I don't watch or review too many documentaries, but when I see one this good, I feel a need to tell everyone I know about it. If you grew up in the 1960s and 70s, you couldn't help but be a big Star Trek fan. And if you were a nerd like me, Mr. Spock was your hero. He was the epitome of cool. Alway logical and even keeled in the face of danger. This documentary was made by Leonard Nimoy's son and you can just feel the love he had for his dad. The film covers his entire life, but obviously focuses on his relationship with the character he's best known for. It covers the relationship the two had, which was rather rocky at times. And it discusses the battle he faced with alcohol and his beating his addiction. And you come away with the sense that not only was he a Renaissance man of sorts, he ultimately grew into and accepted his role as a loving family man.
When I read the description of this film, I was a bit skeptical. Another teen suffering from a debilitating disease. But I found "Babyteeth" very moving. Indeed, a young girl Milla (Eliza Scanlen) is being treated for cancer. She comes from a fairly dysfunctional family. Her dad, (the brilliant Ben Mendelsohn), is a low-key psychiatrist who manages to keep his wife pleasantly sedated with an assortment of prescription drugs. Along comes Moses (Toby Wallace), a small-time dope dealer and all round loser. He befriends Milla, and the two of them bond, even though they have almost nothing in common. Add a sensitive, Eastern European violin teacher and a whacky pregnant neighbor to the mix, and you have all the makings of an off-beat and heart-warming story. I though Eliza's performance was nothing short of Oscar material. And Ben Mendelsohn confirmed he's one of the most underrated and underutilized actors working today.
Anyone who was 5-years old or older remembers what they were doing when September 11th occurred. It was a powerful event that is deeply engrained in our collective memories. The period right after it was a time of uncertainty, dread but also a coming together as a nation. This time is the setting of the film “American Folk”. It’s a perfect title in that it not only refers to the musical genre, but the spirit of the American people and all its quirky manifestations.
The movie opens on a flight from California to New York just as the events of 9/11 unfold. Two folk musicians, Elliott and Joni are seated next to each other when it’s announced that the plane has to return to L.A. They both need to get to NYC, and Joni has a family friend who’s willing to lend them her beat up old microbus to take them on their trek. Joe Purdy and Amber Rubarth, who are singer/songwriters in real life, and have a natural chemistry on screen, play the two.
What enfolds is a remarkable road trip. While they’re driving, we hear radio reports of the events unfolding back east. In the days following 9/11, very little was known, and this adds to the eerie vibe of their journey. However, as they grow comfortable with each other’s company, they not only open up, they begin to make music together. It’s such a joy to see two talented musicians interact like this.
The movie slowly progresses and we’re treated to all the natural beauty this country has to offer. Our travelers also encounter numerous characters along the way. They include a young gay couple that hitch a ride with them on their way to meet their family, and ultimately, come out to them. We also meet Fargo, an old coot who lives out in the desert and helps them repair their vehicle.
It’s a gently paced film that I found quite haunting. It gives you a sense of the compassionate nature of Americans and displays the powerful effect of music. If you’re looking for something that’s both entertaining and inspiring, add this little gem to your queue.
Part rom-com. Part road trip movie. All heart. It's a sweet, smart little film I can't recommend highly enough. When Claire discovers her husband cheating on her, she's predictably distraught. She hails a cabbie and tells him to just drive. Well, the crafty NYC cabbie drives all night and the next morning they're out in the middle of Pennsylvania. At this point, she decides to drive across the country and visit her ailing father in California, cost be damned. A series of adventures and misadventures ensues. The couple get into all sorts of predicaments. Along the way, they discover their true selves. The couple work well together, perhaps because they're husband and wife in real life (Amber and Sam Jaeger). Add the backdrop of beautiful scenery and a sensitive folky soundtrack by Jordan Becket AKA Bootstraps, and you've got a winning film that deserves wider recognition.
