possible love interest. Some bits of the chapters overlap on purpose, just to give the different perspectives on the same facts. I quite enjoyed it for what it was, nothing more nothing less. There isn't anything truly shocking or revealing. It a matter of watching these performances play out. The movie benefits a lot from the lead performance by Spanish actress Ivana Baquero (as Maje), always easy on the eye, and perfectly conveying the seduction games played by Maje. Last but not least, I have no idea why the English title of the movie was changed from "The Black Widow" to the bland "A Widow's Game".

"A Widow's Game" started streaming on Netflix some weeks ago, and I just caught it the other night. This movie is currently rated only 42% Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes, which feels low to me. If you are in the mood for a foreign murder mystery drama, I'd readily suggest you check this out, and draw your own conclusion.

As "Jurassic Park Rebirth" (2025 release; min), it is "Seventeen Years Ago", and on the Ile Saint-Hubert, near French Guiana, and in a secret lab, there is a containment failure. We then go to the "Present Day", where public interest in dinosaurs ha dwindled. Nevertheless, some wise guy decides that he needs to get three DNA samples of various dinosaurs/ He recruits a team, and off we are to equator islands...

Couple of comments: this is directed by Gareth Edwards ("Gozilla"),with Steven Spielberg again serving as executive director. None of the previous cast returns and it's now Scarlett Johansson's turn to lead the franchise. The first half is a little slow, but things get coking in the better second half. In essence, this is in spirit a return to the first first two films (although strictly speaking it's a sequel to "World Dominion"). Some of the action scenes are truly spectacular, but the rest is ho-hum. I found the orchestral score quite good, and while of course the original Jurassic Park themes by John Williams are featured, the new original score is courtesy of Oscar-winning composer Alexander Desplat. It is one of those smaller details that shows no money was spared for this movie. Indeed, this movie reportedly carries a production budget of $180 million.

"Jurassic Pard Rebirth" opened this weekend in theaters. The Independence Day early evening screening where I saw this at here in Cincinnati (in a Cinemark XD theater) was attended very nicely. Not quite sold out, though. The movie is currently 51% Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes. If you are a fan of the Jurassic Park franchise, or simply a fan of Scarlet Johansson, I'd readily suggest you check this out, and draw your own conclusion.

As "F1" (2025 release; 155 min.) opens, we are at the Daytona racetrack and the Bard Pitt character, a guy named Sonny, pulls out an unlikely win in an endurance race. Not long afterwards, Ruben, once a racing buddy of Sonny and now the team owner of an F1 racing team, offers Sonny an open seat on that team... At this point we are 10 minutes into the movie.

Couple of comments: this sis the long-rumored Hollywood film on F1 racing. We follow a fictional F1 racing team, mingled with real life F1 drivers and staff and owners. To be clear: the movie was made with the full cooperation of the FIA (the F1 governing body), and it shows. No detail is too small. In particular the racing scenes are insanely well done and form the heart of the movie. The story line is quite predictable and frankly almost irrelevant. Far more important is that Brad Pitt puts in one of his best performances EVER. He truly takes the film on his shoulders, and he simply is super likable and one cannot help but root for that character. The film is directed by Joseph Kosinski, who also directed "Top Gun: Maverick". Kosinski is the perfect match to bring us "F1". The movie may be a tad too long for its won good, but I must admi I enjoyed it far more than I had expected. Lastly, please note that this film is not called "F1: The Movie", as noted here on IMDb and many other sites. Per the film's opening credits, it's called "F1", nothing more, nothing less.

"F1" opened in theaters this past weekend and did quite good at the box office, with a global haul of $155 million. The movie will need to have long legs as the production budget of "f1" is rumored to be $300 million. It is currently rated 83% Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes, and that sounds about right to me. Whether you are an F1 racing fan or not, I'd readily suggest you check this out, and draw your own conclusion.

As "Wolf Man" (2025 release; 102 min.) opens, we are introduced to young Blake and his stern dad, living in remote Central Oregon. While out hunting, they encounter.... we're not sure what exactly. We go the "Thirty Years Later", and Blake is now living in Dan Francisco along his wife and young daughter Ginger....

Couple of comments: this is the return of the same team (director Leigh Whannell and producer Jason Bloom) that brought us "The Invisible Man" several years ago. Here they bring the latest reboot of the classic "Wolf Man". I will admit that I don't not have high expectations for this for some reason. Whatever the case may be, I ended being pleasantly surprised by it all. The first hour is the most restrained (and best) part of the movie. Once the second half sets in, it becomes less appealing but it's still ok. This movie is not "scary" as much as it is "creepy". All the leads (Christopher Abbott in the title role; Julia Garner as his wife; and Mathilda Firth as their young daughter) are quite good. Also kudos for the fine original score by Benjamin Wallfisch.

"Wolf Man" was released in US theaters in January of this year, and did not do well at the box office. Did not see it then, but the movie is now streaming on Peacock, and I decided to give it a try. Glad I did. If you are a fan of supposedly scary but really more like creepy movie, I'd readily suggest you check this out, and draw your own conclusion.

As "My Mom Jayne" (2025 release; 105 min.) opens, we are at "10100 Sunset Boulevard", where Jayne Mansfield lived in the 50's and 60's. The site is nowadays leveled to the ground as we see director Mariska Hargitay (of "Law & Order: SVU" fame) walking around. Turns out that Mansfield is Mariska's mom, and that Mariska was only 3 years old when Mansfield perished in a terrible car crash in 1967 Mansfield was only 34.

Couple of comments: from the opening scenes, Mariska pours out her heart and laments how few memories she has of her mom. Mariska decides to look back in the past, including uncovering countless pictures, camera footage and other memorabilia that have been in a storage area for DECADES. Most importantly, Mariska interviews her 3 older siblings extensively, leading to some very moving and powerful exchanges. Amazingly, Mariska also talks to the press secretary of Mansfield, who was 99 yo when he was interviewed. "Reclaiming What Was Lost", is how Mariska describes the process. She does it in a way that is exquisite, and moving. One could easily call this a love letter in images. I will go on record right now that this will receive an Oscar nomination for Best Documentary (and may well win it)

"My Mom Jayne" premiered at this year's Cannes Film Festival to immediate and universal critical acclaim. The documentary is currently rated 100% Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes. If you have any interest in either Jayne Mansfield or Mariska Hargitay, or simply are in the mood for a top-notch documentary about a daughter's quest to rediscover here mom, I'd readily suggest you check this out and draw your own conclusion.

As "The Seat" (2025 release; 41 min) opens, the unthinkable is happening in the Formula 1 universe: Lewis Hamilton, the face of Mercedes and 7 time World Champion, is leaving Mercedes (and joined Ferrari), unleashing an unprecedented scramble to see which driver would get his seat. Enters 17 yo Italian Kimi Antonelli, an up-and-coming racer with exactly ZERO F1 experience...

Couple of comments: this documentary, a co-production with WhatsApp (!), gives some quick impressions about what goes on behind the scenes of a top F1 team, but alas, it is done in such quick brushes that you can never really get into the minute details. I believe it took about 5 minutes in the documentary from the moment that Antonelli's name is mentioned to Antonelli being informed that indeed he will be getting the Mercedes seat. This decision pretty much stunned the F1 world, and of course it remains to be seen whether it was a stroke of genius or simply a wild and expensive gamble gone wrong. Netflix has had great success with the Formula 1: Drive to Survive documentary series (now in its 7th season). In contrast, "The Seat" feels rushed and is simply unfulfilling.

"The Seat" is currently streaming on Netflix. Whether you are a fan of F1 racing or simply a fan of the "F1 Drive to Survive" series, I encourage you to check out "The Seat", albeit with lowered expectations, and draw your own conclusion.

As "Endurance" (2024 release; 103 min.) opens, it is "1914 and we see grainy footage of Ernest Shackleton and his crew of 27 on the "Endurance" ship heading towards Antarctic. We then go to "2022" at the Weddell Island in the Antarctic, where a new expedition is hoping to find what remains of the Endurance shop wreckage at the bottom of the Antarctic. At this point we are 10 minutes into the movie.

Couple of comments: this is the latest documentary of Oscar-winning Jimmy Chin and Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi ("Free Sole"). While this covers the nowadays expedition to locate the Endurance, the documentary is in fact also, if not more so, about Shackleton's 1914-1916 Antarctic expedition. It is an absolute amazing story in itself. Shackleton, light years ahead of others, realized that if it isn't filmed and photographed, it might just as well not have happened, and hence this documentary features lots of footage and photos of the 1914-1916 expedition (some of the footage has been colored, I might add). Bottom line for me is that I really enjoyed this, and that I will watch any documentary directed by the real life husband and wife team.

"Endurance" premiered last Fall, and is not streaming on Hulu, where I caught it the other day. "Endurance" is currently rated 70% Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes, which feels right on point to me. If you are in the mood for a great documentary about exploring the Antarctic in the early 20th century and nowadays, I'd readily suggest you check this out and draw your own conclusion.

As "Cleaner" (2025 release from the UK; 98 min) opens, we are introduced to Joanna (a/k/a "Joey"), who cleans windows of a London skyscraper that carries the name of Agnian Energy. Agnian is getting ready for its shareholder gala that very evening. What could possibly go wrong? At this point we are 10 minutes into the movie.

Couple of comments: this is the latest from director Martin Campbell ("Goldeneye" "Casino Royal"). Here he brings another action thriller, with the thinnest of storylines. British actress Daisey Ridley ("Star Wars: The Force Awakens" and its sequels) plays the cleaner, a one-woman wrecking machine as it turns out. None of it makes a lot of sense, and equals to mindless entertainment. Frankly it reminds of the "Die Hard" franchise. It fit the bill perfectly for what I was looking for after a long day at work. And the second the movie ends (after its barely 90 min. Running time), you will forget about this.

"Cleaner" apparently had a US theatrical run in early 2025, which I completely missed. It is now streaming on Max, where I caught it the other night. The movie is currently rated 52% Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes, which sounds about right to me. If you are in the mood for a big budget action thriller set in a London skyscraper, I'd readily suggest you check it out and draw your own conclusion.

As "Trainwreck: The AstroWorld Tragedy" (2025 release; 80 min.) opens, it is "November 5, 2021" and Travis Scott headlines Live Nation's AstroWorld festival that he started in 2018. It's the first big event in Houston after COVID, and people are ready to party, and party hard. The venue is massive so what in the world could go wrong? Turns out, plenty... At this point we are 10 minutes into the documentary.

Couple of comments: I remember these events vaguely but had not seen any footage or further analysis of it, until now. This documentary lays it all out in a clear and concise manner, including plenty of interviews with people that were there: festival goers, but also a Live Nation photographer, a professional event planner, and even 2security guards who, believe it or not, were hired the day before the festival started and seemingly without any prior experience in security services. It soon becomes very clear that things are going terribly wrong, with tragic results. Surely someone is going to be held accountable, right? How about Travis Scott, who has a prior record of inciting crowds (we see footage of a prior Lollapalooza show where he incites the crowd to rush the stage, and then, SHOKCER (not), the crowd does exactly that). We see details of the horrendous layout of the site, essentially turning the space into several inescapable death traps. We see texts from Live Nation officials as the concert is starting that they fear the worst, including death. Watching this documentary is not easy and certainly is not a lot of fun. In fact, I felt incensed and angry, as this tragedy did not have to happen, but instead, as one talking head puts it, they "ignored blaring warning signs". For shame.

"Trainwreck: The AstroWorld Tragedy" started airing on Netflix last week. If you wonder how a large music festival botches so much in so little time, I'd readily suggest you check this out, and draw your own conclusion.

As Episode 1 of "Dept. Q" (2025 release from Scotland; 9 episodes ranging from 42 to 65 min) opens, 3 investigators get shot while doing a house search, killing 1 and paralyzing 1. The 3rd is Detective Chief Inspector Morck. Four months later he returns to work while also going to a shrink for the aftermath of the events. Meanwhile there has been no movement on finding the shooter... At this point we are 10 minutes into Episode 1.

Couple of comments: this series is the brainchild of Oscar-winning writer-director-producer Scott Frank. The opening 15 minutes of Episode 1 alone are worth the prize of admission, and we then even know how it's all going to play out. The thing is that the events we watch in that opening 15 minutes is just one of several other story lines that and intertwined and/or layered, and they are all worth seeking out. I was completely sold on this after watching Episode1, and the series doesn't let down from there at all. I've now seen 4 episodes, and can't wait to check out the remainder. This , beyond a doubt, one of the best series that I have seen in 2025 so far. Matthew Good (in the role of Morck) is absolutely riveting but even better is Chloe Prirrie as the prosecutor, just outstanding. And last but not least, the series is set in Edinburgh, one of my favorite cities. What a delight this has been.

"Dept. Q" started streaming on Netflix a few weeks ago, and I've read several great write-ups about it. It is currently rated 86% Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes, and that sounds about right to me. If you are in the mood for a multi-layered cop drama from Scotland, I'd readily suggest you check this out, and draw your own conclusion.

*UPDATE* 6/18/25 I've now seen all 9 episodes, and I can only emphasize all the things I've wrote before. Absolutely top-notch, period. Watch it!

As "TITAN" (2025 release; 111 min,) opens, several passengers are dropped off at the Titan on June 18, 2023, ready for a trip down to the sunken Titanic. Alas, something goes terribly wrong and the vessel goes missing, prompting a massive rescue search. At this point we are less than 10 minutes into the documentary.

Couple of comments: this is not the first, and almost certainly not the last, documentary about the fate of Titan, a submersible which causes 5 people to perish. After the brief introduction of the event that we all remember in one way or another, the film makers go back in time and introduce us to Stockton Rush, the founder and CEO of OceanGate, the company that produced the Titan and other submersibles. I (as a layman and non-expert on the matter) was gripped by the technical background and nature of it all. The role of Rush in this sad saga becomes clearer as the documentary goes on (along with a US Coastguard investigation). Please note that this documentary is NOT title "Titan: The OceanGate Disaster" (s listed here on IMDb or "Titan: The OceanGate Submersible Disaster" (as I've note is some other listings. Per the movie's credit, it is called "TITAN" (in all caps), nothing less, nothing more.

"TITAN" premiered a few weeks ago at the Tribeca Film Festival, and started streaming on Netflix a few days ago. It is currently rated 69% Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes, which sounds right to me. If you have any interest in the background of the Titan disaster, I'd readily suggest you check this out, and draw your own conclusion.